TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation)

What is TMS and how can it help me? 

If you have chronic depression, and the treatments you have tried are just not making you feel any better, TMS may be an option for you.  

TMS (transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) uses magnetic fields for nerve cell stimulation in the brain to improve severe symptoms of depression.  This procedure is non-invasive and is used for people who have failed standard treatments.  

It is also called rTMS or repetitive TMS since it delivers repetitive magnetic pulses into the brain.  During an rTMS procedure, an electromagnetic coil is positioned on the scalp near the forehead.  Pulses are delivered to stimulate the nerve cells in the section of the brain that handle mood control.  The purpose of the pulses is to activate the areas in the brain that show decreased activity in patients who are depressed.  The repetitive stimulation to the brain eases depression symptoms and improves mood.  

Besides the obvious benefit of the easing of depressive symptoms, this procedure does not require anesthesia.  It is performed on an outpatient basis, and you can drive yourself home after the treatment.  Some patients, however, choose to have someone drive them home after the first treatment as a little extra precaution to be sure that you do not have any adverse reactions.  

MaxHealth Family, Internal, & Sports Medicine offers TMS for patients struggling with chronic depression.  Text 817-663-8162 or call 817-355-8000 to make an appointment today.