Transcranial Magnetic
Stimulation
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
What is TMS?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is a safe, effective, and non-invasive form of brain stimulation. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), TMS devices operate outside of the body and use magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in specific areas of the brain to improve symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Addictions, Cognitive impairments etc.
Is TMS safe?
It is very safe.
Can be done on Out-patient basis.
Non- Invasive
No anaesthesia
No side effects
No sedation
You can do your daily activities and office work immediately after the session.
How many sessions of TMS are required?
It is primarily decided by the Doctor, but usually for a therapeutic response you need at least 20 sessions in total. They give it as one or two sessions per day.
How much time does a session take?
Usually, it takes 20 to 30 mins per session depending upon the protocol used.
How long has TMS been researched in studies before getting FDA approval?
TMS was approved by FDA in 2008. The first studies of daily left prefrontal TMS for depression date back to the mid-1990’s at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Washington, DC. The technology has been investigated with millions of patients in the US and abroad. There are several meta-analyses that summarize the outcomes and in most cases these ‘pooled analyses’ of the studies have found TMS to be more beneficial than sham (or fake treatment) in relieving depressive symptoms in largely treatment resistant patients who failed more than one antidepressant drug therapy in their current depressive episode.
Our devices at Asha Neuromodulation Clinic are the best in class and approved by US FDA.
Does TMS have any side effects?
TMS usually does not have any worse side effects. Very few side effects are scalp muscle twitching, Mild headache etc. The 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 had a Seizure episode with TMS. If at all there is some discomfort involved with TMS therapy, it is very very minimal.
How do I know if I’m 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 department. They do a detailed assessment, diagnosis, procedure explanation, screening, take consent and then will proceed with the treatment.
In whom TMS is contraindicated?
Any ferromagnetic materials, Implants, devices etc in and around the head and neck are contraindicated for TMS therapy. But please do take the experts advise at Asha Neuromodulation Unit before deciding anything. We are here to Help and Guide you.
In what conditions TMS is used?
FDA and CE have approved TMS for many Neuro and Psychiatric conditions.
Few to name are: Depression, OCD, Addictions, Anxiety, Cognitive Impairments, Auditory Hallucinations, Negative symptoms in schizophrenia, Suicidal ideations, Parkinson’s etc
Can I use my Tablets along with TMS?
Yes, it is safe and also recommended to continue your tablets along with the TMS sessions. It is best to take the advice of the doctors about the use of medications during and after the TMS sessions.