All You Need To Know About Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

You hear the word depression and think of the devastating impact the condition has on a life. Depression is characterized by negative thinking, persistent sadness, and emotions that may be difficult to control without help. Sandy Springs interventional psychiatry includes transcranial magnetic stimulation, which helps you deal with depression that refuses to improve after standard treatments. TMS devices will deliver magnetic pulses to your brain through your skull to encourage the production of chemicals that improve your mood. The following article will discuss how transcranial magnetic stimulation improves depression symptoms and what you can expect during treatment.
How Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Work?
Your doctor may recommend transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat depression, especially where standard treatments like medications and psychotherapy have failed. During a TMS, your doctor will place a coil on your forehead to deliver magnetic pulses to improve your moods and improve depression. The stimulation will change your brain’s working, easing your depression symptoms.
How Do You Prepare for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Before your procedure, you will undergo a physical exam and include lab tests, among other tests. You may also undergo a psychiatric evaluation to discuss your depression symptoms. During this session, you may need to inform your doctor about metal devices in your body because TMS may not fit you. It would be best to inform your doctor about your current medications and health history, including seizures and other mental health conditions.
What Happens During Your First Treatment Session?
Before your treatment, your doctor will identify a fitting place to put the magnets and determine the right dose. You will then sit in a reclining chair and wear earplugs during treatment. Next, your doctor places an electromagnetic coil against your head to produce stimulating pulses. You will likely experience a tapping sensation on your forehead. Your doctor may adjust the magnetic dose and change the amount of stimulation depending on your symptoms. The procedure may take up to an hour.
What Happens During Other Treatment Sessions?
Your next treatment sessions will follow a similar trend, involving your doctor identifying your dose and placing the electromagnetic coil against your head. Next, your doctor turns on the machine, tapping your forehead as it produces stimulating pulses. Your treatment may last up to 40 minutes during these other sessions.
What Can You Expect After Treatment?
You can resume regular activities after you complete your treatment sessions. You will know the treatment was a success if you notice an improvement in your depression symptoms over the next few weeks after treatment. Your doctor may recommend other standard treatments like psychotherapy and medication as part of your ongoing treatment after a TMS session. You can have another repeated treatment session with TMS if you develop another episode of depression symptoms.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive procedure where your doctor places an electromagnetic coil against your head to produce pulses that improve your depression symptoms. Treatment will not hurt, but you may experience mild discomfort as the tapping continues on your forehead. After your treatment, you will likely notice an improvement in symptoms almost immediately. Your symptoms will improve in the following weeks after your first treatment session. You can continue with your standard treatments even after your TMS session and have a repeat session if you have another episode of depression.