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What is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a fast-acting and treatment for depression, without the need for medication.  Find out why more providers are looking to offer TMS.

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Antidepressants
not working?
TMS can help

✓ FDA Cleared
✓ Non-drug
✓ Non-invasive
✓ No side effects of drugs
✓ Not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)
✓ Long-lasting symptom relief
✓ Covered by most insurance
✓ Over 2 million treatments delivered

Who is TMS recommended to?

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TMS in Depression

TMS is a safe and effective treatment for depression. It is particularly recommended for patients who did not respond to medication or other forms of treatment.

Scientific studies have shown that two out of three patients felt they benefited from TMS.

TMS can also be used for patients looking to lower the dose of antidepressant medication or for anyone hoping to cease taking medication entirely.  This would be done under supervision of a doctor.  Magnetic stimulation can therefore be an excellent way to support this transition process.

See the science behind TMS

TMS Boosts Brain Activity

These are images from a SPECT Scan1 (single photon emission computed tomography) scan of the cumulative results from 12 men receiving TMS.

The red-orange in these images show increases in blood flow in the brain as a result of TMS treatment. The bottom left image shows increased blood flow below the TMS coil. Other images also reveal increased blood flow in deeper brain regions involved in mood regulation and correlate with how TMS treats depression.

This scan is an example of how TMS only directly effects the brain circuits involved in mood regulation and not other circuits as medications do, resulting in unwanted side effects.

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How TMS programs work and what to expect in a session

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For best results, TMS sessions need to be scheduled daily or at least twice a week. Some patients notice antidepressant effects after approximately 5 sessions. However, it’s important to remember that just as the individual causes of depression differ so does the response to treatment. Generally, we recommend between 20 to 30 sessions to consolidate the antidepressant effects. You can complete a full course of treatment within one to two months.

This makes TMS a fast-acting treatment programme for patients looking for an alternative to antidepressant medication. 

All TMS treatments are supervised by a trained psychiatrist, psychologist or psychiatric nurse. The sessions are conducted in a comfortable treatment chair, where a magnetic coil is placed over your head. The coil generates a pulsating magnetic field, stimulating the target areas within the brain. The magnetic field generates a noticeable ticking sound. While the stimulation is not painful, many patients notice a tingling sensation on their scalp.

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Advantages of TMS

Safe

TMS therapy focuses on the areas of the brain that controls mood. Unlike Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), there have been no reported negative effects on thinking and memory, or any other normal brain functions.

Convenient

During TMS therapy, there is no need for sedation or anesthesia. The patient is  awake, alert, and can resume normal activities right after a treatment session.  This makes TMS a viable treatment offering for hospital settings and outpatient therapy centres.

Medication-free

TMS is 100% free of side effects associated with medication. Unlike traditional antidepressant medications, TMS therapy does not cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, fatigue, or negative cognitive effects.

Efficient

Typically, only a 6-week course of 45 minutes per day treatments are needed, unlike medications that can take months to stabilize mood. After a course of TMS Therapy, most patients enjoy long-lasting benefits.

Natural

TMS therapy uses magnetic energy to stimulate brain cells, helping the brain to naturally release the chemicals necessary for proper mood regulation.  Patients who have not been helped by medications may prefer this treatment option.

Backed by science

We only apply protocols that have shown clinical efficacy. By combining TMS with psychotherapy, 66% of the population who suffer depression achieved positive outcomes, according to recent studies.