TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a groundbreaking treatment alternative for qualifying patients with mental health concerns. It offers numerous important benefits to our patients and can be far more convenient, rapid-acting, and symptom-free than medication and psychotherapy. But what is this relatively new treatment, and what can you expect from your first TMS session?
Many of our patients are not familiar with TMS therapy and are not exactly sure what it is or how it works. If this sounds like you, and if you’re wondering what to expect from your first TMS session, here is your guide. We will cover every aspect of the process, from your consultation with Dr. Awosika, to meeting your TMS treatment specialist, preparing for your treatment, what you can expect during the treatment itself, and any recovery/downtime you might need after your TMS treatment.
In order to have an idea of how your first TMS session will go, it’s important to understand the big picture of how TMS therapy works.
TMS therapy works to improve your depression, anxious depression, and OCD symptoms by stimulating your brain function and activity. Medications do the same thing; however, they work to improve your brain functioning from the inside out, chemically. TMS—on the other hand—works from the outside in. It does this by applying gentle magnetic pulses on the surface of your skull to stimulate your brain’s nerve cells. It focuses on strategic brain areas, including those that are impacted by patients with depression and other mental health concerns.
These electromagnetic pulses are delivered through a specialized treatment device, which consists of a coil placed against your scalp. The pulses activate and “wake up” strategically targeted regions of the brain that are involved in mood regulation. For someone experiencing these conditions, TMS helps to increase activity in these areas, which can alleviate symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and OCD over time.
TMS is a highly favored treatment option because it is a completely non-invasive procedure that does not require anesthesia, nor does it cause any adverse side effects, making it a very promising treatment option for those who haven’t responded well to other treatments like medications or therapy.
Pinnacle Behavioral Healthcare specializes in TMS therapy. At our practice, we use NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy, which is the #1 doctor-recommended TMS treatment option for qualifying patients. Dr. Awosika and his team have demonstrated expertise with NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy. Your TMS journey will begin with a consultation with Dr. Awosika, who will ensure that this treatment will meet your needs and design a customized plan to help you achieve your goals.
While there is not much you have to do to prepare yourself for this procedure, there are a couple of steps you can take to make your first TMS experience even more comfortable:
Also, be sure to follow any personalized guidance you obtain from Dr. Awosika and your TMS treatment specialist in addition to the tips above.
TMS is provided at our practice by our caring TMS treatment specialists. These specialists are professionally trained and licensed to deliver the TMS treatment to you effectively and safely.
Your appointment will be conducted with one of our TMS treatment specialist, who will thoroughly explain the procedure and answer any questions you have. They will walk you through the overview of your treatment and how it will be specially designed and customized for your needs.
Your TMS session will take place at our newly renovated office in a peaceful, quiet setting. You will have your own treatment room. You will sit on a comfortable chair, and our TMS treatment specialist will position the treatment device against your scalp. When the treatment begins, you will hear clicking sounds and feel gentle tapping sensations on your head as the magnetic pulses are delivered. For most patients, this does not hurt at all. Your TMS session will last around 20 to 40 minutes, during which you can relax, read, or listen to music.
With NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy, there is no downtime or recovery time needed after your treatment. You won’t need any kind of monitoring period, nor will you need recovery time or downtime—in fact, you can resume your normal activities without any hassle whatsoever. For most patients, TMS also does not come with any side effects. A small number of patients may have a mild headache initially, but this minor and mild sensation almost always decreases with subsequent sessions and can be easily treated with over-the-counter pain relief medication.
Pinnacle Behavioral Healthcare, led by medical director Dr. Awosika (Dr. Kay), specializes in psychiatric and mental health treatment for patients in Minneapolis, Edina, Long Prairie, St. Paul, and surrounding areas. Dr. Awosika and his team are committed to championing diversity. We proudly work with people from all walks of life, helping them get the treatment and results they need. In addition to NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy, we also offer ADHD testing, medication management, Spravato (esketamine) treatment and other mental health treatments and services.
For more information about the services offered at Pinnacle Behavioral Healthcare, schedule your consultation with Dr. Awosika today.
