What is transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment?

TMS is a clinical treatment that stimulates the brain using electromagnetic pulses. These pulses are delivered through an electromagnetic coil placed against your scalp. The pulses energize brain cells and increase activity in targeted areas. This increased brain activity has the potential to improve various mental and neurological conditions.

The treatment is done by a TMS technician or TMS physician. It’s a noninvasive procedure, so it doesn’t require surgery or cutting the skin. This means that after treatment, you can drive yourself home, go to work and return to your daily activities. A TMS treatment session often only lasts about 30 minutes. You will come in five times a week for six weeks.

TMS is commonly used to treat depression. It is especially effective for patients with treatment-resistant depression, who don’t respond to antidepressants or psychotherapy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant or major depression in 2008.

TMS therapy can benefit a number of conditions

TMS is currently FDA cleared for the following conditions:

Depression — TMS is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, sometimes simply known as depression. Research has shown that depression is linked to reduced brain activity in the prefrontal cortex. TMS can help reduce depressive symptoms by stimulating the nerve cells in this area. If you are struggling with depression, you may benefit from looking for TMS treatment near you.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — The FDA also approved TMS treatment for OCD in 2018. TMS is recommended if a person with OCD hasn’t responded to medication or psychotherapy. Unlike depression, OCD is associated with increased activity in the prefrontal cortex. TMS can be used to decrease brain activity in this area and reduce OCD symptoms.

Anxious depression — Anxiety is a common symptom of psychological disorders like depression and OCD. By treating these conditions, TMS treatment may also decrease anxiety. TMS can also be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Similar to OCD, people with GAD often have increased activity in their prefrontal cortex. TMS can be used to reduce activity in this region.

More indications may come in the future

Researchers are currently studying how using TMS as a treatment modality could benefit the following conditions:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — A 2019 review showed that TMS can also be used to treat PTSD. TMS can also be combined with cognitive processing therapy for PTSD treatment.

Stroke rehabilitation — Some evidence suggests that TMS may help with stroke rehabilitation. A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced. This can cause brain cells to die, resulting in loss of muscle movement. TMS pulses can be used to stimulate the motor cortex and help restore muscle movement.

Schizophrenia — Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder. The main symptom is auditory hallucinations. A 2019 review suggests that TMS therapy can be used to stimulate the part of the brain that controls language. This can help reduce auditory hallucinations.

Substance use and addiction — Another reason to look for TMS treatment near you is if you are looking for help with addiction. One 2013 study found that TMS can help reduce nicotine cravings. Nicotine releases dopamine, or the “happy hormone.” It triggers signals in the reward system of your brain, including the prefrontal cortex. This results in nicotine cravings and addiction. TMS can help reduce nicotine cravings by targeting the prefrontal cortex and influencing the release of dopamine. There is potential that TMS can help with other types of addiction involving dopamine. However, more research must be done to confirm if it’s an effective treatment for multiple types of addiction.

Bipolar disorder — TMS treatment has demonstrated potential for helping people with bipolar disorder reduce their depressive symptoms.

Looking for a TMS treatment provider? See if there is an Active Path location near you

Are you interested in TMS treatment? If you’re located in Oregon or Washington state, there may be an Active Path treatment facility near you.

You can schedule a consultation appointment at one of our locations today. During your consultation, you will meet with one of our mental health care providers to discuss your condition and symptoms. You may also be asked to discuss your previous treatment experiences. Then, our Active Path team can explain what to expect with TMS and make a recommendation for next steps.
Contact our team today for more information or schedule an initial appointment.