tms therapy

What is TMS?

When medication doesn’t work – or isn’t an option – for patients with major depressive disorder, let TMS Center of Madison help.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is the first and only non-systemic and non-invasive treatment for depression approved by the FDA. TMS is safe and effective for patients who have not adequately benefited from antidepressant medications. There are no systemic side effects such as weight gain or sexual problems. Treatment is managed by board-certified physicians.

The treatment process

The typical initial treatment course consists of five treatments per week over a four-to-six week period, plus a three week taper period, for an average of 26-36 treatments. Each treatment session lasts approximately 30 minutes, and flexible scheduling is available.

TMS therapy is individualized to ensure the highest level of care for each client. Total treatment sessions will be determined based on medical necessity.

TMS Center of Madison uses BrainsWay Deep TMS technology. BrainsWay’s patented Deep TMS treatment stimulates the brain using temporary magnetic fields. The therapy has been utilized in over 60 clinical trials worldwide. It is based on patents registered by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the company.

Frequently asked Questions

The most common adverse reaction related to treatment was mild to moderate scalp pain or discomfort at the treatment site. The incidence of this side effect declined markedly after the first week of treatment.

With regard to long-term safety, TMS uses the same type and strength of magnetic fields as MRIs, which have been used with millions of patients around the world and have not been shown to cause long-term consequences.

TMS therapy should not be used in patients with implanted metallic devices or non-removable metallic objects in or around the head. It also should not be used in patients with implanted devices that are controlled by physiological signals such as pacemakers, etc.

BrainsWay’s website states that “While ECT entails electrically induced seizures, BrainsWay Deep TMS therapy stimulates brain regions using brief magnetic pulses at an amplitude similar to that used in MRI systems. ECT requires anesthesia and may entail severe side effects, including memory loss, while BrainsWay Deep TMS therapy does not involve anesthesia, has no effects on memory, and is generally well-tolerated.”

According to BrainsWay’s website, “Typically, patients hear a tapping sound and feel a tapping sensation in the head area during BrainsWay Deep TMS therapy session. To diminish the sound, the patient is provided with earplugs.

Some patients experience temporary, mild pain or discomfort in the area of the treatment site, which occurs during the treatment session. This typically occurs only during the first week BrainsWay Deep TMS treatment. Other side effects may include muscle twitching and jaw pain.”

Insurance coverage for TMS Therapy varies depending on individual carriers and plans and may be determined on a case-by-case basis. Our staff members will work with each patient to help determine eligibility. Most insurers in the Madison area cover TMS. TMS Center of Madison helps patients attain the coverage they need as quickly as possible so that they may access this beneficial treatment.

TMS Center of Madison offers several payment options for you and these can be discussed during an initial consultation. It is important to speak to you and gain an understanding of your history of depression before determining total cost.