TMS Specialist

What is TMS?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive outpatient therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the regions of your brain that affect your mood. 

During therapy, your provider places an electromagnetic coil on your scalp near your forehead. The electromagnetic coil repetitively delivers magnetic pulses to this area of your brain. The magnetic pulses increase activity in the nerve cells, which may then improve your depression symptoms. 

Arjun Reyes MD and Associates uses the NeuroStar® TMS therapy system. This advanced TMS instrument produces and delivers brief, rapidly alternating magnetic fields to the areas of your brain involved in mood and depression. 

Am I a candidate for TMS?

Dr. Reyes determines if you’re a candidate for TMS after a consultation. This innovative therapy is FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults relief from their symptoms with antidepressants and psychotherapy. This condition is known as treatment-resistant depression.

You may also be a candidate for TMS if you suffer from MDD and experience intolerable side effects from the antidepressants you take to help manage your depression symptoms.

What can I expect during TMS therapy?

FIRST TREATMENT:

Since TMS is non-invasive and doesn’t require anesthesia, you won’t need to arrange for someone to drive you and you should be able to resume daily activities after treatment. The initial session can last up to 90 minutes, follow-ups are approximately 60 minutes.

Dr. Reyes will determine the appropriate location and setting (motor threshold/MT) that is right for you through a magnetic pulse test that lasts approximately 15 minutes. Once your unique MT and treatment location is found, treatment will begin.

The MRI like magnet will pulse in a 4-second sequence. During each sequence of pulsing it will feel like a tolerable tapping on the scalp. You will be able to watch TV, read, or listen to music during each session.

CONTINUED TREATMENT:

Each treatment session will be repeated and monitored by our TMS Coordinator or trained TMS Specialists. The Neurostar ® device will be placed on the prescribed location and treatment will continue for about 6 weeks.

Treatments are done 5-days a week until you’ve completed 30 sessions. The remaining 6 treatments will be scheduled as a taper.

AFTER TREATMENT:

Mild headache or scalp discomfort is sometimes experienced at the site of stimulation during or after treatment. Over the counter analgesic may be taken before or after comfort to alleviate discomfort.

It is important to frequently check in with yourself and the TMS regarding any discomfort you may be experiencing, as well as ongoing symptoms of depression, concerns or questions. After your daily TMS treatments, you are free to resume any usual activities.

How many TMS therapy sessions do I need?

At Arjun Reyes MD and Associates, a full treatment course is 36 sessions over 6-9 weeks. Though results vary, most patients experience improvements in their symptoms after 30 to 40 TMS treatments. 

After you complete your sessions, Dr. Reyes develops a treatment plan to help you manage your depression, which may include antidepressants or psychotherapy, to prevent a recurrence of your symptoms. 

To schedule a TMS consultation at Arjun Reyes MD and Associates, call the office or book online today. 

Click down below to learn more if NeuroStar TMS is right for you