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What is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic stimulation to improve brain function and address mental health conditions. By targeting specific areas of the brain, TMS therapy can effectively address a range of mental health challenges without the side effects often associated with medications, surgery, or electroconvulsive therapy.

 

With precise control over the location of brain stimulation, TMS focuses on specific areas rather than affecting the entire brain, which greatly reduces or even eliminates side effects.

 

Because of its safety and effectiveness, TMS therapy is quickly becoming a top choice as an addition to, or alternative for, traditional psychiatric treatments. It is particularly valuable for individuals whose symptoms have not responded to conventional treatments, aiding the brain's natural healing process and helping it to function at its best.

 

In short, TMS therapy supports the brain's ability to heal itself, allowing it to function at its peak potential.

How does it work?

TMS uses a figure-eight coil to create a strong magnetic field that helps psychiatrists adjust how deep and how often they stimulate specific areas of the brain.

 

This treatment is non-invasive and painless, with sessions lasting anywhere from three to thirty-seven minutes, depending on the setup.

 

The powerful magnetic fields can help reduce harmful effects, boost blood flow, improve brain chemical balance, act as antioxidants, and assist in healing tissue damaged by stress.

A new approach called theta burst has made TMS even better by delivering magnetic pulses more quickly, cutting treatment times down to just three minutes. This method can reach deeper parts of the brain, like the hippocampus, which can improve memory, thinking, and overall brain function.

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Treatments

TMS therapy has substantial research backing its effectiveness in treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, addiction, OCD autism, and psychosis. The treatments I offer focus on treatment for depression, anxiety, and addiction, in combination with psychotherapy.

 

TMS can be used to treat almost any area of the brain, and has also shown success in cases of dementia, stroke-related brain damage, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and autism. TMS protocols stimulate targeted areas of the brain with a series of pulses that improve blood flow, and promote healthy brain tissue growth. TMS can stimulate the production of dopamine and serotonin and modulate various neurotransmitters to enhance brain function.

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Advancements in brain imaging continue to support the expanding research on the benefits of TMS.

Is it safe?

TMS has very few side effects, with studies showing that less than 5% of patients discontinue treatment due to side effects. Any side effects that do occur are generally mild, often lessening with each session and typically fading soon after treatment.

 

Since TMS targets specific brain regions, it is well-tolerated and considered a safe option.Possible side effects include:​

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Headache

Scalp discomfort at the stimulation site

Mild twitching of scalp muscles

Light-headedness

 

About 10% of patients report mild scalp discomfort, which usually fades shortly after treatment. Some may feel a light tapping sensation during the session, and minor twitches in the face, which stop immediately when the treatment ends. 

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Because TMS doesn't impact other parts of the body, it is considered safe for use during pregnancy, offering an effective, non-medication option for treating depression in pregnant individuals.

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Compared to electroconvulsive therapy, TMS is equally effective for depression but without serious side effects. It does not cause memory loss, require anaesthesia, or induce seizures, making it possible to read or combine sessions with psychotherapy. TMS also improves blood flow to brain areas with poor circulation, supporting healthy brain function. â€‹

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