TMS Therapy Specialist Q&A

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive and FDA-accredited treatment for depression, tension, and different intellectual health problems. The therapy makes use of electromagnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the mind, especially the ones inside the prefrontal cortex, which regulate mood and emotions.

During a TMS therapy session, a small handheld electromagnetic coil is positioned at the scalp, handing over pulses of magnetic power to particular regions of the brain. Patients continue to be awake and seated all through the treatment, which generally lasts a half-hour.

TMS therapy is beneficial to patients who are resistant to standard antidepressant medications. This is because the therapy targets specific areas of the mind that are responsible for regulating mood and emotion, without any of the aspect consequences of conventional antidepressants.

There is a growing body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of TMS in the treatment of depression. Several randomized controlled trials have found that TMS stimulation to the left prefrontal cortex can significantly reduce depressive symptoms and in one study, in patients who received TMS, more than half experienced significant improvement.

TMS is also considered a safe treatment with no side effects. Some patients experience mild discomfort during surgery, but the most common is a mild headache that usually goes away within a few hours.

The success rate of TMS therapy varies depending on the specific mental health condition being treated and the unique needs and requirements of the patient.

According to studies, TMS therapy has shown significant improvements in 50% to 80% of patients with treatment-resistant depression who have tried other antidepressant medications and therapies without success. This success rate is higher compared to other traditional treatments for depression which have a success rate of approximately 40% to 60%.

In addition to depression, TMS has also been successful in treating anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. A study that examined TMS therapy for OCD treatment found that 38% of participants saw significant improvement in OCD symptoms after just four weeks of treatment, while another study for those with PTSD found that 60% of patients reported big improvements in their symptoms after six weeks of treatment.

It’s important to note that the success rate of TMS therapy largely depends on several factors such as patient selection, treatment protocol, and the expertise and experience of the clinician administering the therapy.

Typically, a single TMS therapy session lasts 30 to 60 minutes, and patients usually undergo five sessions a week. The total number of sessions varies depending on the patient’s condition and how they’re responding to treatment.

Generally, TMS therapy lasts for 4 to 6 weeks, with a maximum of 36 sessions.

However, some patients may require additional sessions, and others may experience significant improvements within the initial sessions. In some cases, maintenance sessions may be necessary to maintain the benefits gained from TMS therapy.

The duration of TMS therapy’s effects varies from patient to patient, with some people experiencing long-term relief from their symptoms. Studies have shown that for patients who responded positively to TMS therapy, the effects can last for up to 12 months.

At Success Health System, we offer TMS therapy to help you achieve the results you’re looking for. Connect with us today for more information about our therapy options or book in online to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. We serve patients from Creve Coeur MO, St. Louis MO, Independence MO, Olathe KS, Columbia MO, Craig KS, Spring Hill KS, Pierpont MO, Kirkwood MO, Kansas City MO, River Bend MO & Beyond!