What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Accelerated TMS Easily Explained
TMS is an FDA-approved treatment for depression and anxiety. TMS was first developed in 1995, approved by the FDA in 2008, and has been used by hundreds of thousands of people around the world since then. As studies are being completed, TMS is proving to help in the treatment of many mental health disorders including PTSD, OCD, BPD, binge eating disorders, smoking cessation and addiction. TMS is backed by extensive worldwide scientific research and published scientific studies, including studies performed by Stanford, Harvard and Oxford Universities.
The treatment uses powerful, focused magnetic field pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain non-invasively (i.e., without needing surgery or anesthetic), via a paddle-shaped coil placed against the surface of the scalp. The magnetic pulses are just as powerful as the field of an MRI scanner but focused into an area the size of a quarter. Each pulse is powerful enough to activate the neurons (brain cells) at the focus of the paddle. A series of pulses, lasting a few minutes per session, will act like exercise to strengthen the connections in the brain circuits. At Kind Health Group, we use the TMS device to strengthen the activity of the brain circuits that regulate our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. When the treatment succeeds, people will often feel more in control of their thoughts and feelings and can cope more easily with the stresses of life without becoming overwhelmed or hopeless.
TMS Reviews
How Does TMS Work?
The first step is to schedule a consultation in our office. Dr. Nanos and our TMS medical team comprised of a psychiatrist and renowned neuroscientists will review medical history and medications. Dr. Nanos will then prescribe the TMS treatment for you and your journey to improved mental health will begin.
During TMS treatment, your care team will place the device next to your forehead. This device emits magnetic pulses that strengthen specific parts of your brain.
TMS Treatments can be customized to fit your individual schedule. The initial treatment recommendation is 40 sessions. An example of one option is all-day for 5 days.
Treatment sessions are 10 minutes long and will occur once per hour with 50 minutes in-between sessions. This time in between allows the brain to rest and reset.
During this time between sessions, you are free to do as you like. If you have the energy, we suggest taking a brief walk, meditating, or journaling. Please avoid driving or leaving the area for more than 30 minutes, so that treatment stays on schedule.
After treatments are over for the day, you are welcome to continue with your normal activities. There is no 'recovery period' required after TMS.
The most common side effects are minor discomfort on the scalp during the treatments, and in some cases, mild headaches for a short time after each treatment. You also may experience tiredness after treatment. People often report sleeping longer and deeper than their normal sleep patterns. It is important to remember that the minor side effects of TMS are much more favorable and tolerable than the side effect profiles of antidepressant medications and mental health disorders that have previously been non-responsive to medications and alternative therapies.
As a part of your extensive care team, Kind Health Group additionally pairs you with one of our health coaches for routine follow up, support in goal achievement post therapy, meditation, gentle exercises and breath work techniques. Together we guide you through the entire journey and are right by your side as you improve and adjust to your "new" life.
Hope for depression and so much more
Millions of people suffer from depression and other mental health disorders. Medication and psychotherapy are generally the first-approach however approximately only two-thirds of people get results that significantly provide relief and many experience medication resistance. Additionally, other solutions — like shock therapies — come with substantial risks and side effects.
A remarkable 2 out of 3 patients, respond to TMS treatment, while 1 out of 2
achieve remission (symptom-free).The majority of patients who respond to TMS start seeing positive results after a few weeks of receiving the treatment. Some patients report positive results sooner than this and best of all, some people experience results in just a few days.
If you or a loved one suffer from long-standing depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, or ADHD that has been largely or completely resistant to medication or psychotherapy, contact Kind Health Group in Encinitas, CA to schedule a complimentary consultation, where our team will review your medical history, cover treatment plan and provide financial options so you can begin living a more pleasant life now.