Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
If you have depression and medicine and psychotherapy aren't helping, you may want to consider transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
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What is transcranial magnetic stimulation?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-drug treatment for people experiencing major depression to help the brain regulate mood.
TMS treatment involves stimulating underactive areas of the brain with brief magnetic pulses.
Clinical studies showed that one in two patients who had TMS had significant improvement in depression symptoms and one in three were symptom free. It is considered a safe treatment with minimal side effects.
What to expect from your visit
TMS is an outpatient service that lasts about 45 minutes per session. It is administered five days a week for up to six weeks.
Prior to the treatment, you will be scheduled for a consultation with a mental health care provider to determine whether TMS is right for you.
During each TMS treatment:
- You sit comfortably in the treatment chair and remain alert.
- The mental health care provider will place a small curved device containing a magnetic coil on your scalp near your forehead.
- You will receive brief magnetic stimulation through the device on your scalp.
- You will hear "clicking" sounds.
- You will feel a "tapping" sensation on your forehead.
- You will be given earplugs to wear.
More information on TMS
- We are currently unable to treat patients with bipolar disorder, psychosis or a history of mania or hypomania.
- You may feel discomfort at or near the treatment area. This is often short-lived and usually happens during the first week of treatment only.
- You will be able to drive yourself to and from treatment sessions and resume your typical activities following each session.
Check with your insurance company to see if they cover TMS.
Related links
Source: Allina Health Mental Health
Reviewed by: Allina Health Mental Health
First published: 9/25/2019
Last reviewed: 9/25/2019