What to Expect Before, During, and After Your TMS Therapy Sessions

An estimated 31% of individuals treated for depressive episodes will have treatment-resistant depression. Seeking treatment to begin with can be challenging. Not seeing results can be discouraging.

An option emerging for treatment-resistant depression is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This therapy modality provides significant relief to as many as 60% of individuals whose depression did not respond to other treatment options. Some people achieve complete remission.

Despite its efficacy, most individuals aren’t aware of how it works. TMS is a significant aspect of the evidence-based treatment provided by BNI Clinics. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect from TMS therapy.

What to Expect Before Your TMS Therapy Session

Before undergoing TMS therapy, you’ll receive a thorough assessment by a specialist skilled in the practice. They’ll ensure you’re a safe and viable candidate for TMS.

Then, you’ll discuss the treatment schedule. This will vary depending on the type of TMS you’ll be undergoing. Some sessions last a long time every day, with the entire treatment course taking merely a week or two. FDA-approved TMS for treatment-resistant depression consists of sessions that are less than an hour long, five days a week for six weeks. This makes 30 sessions in total. If you’re completing TMS for conditions other than depression, treatment protocol may vary. Your provider will discuss everything with you ahead of time.

What to Expect During Your TMS Therapy Session

TMS utilizes strong magnets to influence the electrical communication between neurons in your brain. Exactly what part of the brain TMS focuses on depends on the condition it’s treating, as does the specific procedure for the therapy. It also differs by practitioner.

The magnet used in TMS will either be in a helmet you wear, or on a metal arm, similar to one your dentist may use to see in your mouth properly. You’ll receive earplugs to block out the loudness of the magnet as it fires.

Your practitioner will then position the magnet against your head, either in the helmet or via the extension arm. As the therapy session begins, you may feel a pulsing from the magnet. Eventually, your hands or thumbs will twitch. This is normal, and an indication that the magnet has reached the necessary strength to impact your brain.

Then, you’ll experience more pulses from the magnet. It will make a clicking sound, and the pulses will stop periodically so the magnet can cool down. The pattern of pulses will depend on the area of focus for your treatment, as will the length of the session. They typically last under an hour.

What to Expect After Your TMS Therapy Session

After your therapy session, you’ll be able to leave and go about your day as usual. Side effects are rare, but your provider may have you stay a few minutes after the session to ensure there are no complications or lingering symptoms.

What to Expect From Ongoing TMS Treatment

Overall treatment varies widely depending on the condition being treated and the type of TMS you’re undergoing. TMS therapies differ in magnet strength, pulse frequency, the pattern of the pulses, the type of magnetic coil, and the part of the brain being stimulated.

It also highly depends on each individual, and your practitioner may make adjustments to your TMS treatment to better suit you as needed.

Some people may see relief from their symptoms after the first week of sessions, though this is uncommon. Changes are typically noticeable after the third week, with some not noticing changes until all standard 30 sessions are complete. Studies also indicate that interruptions to TMS treatment don’t have a major impact on relief from treatment-resistant depression.

How long the effects of TMS last also differs from person to person. Studies show variance in this area. In one study, 58% of people who achieved remission from depression after TMS still maintained it after three months. In another, 62.5% of individuals maintained remission after a year. Some may need “maintenance sessions” to manage recurring symptoms. Others may successfully manage their depression symptoms following the basic TMS protocol alone. This is especially likely if TMS is combined with psychotherapy or other treatment.

TMS Therapy in Los Angeles at BNI Clinics

If you are managing depression and haven’t found relief from your symptoms with other options, TMS treatment may be right for you. Evidence also backs TMS’s efficacy in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and migraines, with additional research ongoing. Early signs point to TMS as a promising possibility for additional conditions.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor or mental health professional about TMS. They can assist you in finding a specialist. It could change your life.

BNI Clinics is a mental health practice offering care to all ages in the Los Angeles area. We offer a host of evidence-based therapies, including TMS and ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression. From psychological testing to medication management, our expert psychiatrists are here to support you on your journey to mental wellness. Call us at (310) 691-5005 today to get started.

BNI Clinics: Science-based, evidence-backed, compassion-led.