Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved therapy that uses magnetic waves to target specific parts of the brain involved in depression. TMS helps wake up dormant nerves in these areas, resulting in measurable improvements in depression symptoms. The treatment is noninvasive and has no side effects, with patients experiencing temporary tapping, tingling, or warming sensations. TMS is approved by Medicare, medical assistants, and virtually all commercial insurance. As stated by a study, 83% of patients that completed their treatment cycle saw improvements in their depression symptoms, and 62% of patients likely wouldn’t be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.
A noninvasive technology is changing the lives of many suffering from severe depression.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved therapy that has been around for years, but doctors say only 10 percent of the population know about it.
Phillip Dailey started using the treatment about two years ago. Dailey said he’s been suffering from depression for a long time, stemming from an abusive childhood to joining the military.
“It’s like walking around with 50 to 75 pounds on your back at all times, and you can’t get rid of it,” said Dailey. “It became self-loathing, loathing. And I took a turn inward.”
Dailey’s life quickly went downhill; he lost his marriage and several jobs. For 20 years, Dailey tried different medications and therapies, but nothing seemed to work. Dailey discovered TMS and started getting treatment at Sonder in Minnetonka.
“The real key is using magnetic to target certain parts of the brain that we know are involved in depression,” said Dr. John Luehr of Sonder.
Luehr explained that specific areas in the brain control your mood; when the nerves in those areas are underactive, connections are broken and can result in depression. TMS helps wake those dormant nerves.
“Drive in, drive out, no anesthesia, no side effects, and so that’s appealing, but it is 36 treatments,” said Luehr. He added that headaches can be a side effect; however, it’s rare.
During the treatment, patients can expect some tapping, tingling, or warming sensation where the coil is positioned. This is usually temporary and subsides with subsequent treatments.
Sonder is the largest TMS treatment facility, and the treatment is approved by Medicare, medical assistants, and virtually all commercial insurance.
As stated by NeuroStar, a study reported 83% of patients that completed their treatment cycle saw measurable improvements in their depression symptoms. The same study said 62% of patients likely wouldn’t be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.
Dailey said his life has changed since using TMS, noting that sleep has improved significantly, and he is now back in the workforce as a teacher.
“You’ve got to get up every morning, fighting for your recovery because nobody else is going to fight for you,” said Dailey.
Depression is a mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. While there are various treatments available for depression, some patients don’t respond well to medication or therapy. In such cases, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can be a game-changer.
TMS is a non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is an FDA-approved treatment for major depressive disorder and is known to be effective in treating other mental health conditions such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Phillip Dailey is one such patient who turned to TMS after years of struggling with depression. He had tried various medications and therapies, but nothing seemed to work. It wasn’t until he discovered TMS that he started seeing a significant improvement in his symptoms. Dailey’s life has changed since he started getting TMS treatment. He is now back in the workforce as a teacher and has noticed a significant improvement in his sleep.
Dr. John Luehr of Sonder, the largest TMS treatment facility, explains that TMS works by targeting specific parts of the brain that control mood. When the nerves in these areas are underactive, it can lead to depression. TMS helps wake these dormant nerves. The treatment is painless and has no side effects, making it an appealing option for patients who don’t want to undergo invasive procedures.
As stated by NeuroStar, a study reported that 83% of patients who completed their TMS treatment cycle saw measurable improvements in their depression symptoms. The same study said that 62% of patients likely wouldn’t be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. These statistics highlight the effectiveness of TMS in treating depression and other mental health conditions.
In view of all the above, TMS is a non-invasive therapy that can be life-changing for patients struggling with depression. While it may not be well-known, it is an FDA-approved treatment that has been around for years. Patients who have tried various medications and therapies without success should consider TMS as an option. With its high success rate and minimal side effects, TMS can help patients get back to living a fulfilling life.