Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

If you feel stuck in depression and traditional treatment hasn't helped, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may relieve your symptoms. This innovative treatment is like a reset button that helps your brain function better so you can start feeling better.

What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses electromagnetic fields to trigger specific areas of the brain. These pulses can help stimulate or calm brain activity to improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate other symptoms.

Who is a good candidate for TMS?

If you have treatment-resistant depression and have tried medications and therapy without success, TMS may be a good option for you. Your doctor will assess your specific symptoms and medical history to determine if TMS is right for you.

What are the side effects of TMS?

TMS is a safe and well-tolerated treatment. Side effects are mild and temporary and may include:

• Headache: A common side effect, often relieved with over-the-counter pain medication.
• Scalp tenderness: Some people may experience a tingling sensation or mild discomfort at the treatment site.
• Lightheadedness: This is usually temporary and resolves quickly.

Your doctor will talk with you about potential side effects and solutions for managing them.

What is it like to have TMS at Virtua?

Most people are referred for TMS by their primary care provider, psychiatrist, or therapist. However, a referral from any licensed medical professional is acceptable. We also take calls directly from patients who want to learn more about TMS or are interested in receiving treatment.

Before starting TMS, you'll meet with a Virtua psychiatrist to discuss your medical history and determine if TMS is right for you. We provide a calming space where you can feel safe talking about your mental health and where we listen and provide compassionate care.

Mapping: Once you're cleared for treatment, our coordinator will schedule you for TMS mapping. Mapping helps your provider pinpoint optimal treatment areas of your brain and individualize the dose needed to ease your specific symptoms.

During mapping, the doctor places a TMS helmet on your head. The device has a magnetic coil that delivers pulses to the area of your brain that controls specific movements. When the doctor pinpoints that spot, it will trigger movement in your right hand. This identifies the necessary dose for treatment.

TMS treatments: You will start treatment on the same day as mapping. At each session, the TMS technician will place the helmet on your head to deliver brief pulses that stimulate the specific area of your brain to target depression.

During treatment, you may hear a loud clicking or banging sound like an MRI machine and feel a tapping sensation. The tapping may be uncomfortable initially, causing scalp tenderness or a tension headache. This side effect is temporary and can be managed with pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. This discomfort usually eases after the first week of treatment.

A typical TMS session can last between 3-30 minutes. The number of sessions needed varies depending on your condition and response to treatment. The average treatment plan includes five weekly sessions for several weeks. Your doctor will evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment and may re-map your brain to optimize treatment.

Results: Most people feel improvement in their depression symptoms after a few weeks, and the results can last for several months or longer. Your doctor will talk to you about what maintenance or follow-up care you may need to sustain improvement.

A key part of your care includes communication with your primary care provider or psychiatrist to discuss your treatments and medications. The goal is to ensure you receive the most effective care, supported by your entire health care team.

The benefits of TMS

TMS is a proven depression treatment with benefits that include:

• Improved mood
• Reduced anxiety
• Increased energy levels
• Better sleep quality
• Improved focus and concentration

Additional benefits include:

• Non-invasive: No surgery or anesthesia is required.
• Effective: Many people experience significant improvement in their symptoms.
• Quick results: You may start to feel better after just a few weeks.
• Long-lasting effects: The benefits of TMS can last for several months or longer.