Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy

Since its FDA approval as a depression treatment in 2008, further studies have shown that it has the potential to treat a wide range of conditions, many of which can be debilitating. Although the Mindful Health Solutions team focuses primarily on alleviating the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, our clinics also provide treatment for other conditions like:  

• Anxiety 
• Autism in adults 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Body dysmorphia 
• Certain types of chronic pain 
• Memory disorders 
• Migraines 
• Mild cognitive impairment 
• Mild dementia 
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 
• Parkinson’s disease 
• PTSD 
• Smoking cessation 

There is also evidence TMS may help in recovery from stroke. Research and studies on the impact of TMS are continuing, and we at Mindful Health Solutions are excited to be at the forefront of it. 

During a TMS treatment, the patient sits in a comfortable chair while the TMS coil is properly set in place on their head. (While this may sound intimidating, it really isn’t!) After the headpiece is in place, electromagnetic pulses are sent to the prefrontal cortex, which is the area of the brain responsible for mood.  

While the pulses are being sent to the brain, patients can watch TV, listen to music, or talk with our staff. If they want and are comfortable, they can also have a friend or family member in the room with them during their TMS treatment session. 

Each treatment lasts about 20-30 minutes. The full course of treatment will generally be five days a week for four to six weeks. Generally, patients will feel just like their normal selves after their treatment sessions. They will be able to drive and go back to their regular activities. Some people report feeling a little tired or having a mild headache, but that usually goes away after the first week or two. Other people report more energy and better focus, as well as the ability to ignore obsessive, anxious thoughts after treatment. 

TMS treatments do not hurt during or after each session. There are very few side effects of TMS therapy. Most side effects are mild and short-lasting, and can include: 

• Headaches 
• Sleepiness 
• Lightheadedness 
• Scalp discomfort 
• Twitching or tingling of the facial muscles 

Many patients find the headpiece to be uncomfortable on their scalp and mild headaches are common during the first few treatments, but these generally go away within the first two weeks as people get used to the sensation. Patients rarely drop out of TMS because of side effects.  

More serious side effects happen very rarely, but can consist of: 

• Seizures 
• Hearing problems from the loud clicking noise that occurs during treatment 
• Mania, which is more likely to occur if an adolescent has bipolar disorder  

However, our expert providers will use their professional knowledge to help avoid serious side effects like the ones listed above. 

In order to qualify for TMS treatments, you have to have tried at least two medication management plans and either not experienced relief of your symptoms or experienced uncomfortable side effects from them. If that is the case, your provider will talk to you about integrating TMS therapy into your customized treatment plan. 

It is important to understand that mental health treatment plans are not a one-size-fits-all situation. Because of this situation, treatment plans may take longer or require different treatment option combinations to work best for certain patients. It is important for patients to communicate clearly with their provider about how their treatment plan is working. Collaboration between patient and provider can greatly impact the results of a patient’s wellness journey.