Category Archives: tms

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has emerged as an effective treatment for various neurological and psychiatric disorders, and it is a light of hope for many lives who have not found any relief using traditional or common therapies. TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate different brain areas, fostering positive behavioral changes. In any medical treatment, safety is paramount for every patient, and this technological era has made TMS a well-tolerated option for many people. If you are interested in learning more about TMS Safety & TMS Treatment Centers, you are at a perfect place. Let’s explore TMS Safety in detail right away.

TMS Safety Advancements:

Technology is playing a critical role in the medical and treatment of serious illnesses, and TMS is one of these. The TMS process uses electromagnetic coils near the scalp to generate magnetic pulses that stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS is generally safe and tolerable, with minor side effects like mild scalp discomfort and lightheadedness being easily managed.

Thanks to the latest technology, TMS treatment centers now employ the latest advancements to enhance precision, patient well-being, and safety. Some modern advancements in TMS safety include:

Advanced Software’s for Targeted Stimulation

One of the major successes at TMS Treatment Centers is the addition of 3D brain models and mapping using some software that can easily specify areas for stimulation & in this way, practitioners have real-time data to identify the exact spot for stimulation. Real-time monitoring results in minimizing potential mental health risks, and increases the overall TMS safety efficiency by not targeting the unintended areas, and it results in productive outcomes for the patient.

Advanced TMS Coil Design:

Coil Design is a vital area of TMS safety development, with the availability of various coil designs, it has become easy to target the specific brain regions more precisely and reduce the potential risks. There is ongoing research into advanced coil designs to reach deeper brain areas more precisely.

Researchers are exploring many novel coil designs, including H-Coils, to address the inefficient penetration of the skull by the standard coil. These coils deliver very targeted magnetic stimulation to the deeper regions of the brain while ensuring safety.

Standardized Protocols:

Regulatory bodies and professional organizations play a vital role in ensuring the safe implementation of TMS technology. They establish guidelines and standards for equipment safety, treatment protocols, and practitioner qualifications. To ensure TMS safety, TMS treatment centers are continuously improving their protocols using their past experiences. The fetched data helps practitioners to plan new therapies to assist people in the best way.

Standardized protocols ensure consistent and safe application of TMS across many treatment centers, thereby enhancing overall patient satisfaction.

Integration of AI in TMS Safety:

Artificial Intelligence is making big leaps in every field, and its wonders are spreading the light of hope in TMS Safety as well. With AI predictive analytics, AI algorithms can quickly review the vast amount of data like treatment procedures, patient demographics & treatment protocols, and even historical safety incidents that can contribute significantly. By identifying patterns in the provided data, AI can effortlessly predict potential risks for specific patients or treatment protocols. By this way, healthcare professionals can easily adjust the treatment plans to avoid potential risks.

AI can be integrated into the real-time monitoring in order to note brain activity and other psychological activities timely. With AI, irreplaceable human experience in the form of trained practitioners is and will always be needed.

The Future of TMS Safety:

The future of TMS safety appears promising, especially with the advent of the latest technological advancements. We can expect remarkable developments in the medical field. However, human experience will continue to be crucial.

In the upcoming years, we may witness closed-loop TMS systems that may keenly adjust stimulation parameters. AI seems promising for TMS safety, and in the future, TMS treatment centers will be utilizing these advancements for risk prediction, real-time monitoring, and tailored treatment approaches as per the patient’s needs.

Explore TMS treatment today to discover how these innovations are transforming lives !

In mental health care, psychotherapy also known as “Talk Therapy” stands as a crucial pillar of mental health treatment, offering frustrated individuals a pathway to healing and growth. Whether you are navigating the complexities of anxiety, depression, or any other psychological challenges, the role of psychotherapy extends beyond just a treatment, rather it is integral to well-being. Let’s discover more about Psychotherapy.

