Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an innovative, non-invasive treatment option for individuals with depression and other mental health disorders. You may be able to find relief with TMS therapy if you haven’t had success with medications, talk therapy, and other treatments. One of the most common questions we get is, “How does TMS work?”
Understanding how TMS treatment works is essential for determining whether it is right for you, as well as what to expect. Our team can answer this question, and many more, during a FREE consultation at our clinic in Fort Lauderdale.
If you are struggling with depression or another mental illness in South Florida and are curious about how TMS works, call NeuroHealth Treatment Centers at 954-417-7575 today. Our clinical staff can answer your questions and assess your candidacy for TMS therapy.
How Does TMS Work?
The science behind transcranial magnetic stimulation is fascinating. Using a magnetic field, TMS generates a small electric current that stimulates nerve signals within the brain. Targeted stimulation of the regions of the brain involved in mood regulation can help alleviate the symptoms of depression and other conditions.
Repeated TMS sessions have a cumulative effect, gradually altering brain activity in ways that improve mood and support better mental health. TMS is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It has also shown promise in clinical studies for treating conditions such as:
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Gambling disorder
TMS is drug-free, meaning there are no medications, sedatives, or anesthetic. It is also non-invasive, so no surgery is required. This represents a significant advantage over more invasive treatment options such as deep brain stimulation or electroconvulsive therapy.
What Exactly Does TMS Do to the Brain?
A study conducted in 2024 by the National Institute of Mental Health offers valuable insight into how TMS affects the brain. Using functional MRI (fMRI), researchers mapped the brains of participants with depression to identify connections between the prefrontal cortex (the most common target of TMS therapy) and the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC), a deeper region of the brain involved in mood regulation.
Participants underwent three days of repetitive TMS (rTMS) treatment. After each session, they received a single pulse of TMS during an fMRI scan, allowing researchers to observe the brain’s response in real time. The study showed that stimulating the surface-level prefrontal cortex could effectively influence activity in the deeper sgACC through their existing neural connections, with participants experiencing a 34% improvement in depression symptoms and a 32% decrease in anxiety symptoms.
This study highlights how TMS works by strengthening communication between key brain regions, promoting neuroplasticity, and rebalancing circuits involved in emotional processing. It also underscores the importance of precise TMS targeting to achieve the best clinical outcomes.
Is TMS Safe?
Yes, TMS therapy has an excellent safety profile. Multiple studies have confirmed that adverse events are typically mild and short-lived (Journal of Affective Disorders).
The most common side effects patients experience with TMS are mild headaches and discomfort at the treatment site. Seizures are extremely rare. According to a study published in the journal of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, they have been documented in less than 1% of cases.
Repeated TMS sessions alter brain function but not brain anatomy. Studies have shown that TMS does not damage the brain or impair cognitive function (Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health).
Patients who take psychiatric medications may experience systemic side effects such as weight gain, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, etc. These issues are not associated with TMS, making it an attractive alternative for people who have tried meds with limited success or found the side effects intolerable.
How Does TMS Work at NeuroHealth Treatment Centers?
The overview above provides a general answer to the question, “How does TMS work?” But most patients want to know what to expect from TMS therapy at NeuroHealth Treatment Centers.
During treatment sessions, a device containing an electromagnetic coil is positioned on your scalp or forehead. This coil emits a series of magnetic pulses that stimulate neurons inside the targeted area of the brain.
Some TMS devices are shaped like a helmet. NeuroHealth Treatment Centers uses the Nexstim SmartFocus® TMS, which has a much smaller coil. This makes treatment more comfortable and allows for more accurate targeting of the part of the brain involved in mood regulation.
Prior to the start of treatment, we conduct an MRI scan of the patient’s head to create a 3-D rendering of the brain. Nexstim SmartFocus® TMS allows us to precisely locate the left dorso-lateral pre-frontal cortex (DLPFC). The left DLPFC helps to regulate mood and assists with executive functions such as decision-making and memory. In patients with depression, the left DLPFC is often underactive.
Accurately pinpointing the left DLPFC’s location ensures that TMS treatment is performed in the same location at every session. Using Nexstim SmartFocus® TMS, our clinicians are able to monitor a real-time image of the brain’s anatomy, as well as the exact location of the electric field and the area of the brain being treated. This is critical for making precise adjustments and maximizing therapeutic outcomes.
Bottom line: Nexstim SmartFocus® TMS gives us the ability to perform personalized, highly targeted transcranial magnetic stimulation. Our use of groundbreaking technology is key for helping you achieve symptom relief and enjoy comfortable treatment sessions.
TMS sessions take about 30 minutes on average. Most courses of treatment call for sessions 5 days a week for a period between 4 and 6 weeks.
Find Out If TMS Works for You
At NeuroHealth Treatment Centers, we make patient safety a top priority. Our goal is to help you explore cutting-edge options for mental health improvement in a safe and comfortable environment.
By using the most advanced technology, we are able to tailor TMS therapy to your unique brain structure. Many of our patients have achieved long-lasting relief from depression and other conditions.
Contact NeuroHealth Treatment Centers today for a FREE consultation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We’ll explain how TMS works and walk you through the process step by step so you can make an informed decision.
