Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a treatment option for depression. If you’re not finding relief from persistent sadness, hopelessness, or other depressive symptoms, TMS may be the solution you’re looking for.
At Integrated Neurology Services, PLLC, we specialize in TMS therapy for adults. Our board-certified neurologists customize a treatment plan to your needs, so you can find lasting depression symptom relief.
Here, we break down how TMS works and who might benefit from this type of noninvasive therapy.
TMS is a technology that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific nerve pathways in your brain, specifically the nerves that regulate your mood. Experts believe the magnetic pulses stimulate regions of the brain that aren’t active in people who have depression.
During TMS therapy, our providers place a coil on your head, resting it against your scalp. The coil delivers magnetic pulses through the skin without damaging surrounding tissues. This helps to reset the function of the mood-controlling parts of your brain.
TMS therapy is considered safe and effective for adults who can’t manage depression with prescription medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. People also generally tolerate the treatment well with minimal risks for side effects.
Any side effects that do develop typically go away soon after your TMS session is complete. These issues can include:
Our physicians control the level of stimulation throughout your treatment and can adjust it as needed to keep you comfortable.
Because TMS therapy is noninvasive, you can expect to go back to your usual activities without any downtime. You may feel lightheaded or have other side effects that resolve within a few hours.
Our providers help you schedule additional TMS sessions before you leave the office. This is because TMS works best after a series of treatments to ensure lasting symptom relief. Typically, a series of daily sessions for 4-6 weeks improves your brain function in the treatment of depression.
You may not notice a change in your depression symptoms right away. However, many people who undergo TMS report a lessening of their symptoms in the weeks after their initial treatment.
Our physicians continue to monitor the effectiveness of TMS therapy. In the event that sadness, hopelessness, or other depressive symptoms recur, we can discuss your options for additional TMS sessions.
One of the biggest benefits of TMS therapy for depression is that it’s a noninvasive treatment that requires no anesthesia or special care. You can drive yourself to and from your appointment and won’t need any time for recovery.
Another benefit of TMS therapy is that it can address treatment-resistant depression symptoms. If traditional antidepressants aren’t working well for you or cause unwanted side effects, TMS can be a great alternative.
Additionally, some people are able to stop taking their depression medications after completing a series of TMS treatments. Our physicians discuss your eligibility for reducing or stopping medications after a thorough evaluation of your health following your last TMS session.
Call Integrated Neurology Services, PLLC in Lorton, Alexandria, or Falls Church, Virginia, today to schedule a TMS consultation. You can also request an appointment online.
