FAQs about TMS

What is TMS Therapy?

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses a treatment coil placed over the patients head to administer brief magnetic pulses to a specific location in the brain.

Why does TMS work?

TMS produces changes in the activity of neurons in regions of the brain thought to be associated with mood or pain regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex. The magnetic pulses that pass through the skull and into the brain induce brief activity of nerve cells inside the magnetic field beneath the treatment coil. The frequency TMS pulse delivery influences whether brain activity is increased or decreased after therapy.

When is TMS used?

TMS might be used as an alternative treatment, or to augment pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy. Patients who have failed to achieve an adequate response from pharmacotherapy, or who are unable to tolerate medications, might consider TMS.

Are their side effects of TMS?

Side effects are generally mild to moderate and improve shortly after an individual session and decrease over time with additional sessions. They may include:

Headache
Scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation
Tingling, spasms or twitching of facial muscles
Lightheadedness

Your doctor can adjust the level of stimulation to reduce symptoms or may recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain medication before the procedure.

The most serious risk of TMS is seizures. However, the risk of a seizure is exceedingly low. In patients not predisposed to seizure either through epilepsy or medication, the risk of seizure is less than 0.5%.

What is the success rate of TMS therapy?

Most TMS providers find that TMS has a success rate at between 70% to 95%, for different psychiatric and neurological conditions, meaning that the vast majority of individuals find significant relief after treatment.

Who cannot get TMS therapy?

Patients with any type of non-removable metal in their heads (with the exception of braces or dental fillings), should not receive TMS.

Can you drink alcohol while doing TMS?

Patients must avoid all alcohol consumption during TMS treatment. Alcohol consumption greatly raises the risk of seizure. Caffeine should be avoided but a consistent, modest intake is OK

Will my insurance cover TMS?

Please click here to find about our insurance and billing policy.

For what conditions TMS can be used?

TMS has been cleared by the FDA in the treatment of drug-resistant depression, it may also be used off-label for other neurological and psychiatric disorders.

What is ‘on-label’ versus ‘off-label’ treatment?

FDA has labeled only ‘drug-resistant’ depression as ‘on-label’. Other conditions are considered ‘off-label’. Treatments are considered ‘on-label’ when the FDA approves treatment of a specific diagnosis. ‘Off-label’ indication by FDA means that the particular diagnosis in question has not been officially established by the FDA for treatment. For example, even though aspirin is used ‘off-label’ for treatment of many disorders such as heart disease, aspirin is not in fact officially approved as ‘on-label’ for treating heart disease despite its safety and efficacy.

How long is the treatment?

Duration and frequency of treatments vary for each individual and can be as short as 10 days or as long as 30 days and each session usually 30 – 40 minutes long.

Who administers TMS session?

The treatment is always administered by Dr. Din himself and he is always present to monitor the patient during the treatment.

How can I start and what should I expect during treatment?

You may contact our office by calling our office, email us or complete brief online form on the contact page for an appointment.

Click here for detailed overview of treatment.

Do I need to be hospitalized for a course of TMS?

TMS does not require any sedation or general anesthesia, so patients are fully awake and aware during the treatment. There is no “recovery time”, so patients can drive home afterwards and return to their usual activities.

What ages do we see?

In Brain Spa, we treat patients 4+ years old.

TMS Treatment and Neurofeedback