It may be a surprise for you to know that TMS has been used since the late 1990s, physicians began to explore the therapeutic potential of TMS for the treatment of a variety of diseases. It is approved by the FDA in 2008 to treat depression in adults. In 2018 it received the FDA approval to treat adult OCD as well.

Through a treatment coil that generates almost MRI strength, highly concentrated, magnetic field. That laser sharp focus magnetic field does not directly affect the whole brain but helps to treat the target areas in the brain that thought to be the cause of the treated disorder, and eventually normalize brain circuits.

Unlike ECT, TMS is an outpatient procedure, and does not require anesthesia, or sedation. It is generally safe and does not cause any structural change of brain. Most common side effect are mild discomfort, and headache that self-limited during the treatment session.

TMS can effectively treat depression, and major mood disorders (Bipolar disorder). Also TMS treats anxiety disorders, such as OCD, Generalized Anxiety disorder and PTSD. Currently FDA approved TMS for adult depression and OCD.

Depends on the complexity of the disease, and comorbidity. For example, in depression alone, patients’ response rate may vary between 56 to 60%. However, for patients who respond to TMS, over 60% of them will do better for one year.

Since every patient is unique, a highly trained physician calculates precisely the treatment dose and location. That provides personalized TMS for the patient based on many factors.