Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain and change brain activity. It can help to manage certain mental health conditions, including depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as certain neurological disorders. TMS is a safe, painless procedure that doesn’t require surgery and usually has mild or no side effects.

How does TMS work?

TMS uses a small coil, which is placed on your head. The coil sends magnetic pulses, which pass through your skull and into your brain. The magnetic pulses trigger the nerve cells in your brain and create small electrical signals. This can help regulate the activity of brain cells that are involved in mood regulation and other functions. For example, it can cause underactive areas to wake up or can calm overactive areas.

Are there different types of TMS therapy?

TMS therapy can be delivered in different ways, depending on your symptoms and how you respond:

• Repetitive TMS (rTMS): Uses repetitive magnetic pulses to the same area of the brain. The pulses may be fast or slow, depending on the individual treatment plan.
• Theta-burst stimulation (TBS): Uses quick bursts of magnetic pulses.

Which conditions can TMS manage?

TMS can help manage certain mental health and neurological conditions when other treatments haven’t worked. These include:

• Major depressive disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Migraine with aura

TMS is also being researched as a therapy for other conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, essential tremor, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, smoking cessation, and many more.

TMS isn’t safe for people who have metal or electronic implants, non-removable metal near the coil area, or a history of epilepsy or seizures.

What are the benefits of TMS?

TMS can help manage certain mental health conditions, such as depression symptoms and OCD symptoms. Possible benefits include:

• Non-invasive: TMS is a non-surgical procedure, which doesn’t require anesthesia.
• Minimal side effects: Common side effects include headache and discomfort on the scalp. These are usually mild and temporary.
• Well tolerated: Most people who receive TMS can resume normal activities immediately after the therapy session.

The outcome of TMS therapy will vary depending on individual diagnosis and medical history.

What happens during TMS therapy?

Before TMS treatment, your doctor will perform a comprehensive evaluation, which can take up to one hour, to ensure the treatment is right for you. They will explain how TMS works and what you can expect.

On the day of treatment, you will be asked to remove any metal items and then sit in a reclining chair. You will be given something to protect your ears as the machine makes loud clicking noises.

The machine will be set up, and the coil will be placed against your scalp. You may feel mild sensations as the magnetic pulses are applied.

You will receive multiple sessions, usually on consecutive weekdays over a period of 4 to 6 weeks. The sessions last no more than 40 minutes.

TMS may be given as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies. Your doctor will discuss the best treatment plan for you, based on your individual needs.