TMS Q & A
What is TMS therapy?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS is an effective, noninvasive way to treat depression without medication. TMS therapy is FDA-approved to treat depression, and current research shows that TMS can be beneficial for a variety of other mental health conditions, including:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Addiction
TMS therapy can successfully address treatment-resistant depression. It can also reduce the amount of medication needed, or eliminate the need for medication completely while providing ongoing relief of mental health symptoms.
How does TMS therapy work?
Dr. Carlsen and the team at North Shore TMS use the CloudTMS machine to provide TMS therapy. This advanced technology safely delivers magnetic pulses to your brain. These pulses stimulate activity in the specific transmitters that are involved in mood regulation.
Over time, TMS rebuilds connections in your brain for long-term relief of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, including PTSD.
Dr. Carlsen specializes in functional medicine and integrative psychiatry. She typically recommends TMS in combination with additional treatments that promote emotional and physical wellness.
What happens during TMS therapy treatments?
Your TMS therapy treatment lasts about 20 minutes. You wear earplugs and sit comfortably while a North Shore TMS expert places an electromagnetic coil on your head. This coil is attached to a screen that allows your specialist to track your response to the magnetic pulses.
During your TMS procedure, you may hear tapping and clicking sounds, but you shouldn’t experience any pain or discomfort. You can read, listen to music, or use your personal device while you relax during your session.
You can return to your normal activities right after your TMS appointment. After your first few sessions, you might experience some tightness in your scalp or a mild headache, but these subside quickly and typically cease with ongoing treatment.
How many TMS treatments will I need?
Dr. Carlsen usually recommends a treatment plan that requires 30-36 treatments. This generally involves five treatments a week for 4-6 weeks. In some cases, she may recommend additional treatments for optimal results.
If you’re suffering from depression despite treatment with antidepressants, or you’re looking for a natural option to address a mental health condition, schedule a TMS consultation with Dr. Carlsen. Call North Shore TMS today, or make an appointment online.