1093 North Main St.
Randolph, MA 02368
A Safe Alternative to ECT
TMS Treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression
A New Treatment for Depression: What is TMS?
Depression is tough, and you shouldn't have to live your life without finding relief. If you have tried multiple treatment options for your depression, including therapy, medications, or ECT and have not found any relief, TMS Treatment may be an option for you.
TMS, short for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a treatment that helps alleviate treatment-resistant depression. FDA approved in 2008, this treatment uses an electro-magnetic coil to stimulate the part of the brain associated with mood and emotions.
TMS creates a magnetic field which passes through the skull and into the outer layer of the brain (the “grey matter”). The magnetic field makes the brain cells more active and strengthens the connections between them—similar to how exercise makes muscles stronger.
TMS “exercises” the region of the brain known as the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, or l-DLPFC. The DLPFC is part of a brain network involved in promoting and suppressing emotion. Its job is to help the conscious, thinking part of the brain oppose the depressed feelings coming from deeper within the brain. As the DLPFC becomes stronger, depression is reduced.
Effectiveness
Up to 60% of patients respond to the treatment, and around 30% will be depression free.
For TMS patients, these statistics are significantly better than if they had chosen to try another medication. The effect is usually long lasting. A large majority of people who respond to the treatment are still improved after a full year. Sometimes depression does start to return, but fortunately a few more treatments restore the effect in 85% of case
Benefits of TMS
FDA Approved for MDD
TMS was approved by the FDA in 2008 as an effective and safe treatment for Major Depression.
Effective
60% of patients respond to TMS treatment and find relief from depression.
Around 30% of patients will be depression free.
Safe & Non-Invasive
TMS treatment is very safe and it is non-invasive. TMS has minimal side effects and patient's are awake, awake, and no anesthesia is required.
Covered by Major Insurances
TMS is covered by most major insurances and is also available for those who prefer to pay out of pocket.
TMS vs Other Treatment Options
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is different than other traditional treatment options for Depression. Unlike ECT and anti-depressants, TMS has minimal side effects with long lasting effectiveness. TMS is non-invasive, meaning it is not painful, nor requires anesthesia.
What is it like?
Treatments are done in our Randolph, MA office and appointments last up to 45 minutes. The patient settles into a reclining chair, and a small magnetic coil is placed against the left side of the forehead. When the treatment begins, the patient hears a clicking noise and experiences a sensation like a finger being firmly tapped on the forehead. TMS treatment is not painful and very tolerable. The patient remains fully awake and can watch TV or chat with someone in the room. The treatment does not cause any disorientation or cognitive problems, so the patient can immediately resume normal activities, like driving home or going to work.
Below are the side effects and how TMS compares to other treatments.
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TMS |
ECT |
Anti-depressants |
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Hospitalization |
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Anxiety |
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Blurred Vision |
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Diarrhea/Constipation |
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Dizziness |
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Dry Mouth |
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Headaches |
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Insomnia/Drowsiness |
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Nausea |
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Sexual Dysfunction |
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Weight Gain |
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Memory Loss |
Is TMS Right for Me?
TMS may be a great treatment option for you if:
Learn More About TMS
FAQ
What does TMS feel like?
The TMS coil will be places on the left side of the patient's forehead. The coil transmits rapid pulses, which are not painful.
When patients start their treatment, the TMS Technician will monitor the intensity of the pulses to insure the patient's comfort.
How effective is TMS?
Up to 60% of patients respond to TMS and see a decrease in their symptoms of depression. Around 30% of patients will be depression free.
Can I drive after TMS?
Yes. Patient's remain fully aware during their treatment and can drive to and from their appointments.
Will I still be on my medications during TMS Therapy?
Yes, It is advised that patient's continue medication regimen as prescribed by their providers.
How safe is TMS?
TMS is a very safe procedure. TMS does not require anesthesia and patients are fully conscious during treatments. TMS has minor side effects and the research shows little evidence for long term side effects.
Does TMS cause memory loss?
No. There is no evidence that TMS causes permanent or long-term memory loss.
Has TMS been approved by government regulatory agencies?
Yes. In 2008, TMS was FDA approved as a treatment for Major Depressive Disorder.
How does TMS differ from taking antidepressants?
Feel Yourself Again
Learn if TMS Treatment may be right for you!
1093 North Main St.
Randolph, MA 02368
798-963-7775