The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance approximates that over 17 million Americans aged 18 and above are affected by major depressive disorder. Also called clinical depression, major depressive disorder is characterized by a persistent feeling of loss of interest in daily activities and sadness, which may significantly impair the quality of your life. Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates, LLC specializes in diagnosing and treating depression. Without early treatment of depression, you become susceptible to mental and physical problems, including poor appetite, muscle aches, constant exhaustion, and erratic sleep patterns.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is one popular clinical therapy your doctor can recommend for relieving chronic depression. Subsequently, below are a few things you need to remember about that particular medical procedure.
The history of transcranial magnetic stimulation and how it works
The history of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is traceable to 1985. In that year, the inventor of this non-invasive treatment scientifically proved how it impacts the human brain’s motor cortex.
In 2008, the FDA approved using and marketing the modern TMS for stimulating brain nerve cells.
TMS relies on the ability of two major physics principles, which are magnetism and electricity, to work together. Also, remember that the brain’s neurons rely on electrical charges and chemicals to communicate.
Closely exposing your brain to a magnet influences its electrical activity. Transcranial magnetic stimulation thus targets particular brain parts, especially those that play a critical role in behavioral and emotional responses.
The right candidate for transcranial magnetic stimulation
You will need TMS when other treatments do not deliver significant relief against depression. TMS is suitable since it is a non-invasive procedure and does not put you at risk of various potential complications often associated with surgical procedures.
Besides treating clinical depression, the FDA has also approved using TMS as a remedy for other conditions, including obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors associated with OCD.
Also, there are ongoing clinical studies to determine if TMS can be useful in alleviating the symptoms of other problems like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Your doctor may advise you against TMS if your head has an electronic implant or a magnetic metal, which the stronger magnet of TMS can pull. That may result in an injury or debilitating pain.
Moreover, if you have experienced a problem affecting your brain, you may have to avoid TMS.
The number of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatments
You should go for about five treatment sessions weekly. The treatment duration is about six weeks to be more likely to get the desired results.
Because each treatment session lasts less than 60 minutes, you can always find time to undergo the procedure.
Complications of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment
Because it is a non-invasive procedure, it is rare for TMS to cause any side effects or complications.
During treatment, you will hear and feel clicking and tapping sensations on your scalp. Generally, you will tolerate the treatment well.
However, if there are complications, expect headaches, ringing of the ears, and dizziness. The side effects do not stay for long after treatment.
Contact Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates, LLC today to schedule an appointment with a specialist in TMS and learn more about its effectiveness.