Understanding Psychotherapy:

“Psychotherapy is a medical treatment that assists people in coping with their serious health issues and emotional challenges through various therapies designed to identify the patient’s behaviors and their individual needs.” Having several structured sessions with trained professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed therapists, individuals get to learn and examine their disturbing thoughts, restless emotions, behaviors, and relationships in a safe and confidential environment. The organized process aims to reduce distress, strengthen coping mechanisms, and foster personal development in a person’s life. Psychotherapy sessions can be conducted one-on-one with a trained psychiatrist or in a group depending on the conditions and needs.

Defining Individual Psychotherapy:

Individual Psychotherapy refers to the treatment of personality and emotional problems using a psychological process, and it is a secure discussion between a therapist and a person who is undergoing psychotherapy. Based on each person’s unique needs, therapists tailor their approach to suit the individual, drawing from procedures like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and more. These procedures will address symptoms and analyze underlying causes, promoting lasting change and emotional resilience.

The relationship between a therapist and client is based on trust, empathy, and mutual respect, and this relationship serves as a safe foundation from which a person can explore difficult emotions, and find a way for better and transformative well-being.

Benefits of Individual Psychotherapy:

Individual psychotherapy can be a life-changing and valuable experience for people with troubling emotions. Here are some of the positive outcomes you can expect:

• Reduced Symptoms: Individual Psychotherapy can significantly lessen symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health illnesses.
• Emotional Regulation: You will develop better coping mechanisms to manage difficult emotions efficiently and quickly.
• Healthy Relations: Psychotherapy promotes and fosters better communication skills and more powerful boundaries, leading to healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
• Greater Self-Esteem: You will have a deeper understanding and gratitude for yourself, leading to self-compassion, care, and confidence.
• Increased Resilience: Psychotherapy equips you with the right tools to handle life’s challenges and recover from setbacks comfortably.

 Let’s take the first step towards clarity, relief, and lasting well-being.

The Role of Psychotherapy in Modern Healthcare:

“In today’s healthcare, psychotherapy is increasingly being recognized as a vital element of mental healthcare and is utilized alongside medications to treat numerous mental health conditions.” In some cases, medications are suggested, but in other cases, online psychotherapy is the best recommended based on the patient’s health, and psychotherapy has undoubtedly been a beneficial treatment for many patients.

By collaborating with trained psychiatrists, primary healthcare physicians, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals, therapists ensure comprehensive support for individuals having complex mental health conditions. This collaborative approach not only improves treatment outcomes but also reduces the stigma surrounding mental illness, promoting a more inclusive, cooperative, and supportive healthcare environment for all people.

The Future of Psychotherapy:

Mental health is as crucial as physical health, and as technology advances, psychotherapy is evolving to meet the needs of the digital age with each passing day. Digital platforms like mobile applications offer tools for self-care, mindfulness, and emotional regulation while complementing traditional therapeutic approaches. In upcoming years as per the experts’ predictions, psychotherapy will witness a rise in the field of mental health treatment with its efficient treatment approaches.

Accepting innovation while upholding therapeutic principles, psychotherapy remains adaptable to the evolving needs of individuals worldwide. If you are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, consider taking that first step and reaching out to a qualified therapist.

Explore more about Individual Psychotherapy!.

 

The world of mental health has evolved to a major extent as it is attempting to offer patients the safest possible care. This is especially true for the treatment of depression where mental health professionals are evaluating Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment versus medication, the contraindications, and the benefits of each treatment when it comes to the long-term prognosis of depression symptoms altogether.

In this article, we will give a detailed overview of the differences between TMS therapy for depression and medication in treating patients with depression. By the end of it, you will know which approach is ideal.

How do Medications Work for Depression Patients

The most common type of medications that are prescribed to patients suffering from depression are antidepressants. Antidepressants work by affecting the neural activity in the brain of the patient through several pathways that may result in symptom reduction and mood elevation.

There are three generations of antidepressants based on different characteristics and the period of development.

