Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses repetitive magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. During a TMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp. The electromagnet pulse stimulates nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in mood control and depression. TMS Therapy is typically used when other depression treatments have not been effective.

The TMS Machine generates magnetic pulses to simulate the region of the brain that is responsible for depressive symptoms and mood regulation. Think of it like physical therapy for the brain.

Most people describe the sensation as a light tapping on the scalp. There may be some mild discomfort at first, although this often improves over time. The magnetic coil which delivers TMS is positioned on the head. You will hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation

on your head when the magnetic pulses are delivered. Many patients watch television or read during treatment.

Most insurances allow for TMS treatment over a 6-week period, 5 times per week. Each treatment is typically between 3 and 37.5 minutes depending on what the provider determines to be best for you. Every day Monday-Friday for the first 30 sessions (6 weeks) and then a taper for the last 6 sessions.

Each patient is different, however you can discuss long-term treatment planning with your provider. Retreatment is often prescribed and covered if you have responded to TMS therapy in the past.

This will vary from person to person. It is commonly reported that patients need 30 to 36 sessions of TMS to feel relief from their depression symptoms. In clinical trials, approximately 82% of treatment-resistant patients responded positively to rTMS therapy.

Yes, TMS has over two decades of clinical and scientific research supporting its safe use and application. FDA-cleared for the treatment of MDD and OCD, TMS Therapy is an effective, non-invasive, outpatient treatment, with few known side effects.

TMS is covered by most insurance providers including Medicare. Prior authorization is typically required for insurance coverage, and your provider will manage this process. Often, treatment with antidepressant medications and psychotherapy may be needed before insurance will authorize TMS Therapy.

Magstim TMS Therapy Systems are indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult and adolescent patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication. Your current provider may refer you to a TMS-trained physician who can best determine if you are a candidate for TMS Therapy.

TMS Therapy is well tolerated for most. However, not all patients are appropriate candidates for TMS Therapy. For example, patients with a history of seizures or who have ferromagnetic implants or objects in or near their head may not be appropriate candidates for TMS Therapy. To determine if TMS Therapy is right for you, your supervising doctor or psychiatrist will carefully screen for the presence of medical conditions or metal objects which may make TMS unsuitable.

Unfortunately Medicaid does not cover TMS in the state of Colorado at this time. Self pay options are available.