TMS therapy is used for “treatment resistant depression”. It is common for many patients who suffer
from depression to be prescribed anti-depressants, mood- stabilizers or various forms of
psychotherapy? Some patients do not fully respond to these options alone. That is when TMS therapy
may be prescribed by a board certified psychiatrist. TMS therapy is used to augment these other
prescribed medical therapies and improve the patient’s mood and overall health.

TMS is thought to produce changes in the activity of neurons of the limbic system, which is linked to
mood regulation. The procedure consists of magnetic pulses inducing brain activity in the cells of that
region. These pulses activate the limbic system cells to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is most
often prescribed when other treatments for depression have not been effective.

Each patient responds differently to TMS therapy. As a result, some patients are early responders and
others are “late bloomers”. Typically, TMS patients gradually see a response as they continue each day
in treatment. It is important for each patient to complete the full course of treatment to give the best
chance of achieving the best results.

Many TMS patients experience an increase in mood, energy, and appetite, while also experiencing a
reduction in anxiety. In clinical practice, nearly 70% of all patients respond to the treatment, and over
45% report remission of their depressive symptoms.

No. TMS therapy is fairly painless. However, some patients report mild headaches or scalp tenderness in
the first treatments. In these cases, a patient can pre-medicate with ibuprofen or acetaminophen prior
to the treatment.

STMS can cause scalp tenderness during the treatment pulses but typically does not cause a lasting
headache. For patients who are prone to headaches, a physician may recommend some ibuprofen or
acetaminophen prior to treatments to prevent a headache.

Many TMS patients experience an increase in mood, energy, and appetite, while also experiencing a
reduction in anxiety. In clinical practice, nearly 70% of all patients respond to the treatment, and over
45% report remission of their depressive symptoms.