• First Generation Antidepressants – First Generation medicines were first made in the 1950s and they were originally developed for the treatment of tuberculosis. Medical researchers were extremely impressed with the mood-elevating abilities that it entailed and therefore, it was adopted for treating depression as well.
• Second Generation Antidepressants – The medical field moved to second-generation antidepressants in the 1980s and now the focus was more on neurotransmitters that were the primary source of mood elevation, serotonin. Mostly, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered second-generation antidepressants.
• Third Generation Antidepressants – It was actually in the 1990s that third-generation antidepressants made their way into the field of mental health treatments. They were more advantageous and the treatment was extremely safe in case of any dire side effects. These third-generation antidepressants aim to go beyond serotonin alone. Now, Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are the main medication class in this specific category.

The Reason Antidepressants Can Sometimes Fail

Antidepressants are considered ineffective if they are unable to do the following:

• If it was discovered to be unsuccessful in lowering the degree of severity, frequency, or duration of the symptoms.
• If its negative effects were determined to be so serious that they outweighed the advantages, or if the patient was unable to keep taking it.

How Does TMS Work?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), is a non-invasive treatment that is widely used for treating patients suffering from depression. It makes use of electromagnetic fields to regulate the neural activity of the brain that is found to be associated with depression, mostly the bilateral prefrontal cortex.
Since TMS Treatment is a non-invasive procedure, it does not require anesthesia or does not even have any long-lasting side effects that can hinder the patient’s daily routine in any manner.

TMS Therapy for Depression has two types that are currently being utilized for the treatment of depression:

• TMS – TMS was approved by the FDA in the year 2008 for treating depression. It sends the electromagnetic waves that it produces to the brain using a handheld figure-8 magnet. TMS Treatment, while FDA-approved for efficacy and safety, can have targeting concerns because the handheld instrument can miss the desired brain structure especially in Deep TMS.
• Deep TMS – Deep TMS Treatment was approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression in 2013. It employs its own, patented H-Coil technology, which is housed within a cushioned helmet that is fitted to the patient’s head.

Deep TMS’s distinctive technology and equipment allow it to reach deeper parts of the brain directly as well as address greater portions of the brain concurrently.

Is TMS better than Medications in the Treatment for Depression?

TMS Therapy for Depression has shown significant improvement in patients battling depression, mostly in those cases where pharmacology failed to offer them relief. Although, even TMS does not guarantee full remission to treatment-resistant patients, they tend to find it beneficial in their long-term journey.
Research has shown that previously in patients where medications were not as effective, those same patients responded quite well to TMS. If the patients did not respond immediately to the treatment, they were showing significant improvements in the later phase where the TMS was continued for more than 4 weeks. On the whole, TMS also poses limited side effects on the health of the patients as well.
The main focus behind giving treatment to patients suffering from depression is to achieve remission. The key focus is on mood alleviation and symptoms improving by the day.

As per our analysis, TMS therapy for depression can be the better option given the kind of impact it has on the health of the patients and the low risk of side effects. It can also be used in conjunction with other therapies.

Medication Vs. TMS Treatment

TMS and medication efficacy may vary, although medicine (together with psychotherapy) is widely regarded as the first-line treatment for depression. It ought to be pointed out as well that the efficacy of any medication can be increased when they are combined.

Research shows that deep TMS Therapy for Depression can be taken with any form of medicine. The treatment is likely to achieve much greater remission rates when paired with an antidepressant, compared to a treatment for depression course that just comprised medicine, according to the study.

It is a tough call when it comes to deciding which treatment course is suitable for a patient and the advice is better administered by a licensed or a mental health professional only. Based upon the patients’ symptoms and their reaction to the treatment can tell us better which one is an ideal fix.

Both treatments are safe and recommended by health professionals for the treatment of patients suffering from depression. Both antidepressants and TMS are safe and effective when it comes to giving relief from depressive symptoms. SSRI and SNRI medications are always the first in line for treating the overall condition of depression patients.

Other than the medications, psychotherapy is always recommended on the side as well. But, now with the advent of a non-invasive form of treatment, TMS can easily bring about significant changes in patients suffering from depression. TMS therapy for depression is typically prescribed as a combination with other types of therapies or medications as well to increase effectiveness.

