What is transcranial magnetic stimulation?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive type of brain stimulation that uses magnetic fields to stimulate areas of the brain linked to depression. It offers a treatment path for men and women who’ve tried various other treatments but not achieved significant improvement in symptoms.
The treatment involves short, repetitive pulses of magnetic stimulation, so it is sometimes referred to as rTMS. It is also an FDA-approved treatment for depression. After considerable research, Dr. Ahmed chose to bring the NeuroStarⓇ TMS Therapy platform to his practice at The PsyClinic. This form of therapy is available in only a few clinics in the greater Houston area.
What happens during TMS sessions?
There is no need for any form of anesthesia or advance preparation prior to TMS sessions. When you arrive for your appointment, you recline in the comfortable treatment chair. Your practitioner positions the magnetic coil near your temple.
The magnetic coil is held on a treatment arm. The portion that administers the magnetic pulses is a little larger than an adult hand. Once the platform is activated, you hear clicking sounds and feel a light tapping sensation as the device pulses. A small number of patients report headaches shortly after treatment, but there is no significant pain associated with TMS.
How do I know if TMS is the right therapeutic option for me?
There are many options for treating depression, and some paths may provide better relief than others. The best way to know if TMS is a good fit for your needs is to work with a skilled psychiatrist like Dr. Ahmed who understands the pros and cons of various treatment options.
TMS has shown great success rates in clinical trials. In his practice at The PsyClinic, Dr. Ahmed finds that around 81% of patients reach remission of depression symptoms after just one treatment session. That’s even higher than the rates found in the manufacturer’s research.
That said, TMS is not right for everyone. If you have a personal or family history of seizure disorders, transcranial magnetic stimulation is not your best option for addressing depression. It’s also important to let Dr. Ahmed know if you’ve had a brain tumor, stroke, or previous traumatic brain injury prior to moving forward with TMS.
TMS is covered under some health insurance plans.We see patients in the following locations: River Oaks, Webster, Baytown, and Houston, Texas. Call the office today to book your initial evaluation, or spend a few moments on the online scheduling page.
