What is TMS?

TMS uses magnetic energy pulses similar in strength to those produced by an MRI machine, to stimulate areas of the brain which regulate mood. It is non-invasive and has none of the side effects commonly associated with antidepressants such as memory loss, weight gain, daytime sleepiness, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction.

How is TMS therapy performed?

TMS Therapy is an outpatient treatment that can be performed in our office. No surgery or anesthesia/sedation is involved in the treatment and typically you may go about normal activities immediately afterwards. The patient remains awake and alert during the treatment. The initial treatment course consists of at least 5 per week over a 4-6 week period. Each treatment session lasts on average 40 minutes.

How does it work?

TMS delivers highly concentrated, magnetic fields via a magnetic coil. These magnetic fields turn on and off very rapidly and are similar to those produced by an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine. The magnetic coil is placed on the head above the left prefrontal cortex where mood is regulated. The magnetic fields are focused on this area and do not directly affect the entire brain; only reaching about 2-3 centimeters into the brain directly below the treatment coil. Tiny electrical currents are created as these magnetic fields move into the brain, causing the activation of cells thought to release neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. An imbalance of these chemicals in the brain is thought to result in depression. TMS can relieve depression by restoring that chemical balance.

What is the history of TMS?

Since the 1980s, TMS has been used to study the nerve fibers that carry information about movements from the brain to the spinal cord and on to the muscles. Physicians in the late 1990s began to explore the potential of using TMS as a therapy for the treatment of a variety of diseases including depression, which has been the most thoroughly studied to date. Since then, more than 20 randomized, controlled studies have been published worldwide examining TMS as a treatment for depression. Research continues to explore its effectiveness in other conditions such as schizophrenia, anxiety, eating disorders, autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder. TMS is now offered in clinical programs in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.