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Everything You Need to Know About TMS Therapy

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Excited to try transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy after reading some positive TMS therapy reviews? Many people suffering from depression feel hopeless about the options available. This is of course part of the disorder. But every so often, a breakthrough therapy presents itself that offers a glimmer of hope. TMS magnetic therapy is one such treatment. To help you decide whether it's right for you or a loved one, here's everything you need to know.

How Does it Work?

TMS treats depression by directly stimulating associated areas of the brain with electromagnetic energy. This energy is applied via a coil of wires on the outside of the patient's head. That might sound a little off-putting, calling to mind Frankensteinian experiments of old, but the science behind it is sound. The idea is to stimulate underactive regions to interrupt and alleviate depressive moods.

TMS is also non-invasive. The wires are not applied directly to the brain; the magnetic pulses pass through the skull from the outside.

During treatment, you will remain fully awake and able to ask questions. The whole session typically lasts around 40 minutes, and you may want to listen to some relaxing music throughout. Be aware that it may take as many as 30 treatments over 6 weeks to notice a change.

Are There Any Risks or Side-effects?

As a targeted therapy, TMS minimizes the risk of side-effects, or unwanted changes in brain functioning. You might experience some discomfort or soreness during the early sessions, but nothing that over-the-counter medications cannot handle. Gradually, your scalp will become less sensitive to the tapping of the magnetic pulses involved.

Compared to many other treatments for depression, TMS is generally well tolerated. In fact, fewer than 5% of TMS patients in the US have dropped out due to adverse effects. There is, however, a slight risk of seizure (see below).

Should You Stop Taking Medication?

This is a question for your physician and TMS therapy provider. You won't necessarily have to stop taking depression medications. It will depend on your individual circumstances, as well as the type of medication in question.

There is a case to be made for stopping medication before undergoing TMS therapy, as opposed to after. According to Robert D. McMullen of TMS Brain Care, stopping the use of antidepressants after TMS therapy runs the risk of returning the patient to a depressive state. This is because the therapy is completed based on brain chemistry and structure as it is. Changing that chemistry and structure after treatment could undermine the result. That said, most patients who take medication for depression continue to do so alongside TMS therapy.

How Much Does it Cost?

TMS therapy costs around $300-400 per 20-40 minute session, and most patients require 20-30 of these. So, in total, it might cost anywhere between $6,000 and $12,000—depending on your personal needs, the type of treatment and the particular clinic you've been referred to (or chosen). Most major insurance providers will cover at least part of the cost of TMS therapy. Some will cover it all. TMS therapy providers are currently advocating for greater insurance coverage and increased accessibility for patients throughout the US.

Is TMS Right for You?

In the US currently, TMS is only approved for major depressive disorder. However, in Europe, it may also be used to treat a range of other conditions, including:

Bipolar depression
Anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Stroke after-effects
Schizophrenia
Alzheimer's
Parkinson's
Chronic pain
Addiction

Because of the slight risk of seizures, TMS is unsuitable for patients with epilepsy or a history of head injury. The best way to determine whether TMS therapy is right for you is to speak with your personal physician, as well as a specialist clinic.