What is TMS therapy?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific regions of the brain. It’s commonly used in neuroscience and psychiatry to investigate brain function and to treat psychiatric and neurological conditions. It has been especially useful for depression that does not respond to medication or psychotherapy alone.

Why is TMS used?

In addition to treating depression, TMS has been shown to help with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other brain-related conditions, according to the Cleveland Clinic. In depression, TMS helps regulate brain activity in mood-related areas and can improve symptoms.

TMS is also under investigation as a treatment for neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke. In these conditions, TMS may stimulate damaged or underactive brain regions and improve function.

Does TMS work?

According to research, 50% to 60% of people with depression who do not benefit from medications or talk therapy experience a clinically meaningful response with TMS. About one-third achieve full remission, which means they no longer have depression symptoms. TMS results are not permanent. Like other treatments, consistency matters. Most patients feel better for many months after treatment, with an average benefit of a little more than a year. Some choose additional rounds of treatment, according to Harvard Health.

Here’s how it works, according to Harvard Health:

“When patients arrive, they may briefly check in with a technician or doctor and then begin the stimulation process,” Dr. Adam P. Stern writes. “The technician will determine the ideal stimulation intensity and anatomical target by taking advantage of a ‘landmark’ in the brain called the motor cortex. By first targeting this part of the brain, the team can determine where best to locate the stimulation coil as it relates to that individual’s brain and how intensely it must ‘fire’ in order to achieve adequate stimulation. Calculations are then applied to translate this data toward finding the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the brain target with the greatest evidence of clinical effectiveness and an area known to be involved in depression. Though one session may be enough to change the brain’s level of excitability, relief isn’t usually noticeable until the third, fourth, fifth, or even sixth week of treatment.”

Is TMS painful?

Nope! Common side effects include a headache after a session and scalp soreness from the device. The therapy itself is painless.

TMS therapy requires a steady schedule. Sessions usually occur five days a week for several weeks. Each session lasts 20 to 50 minutes, depending on the device and clinical protocol.

TMS at Mind Body Co-op in Chicago

Overall, TMS is a promising and innovative field with potential applications in a wide range of psychiatric and neurological conditions. If you believe TMS could be an option for you, reach out to our intake team at info@mindbodycoopchicago.com. We offer TMS therapy at our office in the Lakeview neighborhood on Chicago’s north side.