Depression can drain your energy, leaving you feeling empty and fatigued. This can make it difficult to muster the strength or desire to seek treatment. Depression is common as it affects millions of people, including some in your life. You may not realise they face similar challenges, emotions, and obstacles. Every day with this disorder is different. It's essential to take your mental health seriously and accept that where you are right now isn't where you'll always be. Also, there are small steps you can take to help you feel more in control and improve your overall sense of well-being, like undergoing TMS therapy. If you don't have an idea about this, here are the FAQs regarding this treatment. Read below.
What should I expect during TMS treatment?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation sessions last approximately 18 minutes each and take place in a comfortable setting. TMS uses magnetic waves to activate certain areas of the brain. You won't be injected with anaesthesia if you undergo TMS therapy. An electromagnetic coil is placed against the patient’s forehead, and small, electromagnetic pulses are generated through the coil. The pulses pass through the skull and stimulate the area of the brain thought to regulate mood.
How efficient is TMS?
Over 3,500 papers have been published speaking to the efficacy of TMS. One report in particular states that TMS aided people who had treatment-resistant depression. These studies came up with 58% positive responses and 37% remissions. Another trial in 2010 showed that TMS led to a 14 per cent remission rate compared to 5 per cent without it. A second phase of the trial allowed all patients to receive proper TMS and, astonishingly, remission rates rose to almost 30 per cent. Of the patients who’ve claimed improvement from TMS, most state the benefits are still there three years later. TMS has a rich history of success and an abundance of evidence to prove it.
Are there any potential side effects?
You will only have a few side effects from a TMS depression treatment, like a mild headache, which you can cure by taking a light painkiller. During discharge of the coil you will hear a 'click' sound and the volume depends on the strength of the stimulation. This may have a temporary effect on hearing so patients can choose to wear earplugs. Extensive trials in TMS have ensured its safety as a treatment method. During the research phase in TMS there was one instance of a patient having a seizure. The risk of a seizure is dependent on many individual characteristics. People with a history of epilepsy have an increased risk of experiencing a seizure during TMS. Therefore, before undergoing the therapy, it is crucial to find a professional who complies with the internationally established safety guidelines to minimise such risks.
Is TMS painful?
The coil used in a rTMS treatment gives magnetic pulses that stimulate certain brain areas. According to patients, these pulses are only irritating but not painful. After a few sessions clients often get use to this feeling.
Is it long-lasting?
According to experts, TMS depression treatment plus psychotherapy gave positive results that lasted for at least half a year for most patients. However, a number of clients opt to return for follow-up treatment once a month or once every 2 to 3 months to maintain the effects or to prevent relapse. Research shows that after six months depressive symptoms are significantly lower than at intake.
Is there a possibility to worsen with the treatment?
Fortunately, no one seems to get worse with the treatment. TMS treatment won't adversely affect your brain, unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which causes memory issues as according to some patients. There are no drug interactions, so it’s good for patients who are already on medications of various kinds.
The things mentioned above are the frequently asked questions about TMS therapy. It is currently being researched as to its role in treating other neurological conditions, so whatever you are suffering from, be it depression or anxiety, this treatment can help you. Also, TMS therapy is not complicated by adverse effects. Any side effects associated with this treatment are considered mild, further attributing to the benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation. And you don't need any anaesthetic when undergoing TMS depression treatment. You are fully awake during the entire process that won't last 30 minutes. Just make sure you get it from trusted specialists to ensure positive results.
