If you have been diagnosed with depression and have not experienced relief with antidepressants and therapy, you may be interested in trying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy. This FDA-cleared procedure uses magnetic pulses similar to those found in magnetic resonance imaging to stimulate the parts of your brain responsible for mood regulation. Our team at Cedar Park TMS can help you gain a better understanding of what it is like to receive TMS therapy.
When you first meet with your TMS provider, they will describe how the therapy feels and create a map of your brain to ensure the treatment is as precise as possible. Brain mapping helps determine the best treatment location and ideal energy level for the TMS pulses.
This process usually takes an hour and involves placing a magnetic coil on your head. The coil will stimulate your motor cortex, the part of your brain that controls arm and hand movement. The pulses will cause involuntary hand twitches, which tells your doctor which part of the brain is being stimulated.
During your TMS session, you will be alert and awake. As you sit in a chair, your provider will place the treatment coil on the left side of your head. As the TMS machine delivers magnetic pulses, you may hear a clicking sound and notice a tapping sensation.
Most TMS therapy patients tolerate this feeling, but you should let your provider know if it bothers you. During treatment, you can converse if you want.
After the initial brain mapping, TMS sessions usually last five minutes, which means you can be in and out of the office within 15 minutes. A typical treatment timeline includes five weekly sessions for six weeks, followed by twice-weekly tapering sessions for three weeks. In total, there are 36 sessions over nine weeks, giving you a clear idea of what TMS therapy sessions are like.
Since TMS therapy does not require any anesthesia or sedation, you will not experience any feelings of grogginess after treatment. You will be able to return to your routine without interruption once you are finished.
Depression symptoms can feel debilitating, but TMS therapy can help you find relief. Understanding what happens during this procedure can help you begin your treatment with confidence. Contact our team today to learn more about what it is like to receive TMS therapy.
