Transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment, or TMS treatment for short, is a procedure gaining notoriety amongst the medical industry. In short, the treatment uses magnetic fields to help stimulate certain nerve cells to fight depression.
It is important to keep in mind that TMS treatment is typically reserved for cases of depression where other treatment options have failed. The following should help you understand what this treatment is about.
What Does the Treatment Involve?
First off, what is TMS treatment and how does it work? First, you should know that the process involves repetitive magnetic pulses. The specialist uses an electric coil on the skin of a person’s head. The treatment may seem a little strange, but it will be shooting these pulses into the brain, and you won’t feel a thing.
The targeted cells control a person’s mood, which is where depression is cradled. It is meant to activate the region in the brain that usually decreases depression. A patient should be aware that the reason this works is not exactly known, but there does seem to be a certain level of success.
- This treatment is considered safe, but there are some common side effects that should be pointed out, like headaches after the treatment or scalp discomfort. Some people also experience things like spasms, twitching, or lightheadedness though most of these side effects are short-lived. Still, it is a good idea to talk to the doctor about any concerns you may have before deciding on this procedure.
Things to Consider
Before starting the procedure, an expert specializing in TMS therapy will likely recommend a physical examination and a psychiatric evaluation. The results of these exams and evaluations should help tell you if you are really right for this procedure.
It should also be pointed out that there are a few things that may disqualify you from being a good candidate for this procedure. The following are some things that may stop you from moving forward:
- Being pregnant or thinking about it
- Metal or implanted devices in the body
- You are on certain medications
- History of seizures
- Dealing with substance abuse or psychosis
- Brain damage of any sort
Keep in mind that this procedure does take some time, so be ready to dedicate enough time for it each day, not to mention that you’ll need a few sessions to achieve desired results.
The treatment is non-invasive and may definitely produce the kind of results you have been hoping for. This means you won’t have to rely on a number of medications anymore.
No one is saying that the results are going to be perfect, but they definitely should be able to reduce some of the symptoms you are having trouble with. You probably will still need ongoing treatment like psychotherapy to monitor the results and continue helping you.
Another point that should be brought up is that the results may be short-lived, but do not fret. TMS can be performed again to get those results again though this time it will be called a re-induction procedure.
Hopefully, some of this information helps you make a more informed decision regarding TMS treatment and whether or not it is something you should pursue.
XOXO
Debbie
This is a collaborative post
