How TMS for depression works?

TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses magnetic waves to treat various mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder, migraines, and OCD. However, TMS Australia is an alternative treatment rather than a first-line treatment for these conditions.

It is a non-invasive procedure that involves magnetic fields to stimulate the nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. It is normally used when other depression treatments haven't been effective. TMS therapy involves delivering repetitive magnetic pulses; hence it is also called r TMS.

How TMS works?

During the rTMS, session an electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp of the patient near the forehead. The electromagnet painlessly delivers magnetic pulses that stimulate nerve cells in the area of your brain that is involved in mood control and depression. It activates areas of the brain that has decreased activity in depression. The biology of why TMS works isn't completely studied yet. However, magnetic stimulation appears to impact how the brain works. This, in turn, seems to ease symptoms of depression and improve mood.

Why is it done?

Depression is a treatable condition; however, for some of us, standard treatments like medication and psychotherapy aren't effective. When standard treatments don't help Repetitive TMS is typically used.

How to prepare for TMS therapy?

Before having rTMS, you may need:

- A psychiatric evaluation to discuss your depression.

- Physical exam, possibly lab tests or other tests. These evaluations will help make sure that TMS is a good and safe option for you.

- Also, tell your doctor or mental health provider if:

- You are taking any medications, including vitamin or other supplements.

- Herbal supplements

- Over-the-counter medications and dosages.

- Your history of seizures or epilepsy and family history.

- You are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant.

- You have metal implanted medical device in your body. The procedure is not recommended for people who have stents, electrodes for monitoring brain activity, bullet fragments aneurysm coils or chips.

- You have other medical health disorders like bipolar disorder or psychosis.

Before your first appointment:

TMS isn't an invasive procedure and doesn't require anaesthesia. It can be performed on an outpatient visit. You need to arrange someone to drive you home after the treatment at least for the first day of treatment. Prefer to have someone accompany you until you get a sense of how you will feel afterwards. Before considering TMS therapy, check with your health insurance company to find if TMS treatment cost is covered.

Most likely, during the first sitting:

- You will be taken to the treatment room and made to sit in a reclining chair.

- You will be given earplugs to use during the procedure.

- An electromagnetic coil will then be placed against your head and switched off and on repeatedly to produce stimulating pulses. This results in clicking or tapping sounds that usually last for a few seconds, followed by a pass. You will also observe a tapping sensation on your forehead. This part of the process is called mapping.

Your doctor will then determine the amount of magnetic energy required. During the course of treatment, the amount of magnetic stimulation can be changed depending on your symptoms and side-effects.

The author is an avid blogger. With a highly dedicated and experienced team, he delivers specialised TMS therapy to all his patients. Visit http://sydneytms.com.au/ for details.

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