TMS therapy offers a unique approach for individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). Over 21 million adults suffer from depression. The most commonly prescribed treatments are antidepressant medications and talk therapy. Yet, antidepressant medications do not work for everyone.
TMS treatments offer hope for those with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded to multiple different antidepressant medications. We encourage you to call our office today and schedule a consultation to learn more about how TMS therapy in Bedford works.
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. TMS therapy for patients in Bedford works by targeting the brain directly with electromagnetic pulses that are delivered through a device equipped with an electromagnetic coil. It targets the prefrontal cortex, a region commonly associated with mood regulation. Your session begins with you sitting in a comfortable chair while the device administers brief magnetic pulses to your brain.
A computer controls the intensity and depth of the pulses. This induces small electrical currents in the brain that activate or inhibit neurons, which leads to changes in brain activity, addressing imbalances and neural activity associated with depression. Since it uses electromagnetic induction, magnetic pulses are able to stimulate the brain regions without the need for an invasive procedure.
TMS treatments improve neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to reorganize by forming new connections. This is crucial in treating conditions like depression. TMS also increases the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which also play a role in mood regulation.
Additionally, it can influence genetic expression related to neuroplasticity and neuronal growth, further contributing to its therapeutic effects. Each treatment session typically lasts 20 to 40 minutes and is conducted five days a week for four to seven weeks.
Most people notice improvements in their mood or overall mental health within the first few weeks of treatment. In some instances, these changes begin after the first week. Some people report that their friends and family notice changes before they do.
Optimal results are evident after four to six weeks, and some people continue to experience improvements in the week or two weeks after treatment has ended. The response time varies depending on several factors. These include the severity of depression and the amount of time you have had the condition. Current use of medications and individual biological differences can also affect how quickly you begin to experience improvement.
Understanding how Bedford TMS therapy works can help you set realistic expectations about treatment outcomes. You must maintain open communication with us so that we can monitor your progress and adjust the treatments as needed.
While TMS therapy is safe and effective for many people, it is not suitable for everyone. Currently, it is approved for people who have treatment-resistant depression or have failed to experience benefits from one to three antidepressant medications. TMS treatments are typically approved after you have not responded to at least one antidepressant medication, but your insurance policy may require you to have tried three antidepressant medications before they cover your treatment.
It is important to be in good physical health without any other neurological disorders that may be affected by magnetic pulses, such as Alzheimer’s disease, brain injury, stroke, or other neurological conditions that affect your brain. Because the treatment uses magnetic pulses, you cannot have implants, such as a Cochlear implant, pacemaker, deep brain stimulator, or tattoos made with ferromagnetic ink.
Our Bedford team can help you understand how TMS treatments work to alleviate your symptoms and determine if you are a suitable candidate.
TMS is a noninvasive and nonsystemic treatment. It does not involve surgery, anesthesia, or medications that circulate throughout the body, resulting in a lack of systemic side effects commonly associated with antidepressant drugs. TMS has mild side effects that typically resolve within the first week of treatment. These include:
Typically, the side effects resolve within hours after the treatment is finished and usually do not appear after your first five to seven sessions. There is a small risk of seizures with TMS therapy, though they are rare and typically do not cause lasting effects. For this reason, people with a seizure disorder are not good candidates for TMS therapy.
Understanding how TMS therapy in Bedford works can help you decide if it is the right approach for you.
Depression is a common but highly challenging mental health condition that has devastating effects when left untreated. Call our office today to learn more about how TMS therapy in Bedford works and discover how this innovative treatment could help alleviate your symptoms.