Your Mental Health Matters — Medicare TMS Sessions Are Bulk Billed, and Private Sessions Start from $49 Per Session (Admin Fees May Apply).

FAQ

1. What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is primarily used to treat depression and other mental health conditions when traditional treatments have not been effective.

TMS uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood regulation, particularly the prefrontal cortex. This helps to improve communication between brain cells and can lead to symptom relief in individuals with depression and other conditions.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) are two different protocols of TMS treatment.
  • rTMS involves repeated magnetic pulses delivered at a fixed frequency and is the traditional form of TMS used for depression treatment.
  • iTBS is a newer, more rapid stimulation protocol that mimics natural brain activity patterns, often requiring shorter session durations while maintaining similar efficacy.
  • dTMS utilizes specialized designed coils to penetrate deeper and stimulate broader brain regions than standard rTMS.
Both approaches are effective for depression treatment, and the choice between them depends on individual patient needs and provider recommendations.
TMS has few side effects and is often long lasting. Some patients may occasionally experience temporary light headedness or mild scalp tenderness after treatment. These side effects can be usually fixed quite easily with some modifications. Risk of seizure is very low if you have no risk factors (1 in 30,000 treatment sessions if you have no risk).This risk of seizure with TMS is lower than almost every single antidepressant.

TMS is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is also being researched for other conditions such as chronic pain.

Yes, TMS is considered a safe and well-tolerated treatment. It does not require anesthesia or sedation and has fewer side effects than medications.

Most patients experience mild side effects, such as scalp discomfort, headache, or light-headedness, which usually subside after the first few sessions. Serious side effects, such as seizures, are extremely rare.

A typical TMS session lasts between 20 to 40 minutes. The full course of treatment usually involves daily sessions (5 days a week) for 4 to 6 weeks.

Some patients start to notice improvements within the first few weeks, while others may take longer. The response to treatment varies from person to person.

TMS is typically recommended for individuals with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded well to antidepressant medications or therapy. A consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary to determine if TMS is right for you.

Yes, many patients continue their current medications during TMS treatment. However, your doctor will advise you on the best course of action based on your specific treatment plan. It’s generally recommended not to make any changes to your medication regimen before starting TMS, as this helps to accurately assess the effects of the treatment.

Please note, this is general advice, and your TMS psychiatrist will provide personalized recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

TMS is non-invasive and requires no downtime. Most patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately after each session.

Yes, you can drive if you feel safe to do so. Most patients resume their daily activities, including work and study, immediately after treatment. There are no specific restrictions, and no fasting is required before treatment.

TMS and ECT are both used for depression treatment, but they differ significantly. ECT requires anesthesia and may cause memory loss, while TMS is non-invasive, has fewer side effects, and does not require sedation.

After completing a full TMS course, many patients experience long-lasting symptom relief. Some may require maintenance sessions to sustain the benefits.