Patients who have severe depression tend to face treatment-resistant depression or they experience the most adverse side effects of the medications. For such patients, a non-invasive option like TMS is the best one.

Conclusion

To sum it up, it is always recommended that decisions relating to your health must always be consulted with a trained health professional who can develop a treatment plan with you.

It all depends upon the patient’s condition and what the healthcare professional thinks is the optimal treatment based on the relevant symptoms altogether. In our opinion, TMS Treatment is the best when it is given in combination with medications as it shows long-term effective outcomes in the patient altogether.

You can always get in touch with a health provider or visit SNBCare for a free consultation.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has become a popular non-invasive treatment option for Major Depressive Disorder in recent years. By delivering electromagnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain, TMS can help relieve depression symptoms without surgery or medication.

However, as with any medical treatment, TMS does come with potential side effects. As you consider Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment, it’s important to have the full picture of what to expect, both during and after treatment sessions. Being informed on the realities of TMS will allow you to make the best decision for your mental health.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key facts you should know about possible TMS side effects. We’ll also provide tips to minimize any discomfort from Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment.

What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

First, let’s quickly review what TMS is and how it works. TMS is a non-invasive, non-drug depression treatment. During a session, a device delivers electromagnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain.

The magnetic pulses pass through the skull to stimulate mood-regulating neurons. The stimulation increases activity in underactive areas of the brain responsible for mood.

TMS aims to rebalance brain activity associated with depression. Recent TMS research has shown it can be as effective as antidepressant medication for some people.

Sessions typically last 18 minutes and 40 seconds and are administered 5 days per weeks. The full course of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment of 36 sessions.

What Are Common TMS Side Effects?

TMS is considered very safe overall, especially compared to psychiatric medication or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Still, some people do experience side effects from Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment.

Here are some of the most common side effects reported in TMS research:

• Headaches - This is one of the most frequently reported side effects. Headaches can occur during or after Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment sessions. They tend to be mild and often improve over the course of treatment.
• Scalp discomfort - Some people experience a tingling or irritating sensation on their scalp where the magnetic coil is placed. This discomfort is temporary and tends to lessen over time.
• Lightheadedness or dizziness - Magnetic stimulation can occasionally cause brief lightheadedness or dizziness. This side effect is short-lived, lasting only a minute or two after each pulse.
• Facial muscle twitches - The magnetic pulses can stimulate facial nerves and muscles, causing occasional twitches. These are harmless and subside right after the session.
• Mood changes - Some people report mood swings, anxiety, or irritability, especially in the first week of TMS. This usually stabilizes quickly as treatment continues.
• Sleepiness - TMS can have a fatiguing effect. Some people get sleepy during or after sessions. Taking naps is encouraged to avoid sleep deprivation.

In very rare cases, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment may cause seizures or mania. This risk is less than 1% for Major Depressive Disorder patients.

How Can Side Effects Be Minimized?

While TMS side effects are usually mild, it helps to take a proactive approach to minimize discomfort. Here are some tips that may reduce the chances of adverse effects:

• Take over-the-counter pain medication before sessions if recommended by your doctor. Pain relievers can prevent stimulation headaches.
• Use earplugs during treatment to muffle the clicking sounds of the magnetic pulses. This protects hearing and reduces headaches.
• Ask your TMS technician to adjust the stimulation intensity slowly. Sudden surges in intensity can heighten side effects.
• Report any discomfort to your TMS provider so adjustments can be made. Don’t try to grin and bear it.
• Stay hydrated by drinking extra water before and after treatment. Dehydration exacerbates headaches.
• Avoid caffeine for several hours prior to treatment, as it can amplify anxiety or jitteriness.
• Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing during the session to minimize tension.
• Plan rest periods around your TMS appointments to conserve energy.
• Apply a cold pack to your head after treatment to reduce headaches or scalp discomfort

When Are Side Effects Cause for Concern?

In most cases, TMS side effects are minor nuisances that come and go with each session. They generally don’t pose serious medical risks.

