The Main Benefits Of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS is a non-invasive procedure that has become increasingly popular in recent years as a treatment for various mental health conditions. This procedure uses magnets to stimulate the brain, and research has shown that it can help to improve symptoms in patients with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and OCD.

The Main Benefits Of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Here are six main benefits of using transcranial magnetic stimulation.

It is not invasive

One of the main advantages of TMS is that it is a non-invasive procedure. This means that there is no need for surgery or any type of invasiveness, which can be a great benefit for many people. Instead, TMS therapy is performed by placing a magnetic coil on the scalp, which sends magnetic pulses to the brain. The pulses and the magnetic field can stimulate the brain without causing any damage.

Additionally, because TMS is non-invasive, there is no need for anesthesia or any type of sedation. This can be a great benefit for people who are worried about the side effects of anesthesia.

It is relatively short

Another great advantage of TMS is that it is a relatively short procedure. Each session usually lasts for about 30-60 minutes, and most people will need between 10-20 sessions to see the full benefits. This means that TMS is not a time-consuming commitment, and it can easily fit into a busy schedule.

On the other hand, traditional therapy can often last for several hours each week, and it can be a much longer commitment. This is not always possible for people with busy schedules, which can make TMS a more appealing option.

TMS is effective

There is a growing body of research that shows that TMS is an effective treatment for mental health conditions. A recent meta-analysis of 27 studies found that TMS was an effective treatment for depression, with an efficacy rate of 60-70%. 

It is also being studied as a treatment for other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and OCD. The results of these studies are promising, and TMS will likely be found to be an effective treatment for these conditions as well.

There are no side effects

One of the biggest advantages of TMS is that there are no known side effects. This is in contrast to many medications that are used to treat mental health conditions, which can often have a variety of side effects.

For instance, some common side effects of antidepressants include weight gain, sexual side effects, and fatigue. However, because TMS is non-invasive and does not involve any medication, there are no known side effects.

Because TMS is such a new treatment, there is still more research that needs to be done to determine the long-term side effects. However, so far, there have been no reports of any serious side effects from TMS, apart from a small percentage of people who experience headaches during or after treatment.

It is FDA-approved

This means that it has been proven to be safe and effective in treating various conditions. The FDA has approved two different types of TMS devices, and they are both considered to be first-line treatments for depression.

These two types include repetitive TMS (rTMS) and deep TMS (dTMS). Repetitive TMS is the most common type of TMS, and it is usually used for people who have not responded to other treatments, such as medication or traditional therapy. Deep TMS is a newer type of TMS, and it is often used for people who have not responded to rTMS.

This is in contrast to many other treatments for mental health conditions, which are often not FDA-approved. This can be a benefit for people who want to try a treatment that has been proven to be effective.

It is covered by insurance

In the United States, most major insurance companies will cover at least a portion of the cost of TMS therapy. This means that people who are considering TMS will not have to pay for the entire cost out of pocket.

This is in contrast to many other treatments for mental health conditions, which are often not covered by insurance. For instance, traditional therapy and some medications can be very expensive, and people may have to pay for them out of pocket. Some people may not be able to afford the weekly therapy sessions too.

This can be a great benefit for people who are considering TMS but who are worried about the cost.

[image: pexels by anna shvets]

TMS is a promising treatment for mental health conditions, and it has a variety of advantages. It is non-invasive, relatively short, has no side effects, and is FDA-approved. Additionally, most insurance companies will cover at least a portion of the cost of TMS therapy

For these reasons, TMS is a treatment worth considering for people who are struggling with mental health conditions, especially depression.