Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Safe and effective

Non-invasive

No anesthesia

Outpatient treatment

Minimal transient side effects

Accepted by insurance providers including Medicare

TMS therapy for the treatment of depression

Living with depression is hard but Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) can be especially painful when once treatment after another does not help. You lose hope. Finding the right treatment can take time but TMS may be the treatment that makes you feel like yourself again.

What is TMS?

TMS is a series of repetitive, brief and highly focused magnetic pulses, designed to stimulate brain cells. It offers long-lasting improvements for depression symptoms, providing an alternative to traditional medication regimen. At Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in Allen and Dallas, TX, we provide TMS therapy using Magstim.

How Does TMS work?

In depressed patients, the electrical activity in certain areas of the brain is shown to be reduced. TMS targeted in these areas, reawakens these cells, increasing brain activity to appropriate levels.

Differences between TMS and antidepressants

TMS is typically prescribed when antidepressants have failed, or their side effects are intolerable.

Antidepressants are systemic, meaning that the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream, which can cause numerous side effects. TMS is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure with no systemic side effects.

Side effects Anti-
depressants
ECT TMS
Hospitalization
no
yes
no
Anxiety
yes
yes
no
Blurred Vision
yes
no
no
Diarrhea/
Constipation
yes
no
no
Dizziness
yes
yes
transient
Dry mouth
yes
yes
no
Headache
yes
no
transient
Insomia/
Drowsiness
yes
yes
no
Nausea
yes
yes
no
Sexual dysfunction
yes
no
no
Weight gain
yes
no
no
Weight loss
yes
yes
no

Possible Side Effects of TMS

TMS is a safe and well tolerated treatment that is not associated with any of the systemic side-effects typically experienced with antidepressants. Clinical studies show that the most common side effects are mild to moderate scalp discomfort and mild headaches, both of which are short-term.

Is TMS covered by insurance?

TMS is covered by most insurance providers including Medicare. Prior authorization is typically required for insurance coverage, but we will take care of this process for you.

Is TMS an option for me?

In the US, TMS therapy is approved for adults with MDD, who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode.

This means that if you have been diagnosed with MDD and medications are not working, or the side effects are intolerable, you should ask your doctor about TMS.

What to expect during my TMS treatment

TMS is performed in a doctor’s office or clinic. Treatment sessions last 3 – 37.5 minutes and are typically performed 5 days a week over a 6-week period.

You will be seated in a comfortable chair; some measurements will be taken, and you will be provided with ear plugs.

Your doctor will position the magnetic coil on your head and treatment will begin. You may feel a moderate tapping on your head under the treatment coil and you will remain awake and alert throughout the treatment.

Following your session, you will be able to drive home, and you can resume normal activities for the rest of the day.

What does a TMS treatment feel like?

The magnetic coil which delivers TMS is positioned on the head. You will hear clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head when the magnetic pulses are delivered.