Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers a promising alternative for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions. By using magnetic pulses, it stimulates and repairs brain signals that influence one’s mood.
According to recent literature, TMS has a success rate of 40%, meaning those patients respond positively to the treatment. Additionally, 36% of patients achieve complete remission from their symptoms.
For over a decade, Atrium Health’s expert team – of board-certified physicians, registered nurses and certified technicians – has treated major depression and mood disorders with TMS therapy. Having benefited thousands of patients, our specialized brain stimulation care is tailored to each patient’s specific needs and is adaptable as the response to treatment progresses.
TMS therapy - how it works
During treatment, an electromagnetic coil is placed over a specific area of the scalp. It delivers brief magnetic pulses to help reset abnormal brain patterns associated with depression.
TMS is well-tolerated and does not have the side effects often experienced by patients using antidepressant medications. It can be used alone or in combination with other therapies, as determined by your physician.
Every patient responds to treatment differently, but most people report relief from their symptoms after just a few weeks.
After TMS, patients often experience positive effects like:
- A lifting of a depressed mood/dark cloud
- Increased interest in activities
- Reduced effort required to perform tasks
- Improved engagement with family and friends
Conditions treated
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Mental health conditions that TMS therapy may help include:
- Anxiety
- Major depressive disorder with anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Severe major depressive disorder
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Neurological conditions that TMS therapy can help include:
- Treatment-resistant epilepsy
- Migraines
- Brain tumors
- Chronic pain
What to expect
TMS is an outpatient therapy done in an office setting. While seated in a reclining chair, one of our highly trained technicians places an electromagnetic coil over a specific spot on your head, usually near the forehead. The treatment makes a clicking sound, but earplugs are provided for comfort.
Treatments are typically administered daily, Monday through Friday, for 4 to 8 weeks as advised by your treatment team. Sessions usually take less than 45 minutes, although the first appointment will last a little longer to help determine the dose that’s right for you. A psychiatrist is also available during treatment to answer questions or make adjustments if needed.
Before starting TMS therapy, ask the mental health provider you’re seeing to give you a referral. By working with them and your primary care doctor, we aim to seamlessly integrate TMS into your overall care, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment tailored to your needs.
Is TMS right for me?
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You may benefit from TMS if:
- Your depression interferes with your daily life
- Traditional medications have not worked (most patients have tried several medications before trying TMS)
- You’re not satisfied with the results you get from medication
- You can’t tolerate the side effects of your medication
- You have an illness that limits your ability to take medications for depression
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You should avoid TMS therapy if you have:
- An aneurysm clip
- Stents above the neck
- Metal implants or fragments in the head (not including dental fillings, crowns or braces)
- Any ferromagnetic metal in your brain
Referrals
To receive TMS therapy, you need a referral from the provider treating your mental health condition(s). For more information, please call 704-512-7578.
Frequently asked questions
As with any treatment, TMS therapy can take some time to work. Most patients start to feel better within 4 weeks of treatment, but you may not feel the effects until the end of your treatment. TMS has a 40% response rate in patients with severe depression after 6 weeks. In general, the sooner you introduce TMS, the better the response.
A study published by The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry revealed that about 67% of patients were still well 12 months after treatment when they continued additional care, like medication and therapy. In a study published by the same journal, about 63% of patients continued to respond well 1 year after treatment. However, TMS is not considered a cure, nor is it designed to fully take the place of medication or talk therapy.
For most patients, TMS does not cause side effects. Some patients report mild headaches, but they can often be relieved with over-the-counter medication like Ibuprofen. Other side effects may include scalp discomfort at the treatment site or tingling or spasms in the facial muscles, but they usually stop after 1 or 2 sessions. Adjustments can be made immediately during treatment to reduce any discomfort.
Yes, you can drive and resume normal activities right away. TMS sessions do not require anesthesia or sedation.
No. TMS is effective in relieving symptoms of depression and other mood disorders, but it will not change a person’s personality.
TMS therapy is covered by many insurance plans as a treatment for major depression. If you’re not sure if your plan covers TMS, check with your insurance provider.
Atrium Health Behavioral Health Interventional and Neurocognitive Psychiatry
330 Billingsley Road, Suite 102
Charlotte, NC 28211
704-512-7578
Our providers
We look forward to meeting and caring for you.