TMS is not safe
and has many adverse side effects. Across many research and clinical studies on TMS, there has been no evidence of TMS being an unsafe form of therapy. TMS Treatment is well tolerated by most patients and has not shown evidence of severe or adverse effects in patients. Myth #6.
Is TMS worth trying?
TMS is an approved alternative for depression treatment that can help many patients with stubborn symptoms. New research continues to document progress for its efficacy, and it is
worth speaking with your doctor
if you believe it may help you.
Does TMS really work?
Does TMS work?
Approximately 50% to 60% of people with
depression who have tried and failed to receive benefit from medications experience a clinically meaningful response with TMS. About one-third of these individuals experience a full remission, meaning that their symptoms go away completely.
Is TMS scientifically proven?
Some of the studies have shown promising but not conclusive evidence for the efficacy of TMS in depression. But
TMS has not been shown to be effective
in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder, posttraumatic disorder, or schizophrenia. The patient sample size has been a cause of concern in most studies.
Can TMS go wrong?
You may be wondering whether prolonged exposure to TMS treatment will cause any negative effects down the road. The FDA has approved TMS treatments for depression and OCD, and clinical studies have been conducted to research long-term TMS risks.
No adverse effects have been associated with long-term TMS therapy
.
Can TMS damage your brain?
TMS can induce voltages in the electrode wires whether the implant is turned ON or OFF, and this can result in unintended stimulation in the brain.
TMS pulses can also damage the internal circuitry of electronic implants near the coil
, causing them to malfunction.
Can TMS make you worse?
While
TMS does not worsen symptoms
for patients who are correctly diagnosed with a condition that TMS is known to treat (such as depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD), TMS may possibly worsen symptoms for patients with conditions that TMS are not know to treat, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
How painful is TMS?
Most patients report no pain during their TMS treatment
. Some patients who are predisposed to migraines may report mild headaches during the first week of their treatment program. Headaches typically resolve on their own after the first week, but patients can take a mild, over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
Why is TMS so expensive?
Historically, TMS was initially so expensive for a number of reasons. First, the cost of the
machine was so exorbitant that most doctors could not afford to treat people for cheaper
. Secondly, the first devices available to the public would charge the doctors between $60 – $100 per treatment.
Can you do TMS therapy at home?
The equipment uses similar electromagnetic waves to stimulate the brain but in a much smaller package. With at-home TMS,
there's no need to travel
to a clinic or interrupt your day to make an appointment. The device can be used whenever and wherever you need relief.
Can TMS worsen anxiety?
Some studies have shown that when used for depression,
TMS causes increased anxiety
. A 2011 trial showed that when administered to individuals with panic disorder, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) caused higher anxiety levels.
Who is a good candidate for TMS?
TMS is best suited for patients who
have struggled with depression
and have not experienced relief from antidepressants, or those who have not been able to take antidepressants due to intolerable side effects.
Can you drink while doing TMS?
Alcohol is a depressant, so if you are going through TMS therapy, it may be counteractive to drink on the weekends. A glass of wine or a beer every so often won't hurt, but
excessive drinking should be avoided
.
Does TMS work better than antidepressants?
Some patients do find that they are
able to better achieve full remission from depression
when they use TMS in combination with an oral antidepressant.
Does TMS help with anxiety?
Studies on treating anxiety with TMS
After hundreds of small studies conducted all over the world with very positive results, there is now more confidence that TMS
can be an effective treatment for various anxiety disorders
, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
How long does the TMS dip last?
Forty-five to 60 percent of patients see some improvement with 30-40 percent achieving remission. Effects can last
up to 12 months
, and insurance coverage for follow-up treatments varies. Luckily, my insurance will cover another course in three months.
