Introduces
TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION
How TMS Works
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Depression is a medical illness that affects 16 million Americans and is the leading cause of disability in the US for ages 15-44. Brain scans of patients with depression show specific areas of the brain that are poorly functioning.
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TMS targets those poorly functioning areas of the brain with magnetic pulses.
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Evidence shows normalized brain function of those areas after repeated magnetic pulses.
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Stimulation of these areas allows greater mood control and reduction of depressive symptoms.
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Watch video for more information:
How Is It Different From Medicine?
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Medications have a systemic affect on the entire body, leading to the possibility of side effects in organs other than the brain. These side effects can include weight gain, difficulty sleeping, gastrointestinal & sexual side effects.
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Medications have been around since the 1980s but they don't work for everyone. In fact, studies show that the likelihood for reaching remission actually declines with successive failed medication trials.
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TMS is not a medication. It is a device that transmits gentle magnetic pulses to a targeted area of the brain.
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With more than 10,000 treatments performed in clinical trials, the most common side effect with TMS was scalp discomfort.
A Typical Treatment Course
5
Sessions Per Week
6-9
Weeks
18-20
Minutes Per Session
30-36
Sessions
IS THERE RECOVERY TIME?
There is no down time. You drive yourself to and from your treatment sessions and go on about your day.
DOES IT HURT?
Approximately 5% of people notice some scalp discomfort or mild headaches in the beginning of treatment. This improves as sessions go on.
IS IT SAFE?
Those with ferromagnetic metals within 30cm of the treatment coil are ineligible for TMS treatment. The psychiatric consultation will include medical screening questions and a thoughtful determination of the treatment plan to ensure patient safety.
WHAT'S IT LIKE?
Sit back and relax while your 19 minute session takes place. Three days per week you will watch cognitive behavioral therapy videos to practice coping skills outside of TMS treatment.
DO I STOP MY MEDICINE?
You can continue medications and therapy while undergoing TMS treatment. It is important to attend regularly scheduled appointments with your psychiatric provider.
DOES IT WORK?
Studies show that 2 in 3 depressed persons will show improvement in symptoms and 1 in 3 depressed persons will have remission of symptoms.
FAQs
"I am interested. Whats next?"
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Meet With Your Clinician
You and and your clinician will determine that you have tried and failed 3 or more medications of adequate duration; as well as have had a history of counseling/therapy for greater than 6 weeks
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Meet With The Psychiatrist
You will be referred for a consultation with Dr. Wilson to discuss TMS treatment and review medical history to ensure it is safe and recommended.
You will have an opportunity to have all your questions answered.
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Covered By Most Insurance Companies
Dr. Wilson will provide all information gathered during the consultation to our TMS Coordinator. The TMS Coordinator will submit this information to your insurance as evidence that you should proceed with TMS for treatment of depression.
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Schedule Your Treatment
Insurance authorization typically takes 1-2 weeks. Once we receive the determination of benefits, we will contact to you to discuss out of pocket costs (if any). Once you and the TMS coordinator agree to proceed, you will be scheduled for your initial 1 hour brain mapping TMS appointment and treatment begins.