"In a study conducted by BrainsWay, remissions rates (meaning depression was minimal to none) for those with treatment-resistant depression were almost two-fold better than sham or fake treatment.
TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Transcranial means the stimulus passes through the skull or cranium. The stimulus is caused by a changing magnetic field, like in an MRI machine, which creates electrical stimulation in cells inside the brain. Magnetic stimulation non-invasively stimulates the brain without causing pain in the way direct stimulation would.
Stimulation of the brain causes neurons to release of neurotransmitters and increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). BDNF promotes the growth and survival of nerve cells in the brain.
What Is Treatment Like?
You"ll arrive at the office and fill out a daily habit questionnaire. Weekly you"ll fill out a depression assessment called a PHQ-9.
You"ll sit down in a comfortable chair and place earplugs in your ears.
A targeting cap is placed over your hair, which helps us systematically find the appropriate treatment area and treatment stimulus strength.
Treatment consists of 1980 pulses given in groups of 36 pulses. Each pulse is 2 seconds with a wait time between groups of pulses of 20 seconds. The total treatment time in the chair is only about 20 min. During treatment, you can relax, read, or watch TV.
Patients describe the sensation of treatment in a variety of ways. Initially, patients describe the sensation as unusual (though not painful) over the first few treatments as they get used to the feeling. The helmet can be adjusted slightly for improved comfort if needed. Patients quickly acclimate to the sensation.
A typical treatment course is five days a week for six weeks, then a taper schedule of 6 more sessions over the subsequent three weeks for a total number of treatments of 36."
Search Mental Health Providers Find Similar Resources