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Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is completely non-invasive, unlike more intensive treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In clinical studies, about 50 to 60 percent of people with treatment-resistant depression get a positive response to TMS, and about one-third of them go into full remission.
TMS treatment for depression targets the parts of your brain that may be underactive because of the depression. A specialized magnetic coil is placed against your scalp, usually near your forehead. The magnetic pulses generate small electric currents that stimulate your brain’s neural pathways. This restores your normal activity in the areas affected by depression.
At Neuro Injury Specialists, their highly skilled team in New York City and New Jersey includes experts with specialized training in treating brain injuries and psychiatric disorders.
Neuro Injury Specialists offer you different types of TMS treatment options to help you recover quickly from many conditions you’re facing, including:
You may have a higher risk of developing depression if you’re self-critical, have low self-esteem or sensitive to stress. Depression is often linked to imbalances in brain chemicals, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, which control your mood.
If these chemicals are out of balance, it can lead to depressive symptoms. Depression is one of the most widespread mental health conditions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people experience depression.
You may have a higher risk of developing depression if you:
TMS can help lift your mood and increase energy if you prefer not to rely on anti-depressants. TMS provides a drug-free treatment option that reduces your exposure to medication related side effects. Many people like you experience lasting relief from depression symptoms after completing their TMS therapy for depression course.
TMS is a less intimidating treatment option. All you have to do is sit comfortably while a magnetic coil is placed on your scalp.
TMS offers many advantages over traditional treatments, especially if you haven’t found relief through medication, neurostimulation or therapy, such as:
If you’re already taking anti-depressant medications, TMS can work alongside them by targeting areas of the brain that medications might not fully address. If you struggle with their side effects, TMS can be an alternative or reduce your reliance on medication over time. You may find that after starting TMS, you can lower medication doses or even discontinue them with your doctor’s guidance.
You may feel mild to moderate headaches, but these are usually temporary and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Slight light-headed feelings can also occur during or right after a session, but this goes away quickly too and doesn’t require any special treatment. It’s also possible to experience muscle twitching in your face or scalp during the procedure, but this is just a short-term response to the magnetic pulses.
Most side effects diminish after your first few sessions as you may experience:
TMS carries a small risk of inducing a seizure. However, the chances of this happening are extremely low, especially if you don’t have a history of seizures or epilepsy. If you do experience any mild side effects, your TMS doctor can adjust the intensity of the treatment to make it more comfortable for you.
You’ll likely attend five sessions a week, and the complete treatment typically lasts four to six weeks. Each session is relatively short; the TMS machine uses high-frequency pulses that last about 10 minutes or less. While you may start noticing improvements after just a few sessions, on average, the effects last between three months and one year. In case of no results, you can undergo treatment with Spravato.
At Neuro Injury Specialists, they specialize in helping you recover from depression and other neurological challenges with advanced treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation. With their certified team of physicians, you receive the best care possible. Contact Neuro Injury Specialists in NYC and New Jersey for TMS treatment for depression near me. Learn if the treatment is right for you.