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rTMS | Braincare Performance Center Carlsbad
Learn about rTMS, a non-invasive form of brain stimulation, and how it works to relieve depression symptoms, particularly when medications and therapy haven't helped.
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rTMS:
A Breakthrough, Non-invasive, and Lasting Depression Treatment
Are you dealing with depression that doesn't go away despite medications and therapy? It can make you feel like there's no way out of the fog of your depression — but there is a solution:
rTMS.
rTMS stands for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, a safe, non-invasive, drug-free way to relieve your depression symptoms. The success rate from rTMS is far higher than other treatments for major depression, and the results last.
At BrainCare Carlsbad, we recommend rTMS to treat:
* Depression [link to depression page]
* Major depressive disorder (MDD)
* Treatment-resistant depression (MDD that doesn't respond to antidepressants)
* Postpartum depression
* Persistent depression with anxiety
* Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with depression
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How Does rTMS Work to Relieve Depression Symptoms?
rTMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain involved in mood regulation. We place a coil near the head to generate brief magnetic pulses, which feel like gentle taps. These pulses pass through the skull and stimulate brain cells in areas thought to be involved in mood regulation (often the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
The stimulation increases the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which can improve mood and relieve depression.
By stimulating nerve cells, rTMS promotes neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and adapt to new experiences.
At BrainCare Carlsbad, we personalize your treatment with EEG-guided rTMS, tailoring it to your brain's exact neurological condition. This helps us monitor your response, making the rTMS treatment even more effective.
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Benefits of rTMS Treatment
rTMS has many benefits, particularly when compared to other depression treatments like medications. These include:
* rTMS treatment is medication- and anesthesia-free and performed on an outpatient basis.
* The treatment has no or few side effects. Any side effects are usually mild (like a headache or scalp discomfort) and can be relieved by taking painkillers or adjusting the stimulation parameters.
* rTMS works when medications don't. 70-80% of patients experience relief after treatment, compared to 27.5% after the first-line medication, down to 6.9% with the fourth-line medication.
* The results from this treatment are lasting. 50% of patients completing rTMS achieve a total remission of their depression. The results last at least two years in 90% of patients who improve with rTMS, while approximately 35% need an occasional maintenance session.
* We can deliver rTMS as a standalone treatment or with medications.
* Treatment for depression with rTMS is covered by most insurance.
* rTMS is FDA-approved for depression, and we follow all FDA-approved protocols.
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Effectiveness of TMS in Depression Treatment Featured in Psychiatric News
In October 2022, the Psychiatric News published an article providing evidence that TMS should be considered as first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe Major Depressive Disorder.
Richard A. Bermudes, the author of the article, reviewed a decade's worth of studies on the effectiveness of TMS. After his review, he wrote:
As I read the [APA] guidelines recently and considered the number of new outcome studies conducted with TMS, I believe TMS should be considered in addition to pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with moderate to severe major depressive disorder."Read the entire article on the Psychiatric News website
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What to Expect When Coming in for TMS Treatment
rTMS has many benefits, particularly when compared to other depression treatments like medications. These include:
* rTMS treatment is medication- and anesthesia-free and performed on an outpatient basis.
* The treatment has no or few side effects. Any side effects are usually mild (like a headache or scalp discomfort) and can be relieved by taking painkillers or adjusting the stimulation parameters.
* rTMS works when medications don't. 70-80% of patients experience relief after treatment, compared to 27.5% after the first-line medication, down to 6.9% with the fourth-line medication.
* The results from this treatment are lasting. 50% of patients completing rTMS achieve a total remission of their depression. The results last at least two years in 90% of patients who improve with rTMS, while approximately 35% need an occasional maintenance session.
* We can deliver rTMS as a standalone treatment or with medications.
* Treatment for depression with rTMS is covered by most insurance.
* rTMS is FDA-approved for depression, and we follow all FDA-approved protocols.
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Initial Testing and Consultation
You have two appointments before deciding if you want to proceed with rTMS.
In the first one, we perform a qEEG (qualitative electroencephalogram) and EKG (electrocardiogram) to identify underperforming brain areas. These tests are simple, painless, and performed right in our office.
The second is an appointment with your provider to discuss your results and recommended treatment. If you decide to move forward, we schedule your rTMS sessions.
rTMS Treatments
We deliver your rTMS treatments five days a week. During treatment, you sit in a comfortable chair, and your provider places a padded device against your head. They carefully position the device to aim the magnetic pulses into the targeted treatment area.
A typical rTMS session takes 30-40 minutes. During that time, you hear clicking and may feel tapping sensations, but the procedure is never painful.
Your provider will perform additional qEEGs throughout your treatment and monitor your progress. rTMS treatment typically takes four to six weeks.
"This therapy does work. The doc and the ladies take care of you like you are part of their family. The techs are so easy to relate to, and there is no shame in working through this therapy to solve your problems. For those of you who hate big pharma… try this, folks!" – Rebecca L.
Is rTMS Right for You?
If you've tried many treatments to relieve your depression, you may be hesitant to try one more. Yet, rTMS has been successful for many people who haven't had success with other treatments. It's worth discovering if this may work for you, too; we are here to help you make that decision and provide care and support.
Reach out for a free consultation with our New Patient Coordinator. She can answer your questions, provide all the information you need, and help schedule you for your next steps should you decide to move forward.