Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a cutting-edge, evidence-backed treatment that can provide relief for patients experiencing mental health challenges. The non-invasive procedure is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat several conditions, such as depression, when other treatments have proven ineffective. As the demand for high-quality, effective mental health treatments grows, TMS is a powerful resource in our comprehensive treatment portfolio at Connections Wellness Group. We are proud to be able to offer this service through our partners at Restore Brain at select locations in the greater Dallas/Fort-Worth area.
If you think you or a family member could benefit from mental health treatment services like TMS, please reach out to us online to learn more about how our services can benefit your family.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
A non-invasive procedure, transcranial magnetic stimulation involves placing a magnetic coil near the patient’s forehead to deliver magnetic pulses that stimulate nerve cells in specific areas of the brain that are associated with mood control and depression. This stimulation is known to help improve symptoms of certain medical health conditions by influencing brain activity.
TMS does not require surgery nor any insertion into the body. It is performed in an outpatient setting at Connections Wellness Group and patients remain awake and alert throughout the session.
There are different types of TMS and ways to use it in treatment. The differences vary based on magnet strength, pulse frequency, pulse patterns, the type of magnetic coil and stimulation target. Certain types of TMS are considered better than others when treating specific conditions.
How it Helps: Benefits of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
There are numerous benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation. Here are some of the reasons to consider TMS as a treatment:
- Effective: Though results show that the rate of success varies by condition, there is strong data that supports its efficacy.
- FDA-approved: TMS is FDA-approved for treating several conditions, suggesting it is a well-researched, safe choice for patients.
- Non-invasive: Unlike other treatments that might require medication or surgery, TMS is non-invasive and does not involve any systemic side effects.
- Quick relief: A recent study from UCLA Health indicates that TMS can start alleviating symptoms within as little as one week, providing rapid relief for those in need.
- Mild side effects: The side effects of TMS are generally mild and temporary; typically scalp discomfort or mild headaches.
- Versatile treatment options: There are different ways to perform TMS, allowing it to be tailored to individual patient needs and conditions.
Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation a Good Match? Conditions it Can Treat:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals who suffer from several conditions. It is FDA-approved to treat these conditions, so you or a loved one might be a good candidate for TMS if you experience:
- Depression: For patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not responded to antidepressant medications, TMS offers a promising alternative. It helps by stimulating the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain involved in mood regulation.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): TMS has been shown to reduce the symptoms of OCD by targeting the brain circuits involved in obsessive and compulsive disorders.
- Substance use and risky behaviors: TMS can assist in substance abuse and risky behavior treatment, such as smoking cessation, by altering brain activity patterns associated with cravings and addictive behaviors.
- Migraines: Though not a mental health condition, TMS has also been approved to treat migraines.
Beyond the FDA-approved conditions, research is underway to gauge whether it is an effective treatment tool for:
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- And more
When is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Helpful?
TMS is particularly beneficial in the following scenarios:
- Treatment-resistant conditions: For individuals who have not found relief through traditional treatments like medication and psychotherapy, TMS offers a new avenue for symptom improvement.
- Preference for non-medication treatment: Patients seeking non-pharmacological treatment options due to side effects or personal preferences may find TMS to be a suitable alternative.
- Need for rapid symptom relief: Given its potential to start reducing symptoms within a week, TMS is an excellent option for those in need of urgent support.
To enhance the effects of TMS, some patients find that medication management, individual therapy or group therapy can provide additional relief when part of the treatment mix.
Connections Wellness Group’s TMS Services
Transcranial magnetic stimulation at Connections Wellness Group provides an effective treatment option for individuals struggling with depression, OCD, substance abuse and risky behaviors. If you or someone you care about could benefit from TMS or want to learn more about our mental health services, reach out to us here or call (877) 747-4294 to move your life in a direction full of hope.