TMS

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive, medication-free treatment for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other mental health conditions. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, with offices in Louisville and Aurora, Colorado, the team of mental health specialists uses TMS to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, substance use disorder (SUD), and more. Call the nearest Axis Integrated Mental Health office to schedule a TMS consultation, or book your appointment online today. 

What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

TMS is a noninvasive treatment that uses a magnetic coil to influence your brain’s electrical activity. More specifically, it directs magnetic pulses at the regions of your brain responsible for mood and emotional regulation. The magnetic pulses increase electrical activity in these areas, relieving depressive symptoms and improving mood and outlook. 

TMS does not utilize medication and is an alternative treatment for those who have not responded to other treatments, such as antidepressants.

Am I a candidate for TMS?

The Axis Integrated Mental Health team uses TMS to treat various mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• COVID depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Substance use disorder (SUD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Teenage depression
• Treatment-resistant depression

Sometimes, TMS is recommended for people suffering from certain types of trauma and grief.

What disqualifies you from having TMS treatment?

Not everyone qualifies for TMS treatment. Tell your Axis Integrated Mental Health provider if you have an implant that contains electronics or metal, like cochlear implants or a metal plate in your skull. Since TMS uses a powerful magnet, it could pull on these devices and cause a severe injury. 

Likewise, tell your provider if you have a history of seizures or epilepsy. TMS sometimes triggers seizures, so it might not be an option for you.

If the team determines you qualify for TMS, they move forward with treatment.

What does TMS treatment involve?

Typically, TMS treatment lasts anywhere between 20-30 minutes. The length of the procedure varies based on your symptoms and goals. 

When you arrive at the office, you sit in a chair attached to a magnetic coil. Your provider gives you earplugs and carefully positions the magnetic coils on your head. Once treatment begins, they emit targeted pulses to specific regions of your brain that regulate your mood and emotions.

When the magnetic pulses make contact with these areas, they increase the electrical activity there, relieving depressive symptoms and making it easier to cope.

Is TMS treatment painful?

No. TMS treatment is safe and usually well tolerated. During the procedure, It’s normal to experience a mild twitch in your thumbs. You’ll also hear a humming or clicking sound emitted by the machine. Tell your provider if you feel uncomfortable at any time during treatment. They can easily adjust the strength of the magnetic pulses.

Will I need more than one TMS treatment?

Yes. TMS treatment is a cumulative therapy, meaning the results add up over time. The Axis Integrated Mental Health team develops a personalized treatment plan. They typically recommend a series of 30-36 treatments over 4-6 weeks.

Call the nearest Axis Integrated Mental Health office to schedule TMS treatment, or book your appointment online today.