TMS for Anxiety

How Can TMS Therapy for Anxiety Help Me?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses magnetic pulses to target and stimulate brain areas associated with anxiety. It promotes changes in brain functioning to reduce anxiety symptoms. It was approved by the FDA in 2008 and has helped treat over 20 million people since then.

TMS anxiety treatment has several advantages. As a non-invasive procedure, it avoids the trauma associated with open surgery or insertion of electrodes into the brain or induced seizures like you undergo with electroconvulsive therapy.

Other advantages include:

• Targeted treatment. TMS for anxiety only targets areas of the brain associated with anxiety, reducing risks of affecting other brain and nervous system functions.
• Non-drug treatment. TMS doesn’t require drugs, which makes it an attractive option for those allergic or uncomfortable using drugs.
• Minimal risks. There are no open wounds or incisions to heal, or significant brain chemistry disruptions.

Neuro Injury Specialists in New York and New Jersey are premier medical providers for treating anxiety disorder. These expert brain injury specialists offer advanced treatments, including transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy for anxiety, which is a non-drug and non-invasive treatment option. They offer highly personalized treatment plans for both simple and complex problems affecting the brain, spine and nervous system.

What Is Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety is an emotional state characterized by fear, worry and nervousness. It’s normal to be anxious when in stressful conditions, but it becomes a disorder when symptoms are heightened and interfere with daily life and persist over time. Anxiety disorder manifests itself in different ways including phobias and anxiety attacks. This disorder can bring on more complex mental health issues if left untreated.

Anyone can develop anxiety disorder regardless of age, sex and social background. It’s not possible to tell who can develop this disorder with accuracy. However, there are risk factors that make you more vulnerable to this disorder. Most people develop anxiety disorder after a stressful life experience that causes significant life changes, similar to stressors that cause PTSD.

TMS focuses on those parts of the brain that often are at the root of anxiety disorders, including:

• Brain chemistry. An imbalance of the hormones involved in neurotransmission, like serotonin and dopamine can contribute to anxiety.
• Environmental factors. Undergoing traumatic experiences like war and physical abuse can predispose you to this disorder, which responds in similar ways as TMS for PTSD.
• Medical conditions. Chronic pain that affects your mental health also responds well to TMS treatment for anxiety.
• Genetics. You’re more likely to develop anxiety if there’s a history of anxiety disorders in your family.

What Happens if Anxiety Goes Untreated?

Untreated anxiety disorder has long-term consequences on both mental and physical well-being. Some physical problems that can arise include headaches, migraines, poor sleep patterns and digestive issues.

Untreated anxiety disorder also has a significant impact on daily life patterns and productivity. It lowers the quality of life by disrupting social interactions and productivity at work.

Other long-term effects include:

• Strained relationships. Mood swings, irritability and withdrawal causes tension and misunderstanding in both social and professional settings.
• Impaired cognitive abilities. It may cause lowered concentration, poor memory and decision making.
• Mental health deterioration. There is a high risk of developing depression and associated mental health issues, such as substance abuse.

What Can I Expect during TMS for Anxiety?

TMS anxiety treatment is an uncomplicated non-invasive procedure. It uses a magnetic hand or helmet to deliver the magnetic pulses to the targeted brain area. The whole treatment is divided into sessions, with each session taking 30 to 60 minutes.

There is an initial consultation during which your Neuro Injury Specialists doctor determines your suitability for this treatment. TMS anxiety treatment isn’t recommended if you have magnetic metal implants in the brain. You can’t have this treatment if you have a history of seizures.

During your session, you can expect:

You’re asked to remove any metallic and magnetic substances like glasses and jewelry that would be caught up in the magnets. You’re also offered earplugs.
You sit in a chair and the doctor positions the magnetic hand or straps on the helmet.
Pulses are then delivered. You may feel tapping sensations and a twitch in the hands.

What Results Can I Expect from My TMS Anxiety Treatment?

TMS anxiety treatment results are visible shortly after treatment and effective in the long term. You notice an improvement in your moods. There’s less irritability and fewer mood swings. There are lowered levels of worry, fear and anxiety attacks.

The benefits of TMS therapy for anxiety continue for long after the treatment. You also have a sense that you’re beginning to regain a positive outlook in life.

Long term changes include:

• Improved confidence. You regain self-confidence and the will to tackle different tasks and challenges of daily life.
• Enhanced quality of life. You rebuild social and professional relationships, become more productive at work and have an overall sense of well-being.
• Reduced risks. Because there was a significant change in your brain patterns, your risk of developing other mental health issues is drastically reduced.

Doctors at Neuro Injury Specialists offer advanced treatments including TMS for a wide range of neurological and nervous system disorders, including neuralgia, fibromyalgia and chronic migraines. This team has the personalized solution you seek. Don’t let anxiety control your life. Contact Neuro Injury Specialists today as a first step to regain calm and confidence.