TMS

Now Covered by Most Major Insurance Carriers

Aetna, Cigna, Tricare, Magellan, Optum

What is TMS?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It was FDA approved for treatment-resistant depression and has been FDA cleared in the USA to treat other conditions such as anxious depression, Obsessive Compulsion Disorder (OCD), and off-label chronic neuropathic pain. TMS is also currently used off-label overseas for ADHD, substance use disorders, cognitive decline related to aging, and autism. One of the main benefits of TMS is that it’s a non-invasive procedure.

This means that it doesn’t involve any surgery or injections, and there’s no risk of infection. Additionally, TMS is relatively safe –it is reported that some patients may feel mild to moderate discomfort in the first 3-5 sessions in the treatment area that can be alleviated by taking an OTC analgesic 30 mins prior to the session.

So, what is TMS, and what are its benefits? Here are just a few:

1) TMS is an effective treatment for depression. In fact, it’s been found to be more effective than traditional antidepressants in most cases

2) TMS can also be used to treat other mental health conditions such as anxiety and OCD

3) TMS is a safe and relatively painless procedure without long term side side effects

4) There is no downtime required after undergoing TMS therapy – so, you can go right back to your normal routine after the session

5) TMS does not require any special preparation or recovery time

6) TMS does not cause any metabolic changes to the body

7) TMS does not cause any sexual dysfunction

What TMS is not?

TMS is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), sometimes called 'electric shock therapy.' No seizure is induced, and no anesthesia is used. TMS is an outpatient treatment that requires no sedation or anesthesia.

How is it different from taking Medication?

Generally, the psychopharmacological approach to treating mental health conditions works by the idea that mental health conditions result from imbalances in certain neurotransmitters. TMS approaches to mental health conditions approach that is seen by stimulating or inhibiting activity in the brain via electric/magnetic energy.

TMS Criteria

· Above 18 years old

· Not currently pregnant

· Failed 2-4 antidepressants from two different drug classes

· Treatment-resistant depression that was not relieved after receiving therapy

· No prior medical history of seizures or epilepsy

· No prior medical history of metal implants or objects around head