What Mental Illnesses Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treats?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treats
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a brain stimulation therapy that is effective at resetting neuronal activity patterns, which may relieve symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses. The therapy is noninvasive and safe, and uses a magnetic field to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Although TMS is most often used to treat depression, it has also been proven effective at treating other conditions.
Some people with treatment-resistant depression find that TMS is a good option for them. Studies have shown that up to 50 percent of individuals respond to TMS treatments after a short period of time, and many of them report improvement in their symptoms.
TMS has also been found to be effective at alleviating the pain and anxiety associated with various types of mental and physical disorders. For instance, TMS can help patients recover after a stroke. It can also promote motor recovery in those recovering from an injury. However, this therapy has been linked to a small number of side effects, including nausea and headache. If you are considering using TMS to treat a medical condition, you should first check with your insurance provider.
What Mental Illnesses Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treats?
There are a few different types of TMS, including repetitive TMS, theta-burst stimulation, and deep TMS. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Repetitive TMS involves a series of five or six sessions performed daily for several weeks, which can be conducted in a doctor’s office or on an outpatient basis.
Another type of TMS therapy is the theta-burst, which uses a series of 15 pulses in a second. This type of stimulation has been shown to produce more effective results than the more traditional low frequency stimulation.
The most common TMS side effect is lightheadedness. However, this is typically temporary and dissipates after the treatment. Other common side effects include muscle aches and headaches. Also, TMS can cause seizures in some people with certain medical conditions. Fortunately, most of the studies that have been done have not shown a link between TMS and harmful changes in the brain.
A 2018 study revealed that TMS along with cognitive processing therapy was highly effective at treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using both forms of treatment together may be more effective than using one alone.
In order to get TMS approved by your insurance company, you will need to follow a few guidelines. Typically, you must have tried antidepressants, psychotherapy, and other treatment methods before you receive TMS. Depending on your diagnosis, you will also need to undergo a clinical evaluation before receiving TMS.
The National Institute of Mental Health provides more information on TMS therapy. You should also consult your doctor or a health care provider if you have any specific questions or concerns about the procedure. Remember, if you are experiencing a severe mental crisis, you should call 911. To ensure that you are properly cared for, you should never attempt to self-treat.
If you are considering using TMS to treat your depression, talk to your doctor about the best approach. This type of therapy can take some time to complete, and it is important that you make your decision wisely.