TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, can seem daunting at first. After all, the process involves electrodes being placed on the scalp and a TMS device that sends small electric currents into the brain.
However, TMS is a very safe medical procedure that carries minimal side effects and produces no long-term damage.
In this article, we’ll go into depth about TMS devices so that you can become more comfortable with them and understand how they are used in medicine today.
What Is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is an innovative depression treatment that offers new hope to those suffering from depression.
TMS works by sending short magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain through a handheld device, activating nerve cells and stimulating neural pathways.
This can lead to improved mood regulation and other mental health benefits, making it a potential treatment option for depression sufferers who don’t want to rely on medications alone.
While no depression treatment works for everyone, TMS is proving to be a viable alternative for many patients who have shown significant improvement in response to this therapy.
How Much Is TMS Therapy?
The cost of TMS therapy can greatly vary depending on if you have insurance or not.
Typically, if you don’t have insurance, the out of pocket cost for a single cycle of TMS can range anywhere between $3,000 to $10,000, sometimes even higher than that.
Generally speaking, insurance providers including Medicare and Medicaid will cover approximately 80% of the cost. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your provider to figure out what kind of coverage they’ll offer as part of their policy before pursuing any TMS treatments.
What Is the TMS Device?
The TMS device is a revolutionary therapeutic tool used to treat Major Depressive Disorder.
It uses magnetic coil technology which is held in a device which is placed over the head of the patient and sends tiny electrical pulses into their skull. The purpose of these pulses is to stimulate areas of the brain that are involved in the sensation of mood and interest.
This stimulation helps to reduce symptoms of depression, such as sadness, feelings of hopelessness or guilt, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
While the exact mechanism of action is not completely understood yet, studies have indicated that TMS can coax weakened parts of the brain into becoming more active and create new neural connections between neurons. With its ability to offer non-invasive treatments with few side-effects and short duration procedures, the TMS device is revolutionizing medicine in neuroscience and psychiatry.
What Are The Most Common TMS Therapy Devices?
The most common TMS device is the repetitive TMS coil, which uses a powerful electromagnetic pulse to stimulate targeted parts of the brain.
Unlike other forms of treatment like electroconvulsive therapy, this TMS device is non-invasive and provides relief without significant side effects.
It has been found to be particularly effective in treating depression and obsessive compulsive disorder, although it can also help with certain anxiety disorders as well.
Another device gaining popularity is the navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation system, which uses a robotic arm to precisely target areas of the brain affected by a mental health condition.
Both powerful tools offer hope for those suffering from debilitating mental-health conditions, allowing them to potentially restore balance and return to healthier lives.
Does TMS Therapy Actually Work?
Since TMS is a newer form of treatment for depression, its potential effectiveness is currently the subject of many studies. A study conducted by Harvard Medical School found that when compared to traditional forms of treatment such as pharmaceutical drugs, electroconvulsive therapy, and psychotherapy, 50%-60% of patients whose depression hadn’t responded to those treatments saw significant improvement as a result of TMS therapy.
Additionally, research into the long-term effects of this treatment also appears promising as demonstrable improvements have been sustained over prolonged periods post TMS treatment.
Given these initial results, it appears that TMS could potentially prove successful in treating more patients than previously thought, making it an even more intriguing option for personal health management and relief from symptoms associated with depression.
Is TMS Therapy Permanent?
While TMS does provide immediate benefits for those who use it, the question remains: does TMS work permanently?
The answer to this question is complex, as whether or not TMS works permanently depends on several factors.
On one hand, the effects of TMS tend to be long-lasting in most cases; a recent study showed around ⅓ of patients found permanent relief from their symptoms; however, ongoing maintenance may be necessary for some individuals.
Ultimately, the efficacy of TMS should be determined by an experienced medical professional who can assess a patient’s individual response to treatment and make any necessary adjustments to ensure sustained success.
Is TMS Therapy Right For Me?
Asking yourself ‘is tms therapy right for me?’ is a great starting point to take control of your mental health journey.
TMS Therapy is non-invasive and helps those who suffer from depression without medications or the need of entering psychotherapy. Gemini Health in Maryland has highly trained specialists to guide you on understanding tms therapy, as well as provide tm therapy once you have made the decision to move forward.
Take the time to research “tms doctors near me” so you can make an informed decision whether tms therapy is a viable solution for you. Gemini Health can help when you are ready to proceed with tms therapy and answer any questions before and after tms sessions.
Resources:
https://neuromodec.org/what-is-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-tms/tms-devices.html