TMS uses safe magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, with the aim of improving symptoms of depression or other mental health conditions. TMS can involve repetitive magnetic pulses, so it’s also called repetitive TMS or rTMS.
TMS was first mentioned in scientific literature in 1985, and its use has increased substantially over the last 20 years in prominent medical facilities across the world, such as The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Mayo Clinic in the US.
The therapeutic potential of this therapy is recognised globally, including by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and it is also used widely across Europe and Australia.
TMS treatments have been safely provided for 30 years. TMS does not require surgery or implantation of electrodes. And, unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS doesn’t require anaesthesia.
TMS is not associated with many of the side effects caused by antidepressant medications, such as gastrointestinal upset, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, weight gain or sedation.
Instead, TMS is well tolerated by patients and has very few side effects that are only experienced by a small percentage of patients. These side effects are generally mild to moderate, improve shortly after a session, and also decrease over time with additional sessions.
The most common side effects include headaches; scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation; tingling, spasms or twitching of facial muscles; and light-headedness.
If you experience any of these side effects during a session, we can adjust the level of stimulation immediately to reduce symptoms. We may also recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain medication before the procedure.
The most serious possible side effect is seizures, but the risk is exceeding low and safety guidelines are in place to further minimise any risk.
Earplugs are worn during the treatment, as the TMS equipment produces a loud clicking noise. Some patients may complain of hearing problems immediately after the treatment, but this effect dissipates soon, with no evidence of any permanent effect on hearing.
As with all newer treatments, there may be unforeseeable risks that are currently unknown.
To ensure our patients’ safety, we always follow the most recent safety guidelines and protocols at Clinical Treatment Solutions.
Outstanding results have been achieved in relieving the symptoms of depression and anxiety in many patients. As shown by the clinical trials, the number of patients that responded to TMS therapy in antidepressant drug-resistant patients is about 60%.
Magnetic stimulation is also successfully used for rehabilitation of stroke patients and for treatment of patients with other neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Many people report immediate results, such as improved sleeping and feeling better in general, while others display and report significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life over the course of treatment.
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