Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), or repetitive TMS (rTMS), is a non-invasive neurological treatment. It utilizes focused magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the specific regions of the brain that regulate mood. By improving neurotransmitter activity, these magnetic pulses make long-term remission possible, even when other treatments have failed.

TMS is FDA-approved for individuals facing:

• Severe Major Depressive Disorder (where medication has not been effective)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Anxious Depression

Additionally, TMS is used “off-label” for PTSD, Tinnitus, and smoking cessation. While clinical evidence supports these uses, they are generally not covered by insurance providers.

During your 30-minute session, you will relax in a comfortable treatment chair. A small magnetic coil is placed lightly against your head, delivering a gentle tapping sensation and a clicking sound. This process painlessly stimulates the brain’s mood-control centers. Patients often listen to music or audiobooks during treatment. Because no sedation is required, you can drive yourself to and from appointments and resume your normal daily routine immediately.

While standard antidepressants can take six weeks or longer to show results, TMS is known for its speed. Many patients report improvements in their mood as early as the first week of treatment. For the most durable results, a full course of approximately 36 sessions is typically required.

TMS is prescribed by a provider specifically trained in TMS protocols and motor threshold mapping. The daily sessions are administered by an experienced technician under the provider’s direct supervision.

Standard sessions last about 30 minutes. Most patients receive treatment five days a week over a seven-week course. This schedule may be adjusted based on your specific clinical progress.

TMS is exceptionally well-tolerated. The most frequent side effect is a mild headache, which usually diminishes within the first two weeks and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relief. Some patients may also experience minor scalp irritation at the treatment site, which typically resolves quickly.

Safety is our first priority. Patients with non-removable metal implants in their head (excluding braces or dental fillings) should not receive TMS. The magnetic field may cause these objects to move or heat up, posing a serious risk.

Contraindications include:

• Aneurysm clips or coils
• Stents in the neck or brain
• Deep brain stimulators
• Electrodes for monitoring brain activity
• Metallic implants in the ears or eyes
• Shrapnel or bullet fragments in or near the head
• Facial tattoos with magnetic-sensitive or metallic ink
• Any other implanted metallic devices in or near the head

Our team will make every effort to secure prior authorization from your insurance carrier. If coverage is not granted, we offer a self-pay program. Pricing for this program varies depending on your diagnosis and the severity of your condition. Please contact us to schedule a consultation.