What are the side effects of TMS?
Compared to the potential side effects of psychotropic medications (Above Left), TMS (Above Right) has relatively few side effects. Common reported side effects include transient headaches, painful scalp sensations, muscle twitching during treatment. SPTMS staff accompany patients during all treatments and will address any issues in real time.
How Does TMS therapy work?
TMS devices work on the central nervous system by applying targeted magnetic fields to specific brain regions that have been found important in the pathology of depression. These magnetic fields are similar to magnetic resonance Imaging (M.R.I.) machines and have no radiation associated with them. If you remember making electricity with moving magnets in science class, you have seen the same principle. As the magnet in the TMS device creates a magnetic field, your targeted neurons discharge electrically, strengthening neuronal connections (pretty cool!)
What will I do during and after the TMS treatment?
Once the treatment provider positions the magnet. Sit back, relax, and maybe have a chat with the treatment provider, watch a movie, or listen to some music during the 30 minute session. Following the session, you are free to return to your normal activites, including driving or doing enjoying some of the restaurants or shops around downtown Senoia!
Is TMS the same thing as ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)?
Short answer, No. While ECT continues to be a very effective tool in the treatment of many psychiatric disorders, it is VERY different from TMS. ECT requires admission to a hospital setting, sedation, and actually involves causing a seizure activity during treatment. TMS requires no sedation, does not have create seizures to be effective, and is completed in a outpatient setting with no down time.