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TMS Therapy In Tacoma: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More

Ayub Mwaura • Sep 13, 2023

Do you live in or near Tacoma Washington and are you looking for a safe, non-invasive, outpatient therapy option to help with clinical depression or other mental health issues? BrainsWay TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) Therapy may be the answer.


In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at what TMS Therapy is, as well as discuss its various uses, benefits, side effects, and more so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.


Overview of TMS Therapy


Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. These magnetic fields are delivered through a coil that is placed on the patient's scalp.


TMS therapy is often used as a treatment for depression, but it has also shown promising results in treating anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. One of the benefits of TMS therapy is that it does not have the same side effects as traditional antidepressants, such as weight gain or sexual dysfunction.


TMS therapy sessions usually last around 30 minutes and are typically done five days a week for several weeks. While TMS therapy is not a cure-all, it can provide significant relief for those who have not found success with other treatments.


Uses of TMS Therapy


TMS Therapy is widely recognized for its efficacy in treating several mental health disorders.

Depression: The primary application of TMS Therapy has been in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. Many patients who fail to respond to antidepressants find relief with TMS Therapy. It works by reactivating regions of the brain that are under-active in depression.


Anxiety: TMS Therapy can also be an effective treatment for anxiety. It targets the prefrontal cortex - an area of the brain linked to fear responses - and can help regulate the abnormal brain activity associated with anxiety symptoms.


Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Studies have shown that TMS Therapy can help reduce the obsessions and compulsions experienced by individuals with OCD. It does this by targeting the brain circuits involved in these behaviors.


Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): TMS Therapy shows promising results in treating PTSD. It addresses the hyperactivity in the brain's fear circuits - a key component of PTSD - and helps patients manage their symptoms.


While the above-listed uses are the most common, TMS Therapy is continually being researched for its potential benefits in treating other mental health conditions. Smoking cessation or quitting smoking is another challenge that BrainsWay TMS therapy can help patients with. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if TMS Therapy is a suitable treatment option for you.


Benefits of TMS Therapy


TMS Therapy has been linked to a significant reduction in symptoms associated with various mental health conditions, notably depression. It has been shown to reactivate the under-active regions of the brain associated with depression, leading to an improved mood and overall emotional well-being.


For anxiety, TMS Therapy can help to regulate abnormal brain activity, easing fear responses and reducing anxiety levels. It has also been effective in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by reducing the severity of obsessions and compulsions. In the case of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), TMS Therapy can help manage symptoms by addressing the hyperactivity in the brain's fear circuits.


Overall, TMS Therapy can lead to a significantly improved quality of life for people struggling with these and other mental health conditions, providing relief where other treatments may have failed. However, it's essential to remember that while TMS Therapy can provide relief, it is not a cure and should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan guided by a healthcare professional.

Brittany, a BrainsWay TMS Patient Testimonial: "It was super easy. You just come in, sit down, they start the machine, and then it's done. You get up and leave to go about your day. You don't notice that something so small can have such a huge impact."

Brittany, a BrainsWay TMS Review Patient Testimonial

Side Effects of TMS Therapy


While TMS Therapy has numerous benefits, it's important to note that it may also have some side effects. Most of these side effects are mild and typically subside after the first week or two of treatment.


Headaches: One of the most common side effects of TMS Therapy is headaches. These usually occur after the treatment session and can vary in severity from mild to moderate. Over-the-counter pain relievers can typically manage these headaches, and they tend to decrease in frequency and intensity with subsequent sessions.


Scalp Discomfort: Another common side effect is scalp discomfort at the treatment site during or after the session. It is due to the magnetic pulses administered to the brain and usually subsides soon after treatment.


These side effects are generally well-tolerated and do not interfere significantly with patients' daily activities. Why? TMS is an outpatient procedure that requires no downtime, no needles, no ECT - nothing but a helmet.


However, if you experience persistent or severe side effects, it's important to inform your TMS provider and seek medical attention. As always, it's essential to discuss any potential side effects or concerns with your healthcare professional before starting TMS Therapy. 

 


How To Prepare for a TMS Therapy Appointment


If you're considering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy as a treatment option for depression, preparing for your first appointment is easy.


Doing your research beforehand and discussing any questions or concerns with your doctor or TMS provider is recommended. TMS therapy uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. You should do some research in order to understand the process and potential benefits. That's how you found this article, we assume.


Your doctor or therapist can also help determine if TMS therapy is the right option for you, as well as discuss any possible side effects or risks. By taking the time to prepare and have open communication with your healthcare provider, you can ensure a successful TMS therapy experience.


Here's a short video to help you understand how a TMS therapy session occurs at Affordable TMS & General Psychiatry.

The Cost of TMS Therapy


When it comes to treating mental health conditions, there are a variety of options available. However, many people don't realize the potential benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy.


While medications and other treatments can be effective for some individuals, TMS offers a non-invasive alternative that targets specific areas of the brain without the side effects commonly associated with medications.


Plus, studies have shown that TMS can provide long-lasting relief for those suffering from depression and anxiety. While TMS may have a higher upfront cost than medications, the long-term benefits may outweigh the cost in the end.


It's critical to discuss all treatment options with your healthcare provider to determine what is right for you.

 

Looking For TMS Therapy Near Tacoma?


Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy offers an alternative to antidepressants for treatment-resistant depression and mental health issues. It is a safe and effective treatment that has been shown to reduce advanced depression symptoms in many people.


However, it is important to research and discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor before attending a TMS therapy session.


Additionally, the costs of TMS therapy sessions may be more than traditional medications or other treatments, so understanding what costs are covered by insurance and creating a budget for these sessions before beginning treatment is beneficial.


Ultimately, TMS Therapy may offer many benefits, such as improved quality of life and reduced symptoms of depression; however, it is essential to evaluate the risks and benefits beforehand.

 

NeuroSync TMS Therapy


Fighting depression and other mental health disorders is a long and hard battle. But you don’t have to do it alone. NeuroSync TMS Therapy, conveniently located in University Place Washington, is here to help you get through it.


We believe in providing the best psychiatric care to our patients by understanding their mental health conditions and creating the best treatment plan for them.

We focus on TMS therapy to help treat depression, addiction, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues.


You can reach us at (253) 234-4199 or fill out our contact form to learn more about our TMS therapy services or schedule a consultation today!

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