TMS FAQ’s

TMS is a safe procedure. It is noninvasive, has little side effects, and has 83% response rate. The procedure is performed in-office by certified professionals. Our chosen avenue of treatment, NeuroStar Advanced Therapy, has positive results from two randomized, controlled trials, as well as one large real-world trial.

There are typically 36 sessions over the course of treatment. Your first day in the chair will consist of a mapping session, where your provider locates your Motor Threshold, essentially the spot where the electromagnetic pulses will be most effective. After you are successfully mapped, you will immediately have your first treatment session. This first session will take about an hour. For the next 35 business days (Monday through Friday), you will have a 30 minute follow up treatment session. The process will take about six weeks in total.

There is little pain reported when receiving TMS. Some patients report slight scalp discomfort where the coil rests against their head and may have a slight headache after the first few treatments. Most patients do not report either of these effects. The pulses may feel uncomfortable in that they are a foreign sensation in your brain that you have probably not felt before.

Little to no preparation is necessary. You should eat, drink, and take your prescribed medications according to your routine. You can pre medicate by taking an over the counter pain medication if you are prone to headaches. You may want to not wear makeup as you will have a thin adhesive strip taped to the forehead. A mirror is provided for patients who wish to fix their appearance after their session.

Most insurances cover TMS. After your initial TMS evaluation with your provider, the TMS coordinator will work with your insurance to obtain prior authorization. You will know of any financial responsibility (copays, deductibles, etc.) before sitting in the chair. There are also financial assistance programs available as well. For any billing questions, please feel free to reach out to the TMS Coordinator and they will be happy to assist you.

No, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is not the same as Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT.) There are no shocks, zaps, or electrification of any kind involved in TMS.

SNBCare has partnered with NeuroStar for TMS. Their leading technology in the field allows for a seamless mapping and treatment time without the use of a cumbersome helmet. NeuroStar TMS does not require the use of a helmet. Only a disposable spandex cap is required to be worn at the time of the initial mapping. This cap allows your provider to find the specific area that should be pulsed. Once you are mapped, the cap is no longer required.

No, it is preferred that you continue to take any medications as part of your current regimen throughout your entire treatment course of TMS.

TMS is currently FDA cleared for the indication of adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and as an adjunct for adults diagnosed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We currently only treat MDD, but will soon be expanding as the FDA allows.

You can reach out to our TMS Coordinators who will walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. They will help you get started on your journey to mental wellness.