Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy is a highly effective, non-invasive way to treat depression when no medication and other therapies work. TMS has given hope to a lot of struggling people and gained its popularity over time. If you are considering TMS therapy, then it is very normal to feel nervous before your first session. Here’s a simple guide to answer all your questions and what to expect during your first TMS therapy session.
Arriving at Your First TMS Session
When you reach for your first TMS therapy session, you will meet welcoming professionals who will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms to make sure whether you are a fit for TMS therapy or not. Unlike traditional treatments, non-medication depression treatments like TMS therapy target specific areas of your brain using magnetic pulses to improve your mood and mental health without any pain or medications.
After the paperwork, you will be guided to the comfortable recliner-like chair where you will receive the treatment. There is absolutely no need to prepare in any special way as TMS is very simple and noninvasive. You can even bring headphones or a book if it helps you relax.
The Mapping Process
Before the treatment the clinician will perform a process that is called “mapping.” This process is important as it identifies the specific areas of the brain that will be stimulated. The technician will position the TMS device over your head with the focus on the areas associated with mood regulation. You will feel no pain but may feel the sensation as light tapping on the scalp.
The mapping process ensures the effectiveness of therapy. During your treatment you might feel slight muscle twitches or hear a clicking sound from the machine—don’t worry, it’s completely normal!
The TMS Therapy Session
After the mapping process, the TMS therapy session begins. It takes around 20-30 minutes for a session to end. During the session the TMS machine delivers magnetic pulses to the mapped areas of the brain. These magnetic pulses encourage better communication between neurons, which results in stabilizing the moods and better mental health.
TMS is a very gentle process. It’s a non-invasive depression treatment, so there are no needles, no sedation, and no downtime required. Most people feel comfortable enough to chat with the technician, listen to music, or simply close their eyes during the session.
What Does TMS Feel Like?
According to our clients, TMS feels like a rhythmic tapping sensation on your head. Some patients describe it as similar to a woodpecker tapping but without pain. It might take a little time for you to get used to this feeling but many patients find it manageable.
Medications take time to show results and can show side effects as well. TMS therapy is designed to work directly with your brain without any medication or other traditional methods. TMS does not offer immediate results but it does work more quickly than many traditional antidepressants.
After Your First Session
There’s no grogginess or downtime after a TMS session. Therefore, it is a perfect option for people who are busy but still need help dealing with depression or other mental health issues. After your first session, you can directly go right back to your day.
It takes time to build the results from TMS therapy. Most patients notice significant improvements after several sessions. Your provider will work with you to schedule regular appointments and maintain consistency to take the maximum benefits of the treatment.
Why Choose TMS Therapy?
TMS therapy has become very popular due to its safety features and effectiveness. TMS is worth exploring if no other method worked for you. At Mindful TMS we ensure that the experience of TMS therapy becomes smooth and effective for all and you get the help you need. If you are looking for TMS therapy in Chicago, then our personalized TMS therapy approach can meet all your requirements.
TMS therapy offers hope for mental wellness. The method is completely drug-free and is done under the supervision of experienced professionals. TMS doesn’t require anesthesia, and it is generally exceptionally well tolerated as compared to the side effects often seen with medications.
Conclusion
TMS is an FDA-approved treatment for the mental health disorder. TMS patients feel better for many months after treatment stops, with the average length of response being a little more than a year. You might get nervous during your first session but it is an important step towards better mental health. You can have a great first TMS experience if you take the right approach and receive the treatment from an experienced professional. Each session builds upon the last and slowly helps to reduce the weight of depression and improve quality of life.