What Is TMS Therapy? | Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a safe and highly effective treatment for patients with major depression, anxious depression, OCD, and adolescent depression who aren’t satisfied with the results of conventional psychiatry and pharmacology.

COHEN & ASSOCIATES IS THE ONLY PRACTICE IN THE REGION PROVIDING NEURONAVIGATED, PRECISION-BASED CARE

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Source: Mark George M.D. Biological Psychiatry Branch Division of Intramural Research Progress, NIMH 1993.

Does TMS work?

Numerous clinical studies and countless patients have testified to the benefits of TMS in the short- and long-term treatment of major depressive disorders, anxious depression, adolescents, and OCD. TMS was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008. Today, TMS treatment centers and specialists can be found across the United States. Over 6.4 million TMS therapy treatments have been safely performed on over 175,000 patients throughout the country.

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How does it work

TMS technology is similar to MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). It uses precisely targeted magnetic impulses to stimulate key areas of the brain that are underactive in people with depression. The procedure is non-invasive, relatively painless, and requires no anesthesia or sedation. At our TMS center, TMS takes less than 20 minutes! We are able to provide TMS for most protocols in only 3 minutes. During treatment, you sit in a comfortable reclining chair similar to that found in a dentist’s office. A small magnetic coil is placed gently next to your head and delivers magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain. These currents activate cells within the brain that are thought to release neurotransmitters,

How does it work

Are there any side effects?

TMS is free from the side effects often associated with antidepressant medication, including nervousness, weight gain, upset stomach, sexual problems,
sleepiness and memory loss. The most common side effect of TMS is some pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site, but this occurs only initially and
usually goes away after the first week of treatment.

What are the benefits of TMS?

Many patients experience significant benefits from TMS. Two in three patients reported a remission of their depression at the end of TMS therapy. Significant cost savings may also be expected with TMS compared to conventional drug treatments. TMS is much less invasive than deep brain stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and other alternative treatment options for depression. There are continuous independent studies proving that TMS treatment can relieve not only the symptoms of depression but other common disorders as well, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress, tinnitus, schizophrenia, autism and addictions. Although, currently the only FDA approved use is for recurrent major depression, anxious depression, OCD, and adolescent depression. TMS has given thousands of people new hope every day.

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Is TMS Covered by Insurance?

Yes, Cohen & Associates State of the art precision TMS treatment is covered by most major insurance providers for the treatment of major depression, anxious depression, OCD, and adolescent depression.

Does TMS Hurt?

Cohen & Associates State of the art precision TMS treatments are pain-free, although some patients identify a tapping sensation during treatment. It is a safe, non-invasive alternative to antidepressants. Unlike drugs and electro-shock therapy, which often cause more problems, TMS therapy offers a pathway to healing without pain or negative side effects.

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Adult Indications for Use

The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode.

The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Adolescent Indications for Use

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is indicated as an adjunct for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescent patients (15-21).

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you. Patients’ results may vary.

Important Safety Information

The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. These events are transient; they occur during the TMS treatment course and do not occur for most patients after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with the use of TMS therapy (<0.1% per patient).

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy should not be used with patients who have non-removable conductive metal in or near the head. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy has not been studied in patients who have not received prior antidepressant treatment.

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