What is TMS therapy?

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. TMS therapy is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation that relies on electromagnetic induction using an insulated coil placed over the scalp, focused on the area of the brain thought to play a role in mood regulation.

Short magnetic pulses produced by the coil often travel readily and painlessly through the skull and into the brain. The pulses produced are of the same kind and power as those produced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment.

TMS therapy may be the best course of action if you have tried medicine for your mental health problems without success or just wish to try a prescription-free approach. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of TMS therapy so you can decide if it's the appropriate treatment for you.

The pros of TMS therapy

1. Benefits accruing from outpatient treatment

Only outpatient treatment is necessary for TMS. This implies that the TMS therapist treating you at the TMS center of your choosing can do so without significantly interfering with your everyday activities or your commitments for the week. Five weekly consultations are frequently required for TMS treatment.

2. No medications needed

There are no prescription medicines used in TMS therapy. This means that you won't experience any of the typical negative effects of medication, such as gaining weight, stomach problems, memory loss, weariness, or a drop in sex drive.

3. High success rate

According to reports, approximately 50% to 60% of people with depression who have tried and failed to benefit from medication experience have noted a clinically meaningful response to TMS therapy.

4. Non-invasive procedure

TMS doctors do not need to sedate you or administer any additional drugs, such as painkillers, in order to do TMS treatment.

5. Low risk of seizures

Reports by leading TMS therapy practitioners, such as TMS therapy Long Beach, have reported a low risk of seizures with TMS therapy.

6. Quick and flexible appointments

TMS therapy sessions are often extremely brief, and once they are over, you can drive yourself somewhere else to take care of your regular duties. Each appointment only takes a short amount of time, giving you the freedom to plan treatments around your everyday schedule.

The cons of TMS therapy

1. Scalp discomfort

Patients undergoing TMS therapy may report experiencing very minor scalp discomfort during their first TMS therapy appointment. However, this soreness subsides after a few treatments.

2. Time management challenges

Even though TMS therapy sessions are often brief, it may take several to experience all of the therapy's advantages. One's capacity to successfully manage their time is impacted by this.

3. Availability of the facilities

TMS treatment is a recent development. This indicates that there aren't many establishments delivering this particular type of care. As a result, there may be a wait for your first visit because slots tend to fill up rapidly.

4. The cost factor

Although most extended health plans will help with the cost of TMS therapy, many people without insurance or extended coverage may not be able to afford the treatment.

The middle ground between the pros and cons of TMS therapy

TMS therapy has some drawbacks, but these are obviously outweighed by the therapy’s potential advantages.

How do I locate TMS therapy near me?

If you weighed the pros and cons of the treatment and established that it might be the right fit for you, don’t hesitate to get the relief you deserve to embark on living the life that you aspire to. Reach out to Roots TMS for help with TMS consultation, therapy, and information at 562-268-5813.