Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a relatively new treatment option that is growing in popularity. But what is it? What conditions can it be used to treat? How effective is it? Are there any downsides? In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions about TMS.
What Is TMS?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a treatment that uses targeted, pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The goal of TMS is to relieve pain, treat inflammation, or manage mental health issues by activating specific areas of the brain. It has been shown that applying an electrical current through your head can help “wake up” the brain and improve symptoms.
TMS is a specialist treatment that can be administered by a trained doctor or psychiatrist at their practice. It may also be used in conjunction with other treatments. A typical session involves placing the TMS coils on your head for about 30 minutes, during which time you will feel no pain or discomfort. You can return to work immediately after receiving treatment; however, some people may experience mild side effects such as headaches and dizziness for up to 48 hours afterward.
What Conditions Can TMS Be Used To Treat?
TMS can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Epilepsy
- Chronic Pain Syndrome
- Migraines
- Acute Pain Syndrome
At the moment, this treatment is still relatively new. So, the reasons for its effectiveness still need to be explored. In the future, we may discover yet more problems that can be managed using TMS treatments.
How Effective Is TMS?
TMS may be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions. In general, it may be most effective for psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety. However, it may also be helpful in treating chronic pain, migraines, and acute pain.
TMS is a specialist treatment that needs to be administered by a trained professional. It may also be used in conjunction with other treatments such as medication, psychotherapy, and acupuncture. TMS can take up to four weeks before you see any improvement from the initial treatment session; however, some people may experience a reduction in symptoms after the first session.
Are There Any Downsides To TMS?
TMS is generally a safe treatment with few side effects. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as headaches and dizziness for up to 48 hours afterward. Additionally, pregnant women should not have TMS treatments due to potential risks for the fetus.
If you are suffering from mental health issues like depression and anxiety and you have tried medications in the past, you may feel like treatments simply don’t work. The reality is that some people don’t respond as well to medication as others and they need to try alternative methods. TMS has been shown to be very effective for managing the symptoms of depression and anxiety and it’s an excellent alternative to medication. There are also fewer side effects to deal with. So, if you are struggling, why not explore the potential benefits of TMS today and see if it is right for you?