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What is TMS?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a treatment for major depression. It is a noninvasive procedure that does not require surgery. This treatment is FDA-approved for people who have not found relief from antidepressant medications.

TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the prefrontal cortex. The cortex is the part of the brain that regulates mood. It is often less active in people with depression. By restoring activity in this area, TMS may help reduce depressive symptoms.

TMS can also be used to stimulate deeper sections of the brain. This is called deep TMS, and is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

A prescription is required for standard and deep TMS treatments. A board-certified psychiatrist will supervise your treatment.

To schedule an evaluation, please call (352) 265-4TMS (4687).

What are the key benefits of TMS therapy?

• Noninvasive: No surgery or physical interventions required.
• Nonaddictive: Safe treatment without the risk of dependency.
• Personalized: Tailored to meet your specific needs and conditions.
• Proven effective: Demonstrated success in treating various mental health conditions.
• Zero downtime: Return to your regular daily activities immediately

What happens during TMS?

Before treatment starts, you will have a full evaluation. This will include:

• A physical exam
• A behavioral health assessment
• A review of your medical history

This evaluation helps decide if TMS is right for you. It also checks to see if you would benefit from deep TMS.

Next, a mapping session will happen. This session finds the best spot on your scalp to place the TMS coil. This ensures precise targeting to make your treatment as effective as possible.

During each TMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp. The coil delivers focused magnetic pulses to the targeted region of your brain. The treatment does not need anesthesia. You can go back to your normal activities right after.

TMS treatment usually includes five sessions a week for several weeks. After that, the number of sessions will slowly decrease over three weeks. You may have up to 36 sessions, depending on how you respond to treatment.

How long will I need TMS?

The duration of a session for TMS depends on the patient鈥檚 brain stimulation pattern. These scans can take as little as three minutes to an hour. Most TMS sessions generally take less than 10 minutes. You will visit your TMS clinic five days a week for four to six consecutive weeks. The good news is that there is no down time required after a TMS session.

Medication use

TMS can be used alone or with medication, however, TMS therapy is often performed on individuals who don鈥檛 respond well to the side effects of antidepressants or have stopped responding to the medication entirely.

TMS does not require anesthesia.

Potential side effects

As a TMS patient, some potential side effects may include:

• Emotional highs
• Headaches and migraines
• Seizures
• Slight scalp discomfort
• Tingling or twitching facial muscles

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation quick facts

• TMS treatments are free of side effects typically experienced with antidepressant medications.
• Each TMS treatment takes less than 10 minutes and is conducted in a doctor鈥檚 office five days a week for approximately four to six weeks.
• Patients receiving TMS treatment are awake and alert. They can speak with the doctor or clinician at any time during treatment.
• After a TMS treatment, the patient can return to normal activities, such as work and school, immediately.
• A patient receiving TMS treatment will have a magnetic coil device placed on their head while sitting in a comfortable treatment chair.
• The patient may hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation during TMS treatment.
• TMS is covered by most insurance plans.

Clinical trials have proved the effectiveness of TMS in treating patients with major depression. One out of two patients improved significantly, and one out of three patients was free of depression symptoms completely.

Insurance & payment

Insurance companies determine a patient鈥檚 financial eligibility for reimbursement. The initial evaluation for TMS therapy usually is covered by insurances. UF offers payment plans for TMS treatments.