Frequently Asked Questions about TMS

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, often referred to as TMS is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is typically used when antidepressant medications haven’t been effective, have ceased working, or as an alternative to medication.

A cushioned coil is placed against your head, while focused magnetic pulses are delivered to specific parts of the brain that stimulate, or ‘wake up’ underactive regions. After a treatment session concludes, you can resume normal activity immediately.

A typical initial course of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment is about 19-37 minutes daily over 4-6 weeks. Some people will experience longer treatment courses, while others are shorter.

Some patients notice symptom improvement within the first 2–3 weeks of TMS treatments, though timelines vary. At the conclusion of treatment, over 80% of individuals with depression reported improvement in their symptoms.

A vast majority of commercial and Medicare plans have recognized the effectiveness of treating depression with TMS Therapy and now cover it as part of their plans. Fill out this 10-question assessment to see if you qualify.

TMS does not circulate in the blood throughout the body, so it does not have side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, dry mouth, sedation, etc. The most common side effects reported during clinical trials were headache and scalp discomfort —generally mild to moderate—occurring less frequently after the first week of treatment.

No. TMS Therapy involves a unique method of using pulsed magnetic fields for a therapeutic benefit. The intensity of the magnetic field is similar to that of an MRI. These techniques differ radically from the popular use of low intensity, static magnetic fields. Those products deliver weak and undirected static fields that are not capable of activating brain cells. The activation and stimulation of brain cells is a key part of why it is so effective.

No. Receiving TMS therapy does not hurt. The most common side effects reported during treatments included mild scalp discomfort or a mild headache, typically resolving quickly following the conclusion of the session.