Learn Whether TMS May Be Right for You
When depression continues despite trying medication or other treatments, it may be time to discuss additional options. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
At Syntax Healthcare, TMS is considered as part of an individualized treatment plan after a clinical evaluation. Your provider reviews your symptoms, treatment history, medications, and overall health to determine whether TMS may be appropriate.
What is TMS?
TMS uses a specialized device to deliver brief, focused magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain. For major depressive disorder, treatment commonly targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area associated with mood regulation.
Unlike medication, TMS does not require a drug to circulate throughout the body. Treatment is performed while you are awake and does not require general anesthesia or hospitalization.
What To Expect During TMS
Before treatment begins, your provider completes an evaluation and determines an appropriate treatment protocol. During a session, you remain seated and awake while the TMS device delivers magnetic pulses to the targeted area.
You may hear clicking sounds and feel tapping or pressure on the scalp during stimulation. Sessions are performed on an outpatient basis, and patients generally return to their normal activities afterward.
A complete course of TMS typically involves multiple sessions scheduled over several weeks. The exact number and frequency of treatments depend on the prescribed protocol and your individual response.
TMS May Be Considered When:
- Depression has not improved adequately with previous treatment
- Medication has provided limited benefit or caused difficult side effects
- You and your provider are considering a non-medication treatment option
- Your symptoms continue to interfere with everyday life
TMS is not appropriate for everyone. Your clinician will review your medical history and discuss potential risks, benefits, and alternatives before treatment begins.
What TMS Does Not Require
- General anesthesia
- Surgery or implanted devices
- Hospitalization
- Needles or intravenous medication
TMS can cause side effects, most commonly scalp discomfort or headache during or shortly after treatment. Your provider will explain these and other potential risks before you begin.
A Different Approach To Depression
TMS provides a targeted form of brain stimulation without introducing medication into the bloodstream. For appropriately selected patients, it can offer another treatment option when conventional approaches have not provided sufficient relief.
At Syntax Healthcare, we focus on determining whether TMS fits your specific clinical needs rather than assuming it is right for everyone.
Take the Next Step
If depression continues despite treatment, talk with a qualified psychiatric provider about your options. Contact Syntax Healthcare to schedule an evaluation and learn whether TMS therapy may be appropriate for you.