Mental health professionals typically start treating those suffering from mood disorders like major depression with psychotherapy and antidepressants. However, some people do not respond to these more traditional forms of treatment. They may investigate alternative therapies and start asking questions like, “What is TMS therapy?” We will look at how it works and the way TMS therapy helps treat mental illness.
How Does TMS Therapy Work?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) Therapy uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells. The non-invasive procedure often eases the symptoms of depression. Trained specialists place an electromagnetic coil against a client’s scalp. It delivers painless magnetic pulses to the regions of the brain responsible for controlling your mood.
The idea behind TMS is to activate regions of the brain experiencing decreased activity because of depression. Applications of TMS appear to impact brain functions. Those who have undergone the procedure report some relief in their symptoms of depression.
What Are the Risks Involved With TMS Therapy?
Once you get an understanding of how the procedure works when asking, “What is TMS Therapy” you also need to explore potential side effects. There is no need to implant electrodes or sedate clients undergoing the procedure. While TMS is considered to be safe and well-tolerated by clients, some clients report experiencing side effects like:
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness
- Discomfort in the area of scalp stimulation
- Spasms, tingling, or twitching face muscles.
While rare, a few clients have experienced more severe side effects, which is why it is important to understand the risks when looking into, “What is TMS therapy?” Some of the more severe effects of TMS therapy include:
- Seizures
- Mania
- Hearing loss
Researchers continue to explore the potential of long-term side effects related to TMS therapy.
How Should You Prepare For TMS Therapy?
You should have a complete physical exam and psychiatric evaluation of your mental disorders prior to having the procedure. Having those evaluations helps confirm if the TMS therapy would be the right option to treat your condition.
It is essential that you let your TMS physician know if you are experiencing any of the following conditions:
- Pregnant or exploring getting pregnant
- Have any metal or implanted medical devices
- Have suffered brain trauma
- Take any medications, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, or vitamins
- Have a history of seizures
- Have additional mental health disorders
- Suffer from frequent headaches
- Have other medical conditions
- Have previously undergone TMS therapy
Most people can return to normal activities after a TMS therapy session. It may take a few weeks to feel relief from symptoms of depression. It is typically recommended that a TMS session be followed up with standard depression care like psychotherapy and controlled medication.
The world of mental health continues to explore the benefits of ongoing TMS therapy as a method of care for those dealing with depression. It is possible to repeat TMS sessions, under the care of your doctor, if you show real improvement because of the treatment.
Learn More About TMS Therapy
Depression does not have to keep you from living your life. There are ways to get better and feel like your normal self again. Serenity Light Recovery offers various therapies and services to help clients looking for help with depression, mood disorders, and other issues.
- Biofeedback Therapy
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- EMDR Therapy Program
Getting help for depression does not have to be hard. Call Serenity Light Recovery at (281) 431-6700 if you are looking for answers to the question, “What is TMS therapy” or want to discuss other issues related to care at our facility. Get the help that you need today. Contact Serenity Light Recovery today.
As our CEO, Heather’s main calling is to stay true to the vision of the organization, which is saving lives and striving to redefine statistics by raising the standard of care with evolving treatment methods. Heather studied psychology at LSU and both the main and Clear Lake campuses of the University of Houston, and she is a certified IASIS provider and CPI instructor. She’s been helping people in recovery since 2011. Heather’s motto to live by is “I am not what I’ve done; I am what I’ve overcome.”