However, contact your TMS doctor right away if you experience:

• Loss of consciousness or a seizure during or after treatment
• Marked mood changes like euphoria, rage, or suicidal thoughts
• Frequent or severe headaches that don’t respond to medication
• Hearing loss, balance issues, or vertigo after treatment
• Uncontrolled muscle spasms in the face or limbs
• Significant scalp burns or sores that won’t heal

These reactions are uncommon but may indicate TMS isn’t right for you. Your provider will determine if your treatment plan needs adjustment to avoid ongoing side effects.

Does TMS Have Any Long-Term Side Effects?

An encouraging finding from TMS research is that long-term side effects appear minimal after treatment ends.

Any side effects that occur during the sessions, typically go away completely shortly after the final appointment.

This is one advantage of TMS over antidepressant medications, which often cause lingering side effects like sexual dysfunction, fatigue, or weight gain.

There is some debate in TMS research around potential long-term cognitive or memory changes. However, most studies have found no decrease in cognitive function.

In fact, relieving major depression with TMS is likely to boost concentration, memory, and clarity. Any cognitive complaints are likely due to remaining depression symptoms rather than Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment itself.

One exception is rare cases of mania triggered by TMS. If mania occurs, mood-stabilizing medication may be required on an ongoing basis. But mood switching is an uncommon TMS side effect overall.

Any lingering scalp discomfort, headache, or dizziness should be reported to your doctor. However, for most patients, side effects fully resolve within days to weeks after completing TMS.

Weighing the Benefits and Risks

For many people with treatment-resistant depression, TMS provides much-needed relief with minimal side effects or health risks.

But it’s also understandable to have concerns about any potential side effects that may occur. Being fully informed on what to expect can help you feel comfortable proceeding with TMS.

Overall, TMS research has shown the benefits outweigh the small risk of side effects for most major depressive disorder patients.

Thousands of people have safely and effectively improved their mental health with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment. With a knowledgeable TMS provider and proactive approach to minimizing discomfort, you too can experience the benefits while avoiding significant side effects.

If you’re struggling with depression and considering TMS, don’t let worries about side effects deter you from seeking help. Meet with a TMS provider to discuss whether it may be a good fit for your situation.

While TMS isn’t completely free of potential side effects, the vast majority are mild and temporary. With open communication and vigilance, any side effects that do occur can be promptly addressed so you can continue on your road to recovery.

Are you new to the term Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and want to know how TMS therapy can improve depression symptoms? Well, you have come to the right place. Here, we have assembled a complete guide to TMS Therapy for you, while highlighting the benefits of TMS for depression treatment.

Let’s start by understanding what exactly TMS Therapy is. Typically TMS therapy is recommended for patients suffering from treatment resistant depression. This means the patient has tried multiple antidepressants with little luck in symptom improvement. Now, TMS therapy for depression includes transmitting electromagnetic waves into a patient’s prefrontal cortex, which is the region of the brain that affects mood regulation. TMS, or recurrent TMS, refers to the practice of transmitting these brief waves at regular intervals.

Mostly, TMS therapy is combined with antidepressants or other kinds of psychological treatments like psychotherapy to ensure that the patients are given a comprehensive care plan for better health outcomes altogether.

TMS Therapy is a non-drug alternative to medication that most insurances cover. Now, the big question you may be asking; how does this whole thing work?

How Does TMS Therapy Work?

When it comes to treating depression, antidepressants are not the end-all be-all. Though some patients may notice symptom improvement with the use of medications, it is not always effective. TMS therapy comes in when depression is treatment resistant or for those seeking an option besides medication. It is considered a good alternative therapy for treating patients with Major Depressive Disorder.

TMS therapy works by specifically targeting certain areas of the brain. Electromagnetic pulses stimulate the brain’s mood regulation centers. This stimulation can alleviate depression symptoms by “exercising” the nerve cells in that area of the brain.

