Treatment for Depression

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an effective treatment option for people suffering from depression.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe, modern, and non-invasive way to help “turn the lights back on” in areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is designed specifically for people who have tried medications for depression but did not get the relief they needed.

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation:

• Transcranial: Means “across the skull”.
• Magnetic: The treatment uses a special magnet, just like the ones in an MRI machine.
• Stimulation: The magnet wakes up brain cells (neurons) that are not working efficiently.

How Does TMS Work?

TMS treatment with the NeuroStar^® Advanced Therapy System uses is a machine with a coil that looks a bit like a wand or a specialized paddle. A doctor places this coil gently against your scalp. The device sends multiple short magnetic pulses directly into a specific part of your brain called the prefrontal cortex, which is at the front of the head. This part of the brain controls mood, and for people with depression, it often isn’t active enough.

When the magnet pulses, it creates harmless electrical current that travels through the skull and activates the brain cells underneath. This helps improve mood regulation.

What Happens During a Session?

Most people report that a TMS session is quite tolerable, plus it does not involve surgery, and you don't need to be put to sleep (no anesthesia).

• Comfort: You will sit in a comfortable, reclining chair, like a dentist's chair.
• Sensation: When the machine is on, you will feel a tapping or clicking sensation on your head. It feels like someone is lightly tapping their finger quickly on your scalp.
• No Downtime: As soon as the 20 minutes TMS session is over, you can drive yourself home or return to work or school immediately.
• Frequency: It is not a one-time thing. You need to go to the TMS Center five days a week for seven weeks. Repetition and consistency are the key to getting the full benefit of the TMS treatment.

Key Benefits of TMS

• Effective: Studies show that about 50-60% of people with "stubborn" depression (treatment-resistant) feel much better after TMS, and many see their symptoms go away entirely.
• No Medication Side Effects: Unlike pills, TMS doesn't cause weight gain, sleepiness, or nausea.
• Long-Lasting: The improvements often last for many months, even after the sessions end.
• Safe: It is FDA-cleared and very safe, with mild side effects like a temporary headache or scalp discomfort that goes away fast.

Who is TMS For?

TMS is for adults who have tried medication and still feel depressed. It is not for people with metal implants (like metal plates or coils) in their heads.

TMS offers a new, FDA-cleared, insurance covered, way to treat depression by directly targeting the brain's "wiring" to improve mood, recreate joy in your life, and restore a better quality of life.

How do you access TMS?

The first step is to visit NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System to complete a self-assessment questionnaire to determine if you are a candidate for TMS.

Discuss your options with your primary care provider or psychiatrist. They can complete the referral forms and then monitor your progress, in collaboration with the RRMC TMS providers, during the weeks you receive TMS.