WHAT IS TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is an FDA-approved treatment that targets depression on a cellular level. The treatment optimizes the brain to engage in therapy and lifestyle habits that support sustained recovery. TMS is a safe and effective treatment that delivers precise, repetitive magnetic pulses to the limbic area of the brain in order to stimulate underactive areas. Treatments promote new neural pathways, increase blood flow and an increase in neurotransmitters that help the brain function better.
The TMS protocol lasts approximately six weeks. After an initial consultation, patients engage in 30 minute TMS therapy sessions five days each week. They are seated comfortably in the office and a small magnetic coil is positioned lightly on their head. The procedure does not require anesthesia, and no drugs are used. People are able to resume their normal activities immediately after treatment, unlike traditional Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) or “shock therapy” that requires caregiver support. TMS treatment is well tolerated and does not produce any side effects.
SIX PILLARS OF HEALTH THAT SUPPORT TMS TREATMENTS
At Bright Mind TMS, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is used to treat depression in conjunction with lifestyle habit coaching that supports sustained recovery. TMS therapy at Bright Mind TMS is more than just a treatment, it’s an experience. We make the most of our time with our clients. Patients receive individualized lifestyle coaching that focuses on the Six Pillars of Health, a program developed by our yoga instructor who is also a nutritionist. We believe this lifestyle program will help promote sustained remission from depression after TMS treatment.
The Six Pillars of Health include:
Creating a morning and evening routine
Getting enough sleep
Stress management
Good nutrition
Exercise
Establishing meaningful connections with the community
Mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation can also help people stay in the moment without dwelling on the past or fretting about the future.
BUILDING TRUST
We believe that it is important to establish a bond of trust when dealing with people who have not responded well to medication and therapy for depression. We want our patients to see that there is hope and there are other options available to treat their depression and other mental health and neurological issues. TMS treatment and the lifestyle changes we recommend can help resolve the symptoms of depression and improve our patients overall quality of life.
We use an integrated functional medicine approach to mental health to get at the root cause of the problem, so every solution is tailored specifically to you. During your first office visit we get a thorough health history and we introduce different treatment options outside of medication like lifestyle coaching, genetic screening and TMS.
TMS is currently FDA approved for the treatment of depression, but it is also the focus of neuroscience research at institutions including Johns Hopkins, Stanford, Princeton and Harvard, where it has shown promise in treating a wide range of psychiatric and neurological disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); migraine headaches; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); autism spectrum disorder; anxiety; bipolar disorder; Parkinson’s disease; and chronic pain.
TMS TREATMENT PATH
ONE
DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT
Evaluation to determine if criteria are met for TMS treatment.
two
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
If criteria for TMS treatment is met, it is very likely your insurance company will require a prior authorization. This can take 3-10 days to receive a decision.
three
MAPPING, MOTOR THRESHOLD &
FIRST TREATMENT
At your first appointment we will determine the proper location and placement of the TMS components and then complete a full 30-minute TMS treatment.
four
DAILY TMS TREATMENT
You will receive 30 minute treatments Monday through Friday. Treatment may be as short as 3 weeks and up to 9 weeks, depending on your needs and insurance approval.
five
REFRESHER TREATMENTS
A new authorization for TMS treatment can be requested from your insurance company for those clients requiring additional treatment sessions.
six
ONGOING CARE
Even though Bright Mind TMS’s practitioners do not manage client medications long term, we can make medication adjustments as necessary throughout treatment course. Once TMS treatment is complete, clients will return back to their prescribing provider for ongoing medication management. Bright Mind TMS can also assist in finding an ongoing medication provider.