A Path to Recovery with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

What is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a procedure that uses a powerful magnetic field to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of major depression. TMS rewires the brain and promotes neuroplasticity by forming new pathways and strengthening connections disrupted by depression. TMS has been approved for clinical depression treatment since 2008 and is widely used in North America, Australia, and Europe.

• What is TMS like?
  During a TMS session, you are reclined in a chair and an electromagnetic figure-of-eight-shaped coil is placed on the head near the area associated with depression. The coil delivers magnetic pulses that target nerve cells. The active session lasts 20-30 minutes total.
• Who is it for?
  People with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who have had limited benefits from multiple medications or cannot tolerate side effects of medications. Unfortunately this is a common situation. It is estimated that 30% of people with clinical major depression have TRD.