What is TMS therapy?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a revolutionary, non-invasive brain stimulation technique FDA-cleared in 2008 for treating major depressive disorder. Using focused magnetic pulses similar to MRI technology, TMS stimulates underactive brain regions associated with mood regulation.

During treatment, an electromagnetic coil positioned against your scalp delivers brief magnetic pulses that pass through the skull and induce small electrical currents in targeted brain areas, particularly the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). This repeated stimulation helps normalize brain activity patterns.

Clinical trials show 50-60% of patients experience significant improvement, with 30-40% achieving complete remission. Unlike medications, TMS has no systemic side effects like weight gain or sexual dysfunction. Unlike ECT, it requires no anesthesia and has no memory impact.

Sessions last 19-37 minutes and are performed in an outpatient setting. Patients can drive themselves and resume normal activities immediately after treatment.