What are the Pros and Cons of TMS Therapy?

Reviewed by: Michelle Dees, MD
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    TMS therapy refers to transcranial magnetic stimulation. This type of treatment is often used for depression and OCD, though it may also work on individuals with bipolar disorder, acute mania, panic disorder, PTSD, and even those experiencing hallucinations. The magnetic fields stimulate nerve cells in the brain, sparking activity and working to improve mood and mental health overall. 

    For people with depression, the area of the brain targeted is the area that appears to be inactive. Before a person decides if this is a worthwhile therapy solution for them, it’s important to take a look at the pros and cons. 

    How Do I Know if TMS is the Right Choice?

    Before deciding to go through with TMS therapy, every individual needs to determine if it’s the right course of treatment for them. If a person has tried other treatment methods that haven’t worked, then this may be a valid option. Individuals are encouraged to try TMS therapy if they have experienced side effects with any prescribed medication. 

    This type of treatment has virtually no side effects and only requires consistent sessions for several weeks to experience changes in mood and symptoms. It is a valid alternative to the usual treatment of depression, especially for those who have not found an option that yet works for them.

    Pros of TMS Therapy

    There are significant pros to using TMS therapy. Some benefits of TMS include:

    A High Success Rate

    To start, there is a high success rate in managing symptoms of depression with TMS therapy. Many people experience Treatment-Resistant Depression. If an individual already tried two different forms of antidepressant medications and therapy, and they have not achieved successful results, then they are a good candidate for this alternative solution. Even those whose brains were resistant to other forms of treatment are likely to see results with magnetic stimulation.

    Non-Invasive With Side Effects

    Due to its non-invasive nature, it is also a much more celebrated treatment option compared to months or even years spent on medication or other invasive treatments. It only targets one particular area of the brain at a time, with the magnetic stimulation only penetrating the brain a few centimeters.

    It is also FDA-approved and has no side effects to worry about. Many medications prescribed for depression and other mood disorders will cause one or more side effects in a high number of individuals. Those may include dry mouth, tremors, weight gain, dizziness, blurred vision, and worse. TMS does not cause any of these symptoms.

    No Recovery Time

    Another great thing about TMS therapy is that there is no recovery time necessary. This isn't a medical procedure that puts people out of commission for weeks or even days. Individuals attend their session and then are free to resume their normal activities immediately afterward. There is also no anesthesia used, which typically has to wear off before patients can leave the facility. There is no associated fatigue or weariness. This means people can drive themselves to and from their appointments with no need to schedule a ride from someone else, and no restrictions placed upon them.

    Long-Lasting Results

    TMS therapy offers long-lasting results after only a short commitment of time. The sessions may feel intensive to start, as people generally require five sessions per week for between one and six weeks, but they do not last long. They are under one hour, with many only lasting between 20 and 50 minutes. With less than one hour per day in typically 30 days or less, patients can see significant results quickly.

    Additionally, those who undergo this therapy are likely to continue seeing results for a long time to come. A year later, individuals who have received TMS therapy are often still benefiting from improved symptoms and mood. The same cannot be said for those taking daily medication that brings side effects. If benefits have begun to wear off, additional sessions of TMS therapy are likely to work just as well as the initial treatment.

    Low Cost

    There is generally a low cost related to TMS therapy. Many insurances now cover the treatment, leaving no cost or just a minor co-pay. Even at full price, it is a much more affordable treatment plan compared to daily medication use that can eat away at a person's finances.

    Cons of TMS Therapy

    Though there are far more pros to consider, a minimal number of patients have described some cons regarding TMS therapy. Some say the process can be intensive and leave them with headaches. However, these should diminish as the sessions continue.

    It is also not a valid option for everyone. Individuals who have undergone cranial surgery and have a non-removable metal plate inside their skull should not receive this type of treatment. Others who use medication pumps AQ have an Internal Pulse Generator, or cochlear implants may also be advised not to undergo TMS. The magnetic stimulation from the device may cause them to malfunction

    This type of treatment may also not be advised for women who are pregnant, though this should be discussed with the physician. People who experienced a recent brain injury may also not be eligible candidates. 

    Improving Your TMS Treatment with Spa Services

    TMS therapy is already beneficial by itself. Pair it with spa services at a treatment facility, and patients receive even more advantages. Many prefer coupling their TMS with spa services because it helps to alleviate the initial headaches that can be caused by the frequent pulses felt from the machine. It is also helpful in making people relax and feel calm as they receive each treatment. 

    Feeling beautiful on both the inside and out can help improve mood and symptoms associated with depression. Working to alleviate symptoms using TMS, while also improving the skin and body with spa treatments, can help every individual feel and look their best. It’s a beneficial pairing. 

    Experience the combination of mental health services and medical spa treatment that sets Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa apart from other mental health services.

    Start Your TMS Treatment with Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa

    When you’re ready to receive TMS treatment, contact Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa. We specialize in anxiety and depression treatment, as well as mood and sleep disorders. With a combination of treatment options and spa services, we offer a comprehensive plan to best help you. Let us guide you on the path to improved wellness.

    What are the Pros and Cons of TMS Therapy?

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