One of the most common causes of disability is depression. Individuals suffering from depression can get better through numerous treatment methods such as taking antidepressant pills and attending therapy sessions (psychotherapy). However, these typical treatments may not work for each patient who tries them.
In addition, metal health treatments often come with some side effects. Some patients are unable to see any improvement in symptoms after therapy sessions or endure the side effects of depression medicines such as:
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Erectile dysfunction
- Dizzy
- Constipation
- Feeling unsteady or restless
Therefore, one is required alternative medication to help people suffering from depression: transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy.
What is TMS therapy
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive procedure to stimulate the brain’s nerve cells using a magnetic field to improve symptoms of depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is widely used when other treatments have failed. Treatment of this depression involves repeated application of magnetic pulses hence it’s called repetitive rTMS or TMS.
TMS treatment is also a non-drug treatment of depression. Based on studies performed on patients on transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, 50% of patients with resistance depression experienced improvement in symptoms after the session. After this therapy session, the results you get will not last eternally, but they can improve your quality of life for several months.
Benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy
Transcranial magnetic stimulation offers substantial benefits for major depressive disorder. Below are the advantages of TMS treatment.
- It’s non-invasive. This treatment stimulates the brain neurons and underlying pain.
- TMS doesn’t require any anesthesia. Therefore, you’ll stay awake throughout the process.
- No need to be hospitalized. After therapy, you’ll continue with your daily activities.
- TMS therapy is a proven treatment for major depressive disorder.
How does TMS treatment work?
The electromagnetic coil is held near your forehead to the scalp. Electromagnetic pulses work painlessly by sending magnetic pulses to stimulate your nerve cells. Magnetic pulses only work in the brain region involved in depression and mood control.
It is believed to activate areas of the brain that have low depressive activity. The whole biology of how TMS works is not perfectly understood, but the stimulation that’s induced has an impact on the work activity of the brain. In return, the process elevates mood and relieves depressive symptoms. Treatment can be given in numerous ways, depending on the expert.
What to expect from transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy can be done in a clinic or doctor’s office. The process requires several treatment sessions to work effectively, with most clinics conducting sessions five times a week for 4 – 6 weeks.
Your first treatment
The first time you have TMS therapy, your doctor will need to determine the best place on your head to start and place electromagnets. Also, the doctor needs to identify the right dose of magnetic energy for you. Therefore, your first meeting may last 60 minutes.
You will be given earplugs and asked to sit down during the procedure. The electromagnetic coil will repeatedly turn on and off after it’s placed on your head.
You will experience a clicking or tapping sound and a sensation on your forehead for a few seconds then it will end. The doctor will increase the electromagnetic dose gradually until your hand or finger twitches.
During treatment
You will be ready to start once the coil is placed successfully in your head and the dose is identified. Throughout the process, you will sit with earplugs and a magnetic coil on your head.
The procedure can take 40 to 60 minutes, during which time you’ll be awake and alert. You may feel a little discomfort on your scalp during the treatment, but it will not last long.
After treatment
You can return to your normal daily activities after the procedure or rest. Between each treatment, you can drive and work normally. You may be recommended for normal depression treatments such as psychotherapy and medicine after TMS.
