TMS Therapy Providers located in San Diego, CA
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive method of applying magnetic stimulation to the brain for therapeutic benefits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared certain devices that deliver rTMS for use in adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who have failed to receive satisfactory improvement from standard treatments. Depression is a treatable condition. But for some people, standard treatments aren’t effective. Repetitive TMS (rTMS) may be used when standard treatments such as medicines, and talk therapy, known as psychotherapy, don’t work. TMS is sometimes used to treat OCD, migraines and to help people stop smoking after other treatments have not been successful.
Risks of rTMS
rTMS is a noninvasive form of brain stimulation used for depression. It is also used off-label for the treatment of conditions other than depression. Unlike vagus nerve stimulation or deep brain stimulation, rTMS does not require surgery or implantation of electrodes. Compared to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), rTMS rarely causes seizures or requires sedation with anesthesia. Generally, rTMS is considered safe and well-tolerated. However, it can cause some side effects.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects may include headache, scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation, and lightheadedness. If there are side effects, they are generally mild to moderate and improve shortly after an individual session and decrease over time with additional sessions. In addition, hypoglycemia has been noted in some patients, and therefore, we suggest 20-30 grams of simple carbohydrates be taken 20-30 minutes before or after daily rTMS.
The Treatment Experience
A technician will position you comfortably in our treatment chair. The magnetic stimulation coil is placed gently on specifically targeted areas of your head. During your 30-minute treatment procedure, you are awake and alert. You may feel a light tapping sensation and hear a series of clicking sounds, with a “rest” period between each series. Our trained staff will monitor your treatment, ensuring your comfort throughout the process.
Treatment Duration
The number of rTMS treatments will be determined by your health plan, typically insurers will approve 30 daily treatments sessions, followed by 6 tapered treatments. The number of PrTMS treatments you receive will depend on your diagnosis, severity of your symptoms, and your response rate. On average, patients receive treatment daily, 5 days per week for at least 6-8 weeks (30-40 treatment sessions).
Response to Treatment
Some patients begin to observe positive changes, such as improved overall mood and better sleep after the first few treatments. Like other medical treatments, patients have varying degrees of response. For optimal results, it is prudent to communicate honestly with our staff, as our physicians can adjust your personalized treatment plan over time to better promote a positive response to treatment.
To learn more about rTMS, visit the following sources for more information:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6592198/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625#:~:text=Deep%20TMS%20coils%20have%20been,different%20ways%20to%20perform%20TMS%20.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-for-depression-2018022313335
