Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

What is TMS?

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, it is a form of neuromodulation and restores and enhances brain function non-invasively. The goal of TMS is not only to enhance but also balance brain function without the use of addictive medications or treatments. Unhealthy neuronal pathways are broken down while new neuronal pathways are being forged, enabling your own body’s natural physiology to become the best version of itself. 

It is FDA approved for treatment of depression, OCD, and smoking cessation. TMS can also be used to treat “off-label” diagnoses such as Alzheimer’s, PTSD, chronic pain, anxiety, and many more. All protocols are customized for each patient and is based off of extensive research and existing medical literature.

How TMS is Changing Lives: Memory Loss Improvement | New Breakthrough in Brain Therapy

What is neuromodulation?

Neuromodulation uses magnetic fields to adjust the function of neural tissues to achieve maximal health and balance. The magnetic fields can be adjusted by changing their pulsations, their intensity, amplitude and “rhythm” to engage the neural tissue of a patient. The magnetic pulses can either inhibit or excite brain function. This includes all areas of brain function including focus, expansive perception, acute faculties of memory, intellectual prowess, and stability of emotional responsiveness.

When/how will I know TMS is working?

Every brain is different and responds differently to stimulation. Some people are super responders which means they will respond within the first 10 sessions of treatment. On average it takes about 20 sessions to start noticing significant changes. There are also a portion of people who are late responders and can still see results of treatment fully take effect 2-4 weeks after treatment completion.

How TMS is Administered

Description of the Procedure:

  • During the procedure, patients will be awake and comfortably seated. There will be no use of anesthesia or sedation.
  • The provider will place an electromagnetic coil on the client’s head. An initial test will be conducted to determine the proper dose of stimulation needed to make neurons excitable. This test is called the Motor Threshold test and will be recalculated every 10 sessions for standard treatment and every 25 sessions for an accelerated protocol.  Once the proper dose is determined, the coil will be repositioned over the desired area of the brain.
  • Patients will hear a clicking sound as the TMS machine is operating and feel a tapping sensation on the scalp.
  • Treatment usually lasts 20-40 minutes. Medical staff will be present during the entire treatment. Clients can choose to stop the procedure at any time if there are concerns.
  • Patients will update providers on daily progress by filling out weekly mood rating scales.
  • The FDA recommends 30-40 sessions for maximum efficacy and durability of treatment response. We may modify this number according to the clinical observations based upon individual patient outcomes.

Additional Research Links

AMA