Have you tried everything including taking medications, making lifestyle changes, and been to physical therapy to recover from depression, but none of these treatment methods have proven to be effective? Then, you should consider transcranial magnetic stimulation. TMS is a medically-approved treatment for depression and is well-known for effectively managing your depression symptoms. Over the years, depression has become a major health concern across the globe; thus, requiring immediate medical attention. Unlike the traditional treatment solutions for depression, transcranial magnetic stimulation provides a more modern treatment approach as it involves less prescription medication and doctor visits. In this article, we will tell you why you should have your transcranial magnetic stimulation procedure performed by psychiatrist Atlanta.
How is transcranial magnetic stimulation done?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation has proven to provide lasting solutions to other traditional treatments by being fully effective in managing your symptoms. It is also preferred as it is minimally invasive as the entire procedure is performed through the surface of your skin. Before the actual transcranial magnetic stimulation, your healthcare provider may refer you to an expert with experience and training using this treatment.
Diagnosis
The medical expert will determine if TMS is suitable for you by checking if you have any magnetic metal implants on your skull that can cause you severe pain during the procedure. Your doctor will also examine your medical history of epilepsy, seizure, and other medical conditions that affect your brain. Once it has been determined that this procedure is safe for you, your physician will recommend a suitable treatment schedule that usually entails multiple treatments within a five-week duration.
Preparation
You will be required to remove any metallic jewelry that may contain magnetic metals. You will be requested to sit on a specially customized chair underneath the magnetic coil for transcranial magnetic stimulation. Your doctor will provide you with hearing protection devices to shield your ears from the loud magnetic sounds that can affect your hearing. After the earplugs are put in place, your healthcare provider will carefully position the magnetic coil on your head and attack a chin strap for a firmer head fit.
Actual procedure
During the treatment, you will feel tap-like sensations from the magnetic coil as your physician gradually increases the intensity of the magnetic pulses. As the magnetic pulses increase, you will notice a sudden movement or twitch in your hands, which is completely normal. Depending on the type of TMS procedure you are having, the treatment sessions can last anywhere between thirty minutes to one hour.
Post-treatment
After the treatment, you will be allowed to resume your everyday activities, but if you experience any side effects like an abnormal sensation in your face or head, your doctor will require you to stay for a little while at the facility.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been medically approved to treat various health conditions such as migraines, major depressive disorder, and smoking cessation obsessive-compulsive disorder. Additionally, more research is still ongoing to determine if this procedure can be used to treat eating disorders, addictions, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, fibromyalgia, and bipolar disorder. For the TMS treatments to be effective, you are advised to attend all the doctor sessions and immediately notify your doctor if you experience any side effects.