Neuro Modulation Clinic

In what conditions is TMS used?
FDA (USA) and CE (Europe) have approved TMS for many Neurological and Psychiatric conditions. Few to name are Depression, OCD, Addictions, Anxiety, Cognitive Impairments, Auditory Hallucinations, Negative symptoms in Schizophrenia, Suicidal ideations, Parkinson’s disease etc.

How long has TMS been researched in studies before getting FDA approval?
TMS has been researched since 1985, before it was approved by the US FDA in 2008. The first studies of daily left prefrontal high frequency TMS for depression date back to the mid-1990’s at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Washington, DC. The technology was investigated with millions of patients in the US and other countries. There is a large body of evidence that TMS is beneficial in relieving depressive symptoms in treatment resistant patients who failed more than one antidepressant drug therapy in their current depressive episode. In similar lines, FDA approved TMS therapy for OCD and smoking addiction also. Our devices at Asha Neuromodulation Clinic are the best in class and approved by US FDA.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for TMS?
The best way to determine whether you’re a good candidate for transcranial magnetic stimulation is to consult your doctor in the Asha Neuromodulation Clinic. They will perform a detailed assessment and discuss with you in detail regarding the procedure and any other questions you may have.

In whom is TMS contraindicated or avoided?
There are a few patients in whom TMS therapy is contraindicated or avoided (e.g., any ferromagnetic materials, Implants, devices etc. in and around the head and neck are contraindications for TMS therapy). Obtain this information, we do a detailed screening procedure for every patient before starting TMS therapy. Please take our advice at Asha Neuromodulation Clinic regarding the same in case of any doubt about your suitability for TMS therapy. We are here to Help and Guide you.

How many sessions of TMS are required?

It is primarily decided by your treating doctor, but usually for a therapeutic response you need at least 10-20 sessions in total. One or two sessions are administered per day, based on the recommendation of your doctor.

How much time does a session take?
Each session lasts between 20-30 mins depending upon the protocol used.

Does TMS require any preparation prior to the session?
We will screen you prior to administering TMS to ensure your compatibility with the therapy. Preparations like (e.g., fasting prior to a session, anaesthesia) are absolutely not required.

Does TMS have any side effect?
TMS usually does not have serious side effects. Some mild side effects may include scalp muscle twitching, mild headache etc. One very uncommon adverse event with TMS is a seizure episode (< 0.1%). In our clinical experience with TMS for the last 10 years, we never saw a patient discontinuing the treatment in view of side effects and we never saw a patient who had a TMS-induced seizure.

Will I require any recovery time after an rTMS session?

No. Since no anaesthesia and no other invasive procedure is involved, you will typically not require any specific recovery time after an rTMS. You will be able to continue with your day as soon as the treatment is over. If you experience any side effects, we may recommend a brief period of observation at the clinic to ensure your safety.

Can I use my tablets along with rTMS?

Yes, it is safe and recommended to continue your tablets along with the rTMS treatment. It is best to take the advice of the doctors about the use of medications during and after the TMS sessions.

Which technology do you use for TMS?

We have two types of TMS technologies at our clinics – the latest Brainsway deep TMS system and the MagVenturerTMS system. The Brainsway deep rTMS system is one of the latest and most cutting-edge technologies in the field, and has been FDA cleared for Major Depression, Depression with anxious distress, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and for Nicotine dependence. Its advanced technology stimulates deeper areas of the brain than those that can be stimulated by a traditional rTMS system. We are one of the only centres in the country and one of the few in the world to use this technology in psychiatry.

What is t DCS?
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), is a non-invasive, painless brain stimulation treatment that uses direct electrical currents to stimulate specific parts of the brain. A constant, low intensity current is passed through two electrodes placed over the head. The current that enters the brain tissue helps to modulate neuronal activity. There are two types of stimulation with

tDCS: anodal and cathodal stimulation. Anodal stimulation acts to excite neuronal activity while cathodal stimulation inhibits or reduces neuronal activity. tDCS is used to treat Depression, Anxiety, Hallucinations, Cognitive Dysfunctions etc.