TMS therapy usually lasts six to seven weeks, with at 5 sessions per week. Each session is usually around just under 20 minutes. Minor aches and pains such as a headache may occur, but they are usually transient. Approximately 60% of those who try TMS report measurable improvements. There is always the chance of relapse a few years or months later with any good depression therapy. TMS therapy is frequently as effective the second time as it was the first time around.

Is TMS Therapy right for you?

TMS is a safe, effective treatment that can provide hope to people who suffer from depression, but it is not for everyone. TMS therapy is not recommended if you have a heart pacemaker, spinal or bladder stimulators, metal plates in your head, previous episodes of epileptic seizures, or aneurysm clips.

You should be aware of the risks associated with these conditions and then decide whether going for TMS therapy is right for you or not. TMS therapy for depression is likely to be beneficial for:

• Patients who have not benefited from antidepressant medications previously.
• Patients who don’t want the traditional side effects of antidepressants.
• Patients who want a safe therapy that is effective and can be conducted in the doctor’s office under supervision.

Do you also want to know how effective TMS therapy is? Continue reading to know all about the procedure.

Effectiveness TMS Therapy for Depression

There is a mixed pool of evidence available on gauging the effectiveness of TMS therapy for depression. But, it is a fact that everyone reacts differently to the treatment. Research has found out that only around a third to a half of the total persons have symptom relief after TMS treatment. Others may find that antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications (such as nutrition and exercise) provide extra help once their mood improves.

With the frequent use of antidepressants, patients tend to observe little changes but they do not get complete relief from their symptoms. This is where TMS Therapy for Depression works wonders.

Due to the adverse side effects of antidepressants, there is a pressing need for alternative therapies and this is why more and more unique therapies are coming into existence to fully cater to the needs of the patients as well.

In a study conducted by Harvard Medical School Publishing, it was found that approximately 60-70% of the patients suffering from depression reported improvement in their overall state of mind due to TMS Therapy. It is noteworthy that nearly half of the people who received TMS Therapy for depression recovered completely. Despite all these findings, there is still a chance of symptom remission in the long term that cannot be avoided unfortunately.

Recurrence of symptoms, according to Harvard Medical School, is common and connected with various treatments for many such mental health conditions, such as medications and psychotherapies of different kinds. Many TMS patients, on the other hand, report decreased symptoms or elimination for months after finishing therapy, with an average symptoms-free time of little more than a year.

TMS therapy has the potential to be an effective treatment for depression, as well as a more common and useful treatment option for additional mental health conditions and psychological conditions in the future. While more research is required to improve and optimize the utilization of TMS therapy for moderate to severe depression and other mental diseases, there is no reason to dispute TMS treatment’s efficacy.

TMS Therapy for depression is an ideal alternative to the antidepressant rigor which has been prescribed for mental health conditions like depression or other psychological distresses for ages now. It is time that the patients are given the choice to come out of their state of depression by using this unique TMS treatment.

Benefits of TMS Therapy for Depression

To find out how TMS Therapy satisfies the patients with depression, here we have jotted down some basic benefits of TMS Therapy:

• TMS Therapy is a much safer approach to tackling depression as compared to the antidepressants that are prescribed to the patients. Antidepressants come with their share of side effects that we can avoid with TMS Therapy. TMS Therapy requires no sedation nor is any kind of pain is inflicted upon the patient during the procedure.
• TMS Therapy could eliminate the need for any sort of medication to treat depression in the long run. TMS Therapy combined with psychotherapy, is a wholesome and comprehensive treatment plan prescribed for depression patients.

Conclusion

If you’re tired of depression impacting your life, you should consider trying TMS Therapy for Depression.

This unique therapy may be a great solution if you have also tried all the antidepressants to treat your depressive symptoms, but you haven’t seen much improvement.

TMS is indeed a safe and effective treatment that can provide hope to people who suffer from depression. With the help of magnetic stimulations in the brain, TMS Therapy can help patients recover from depression in no time.

In this guide we have highlighted all the main aspects of TMS Therapy, how it works, and how it can potentially satisfy the patients with depression. If you have any further queries, feel free to contact us and do leave your feedback in the comments section below.