What is TMS Therapy?
TMS Therapy is another therapy approved by the FDA for the treatment of Depression, specifically medication resistant depression.
How does TMS Therapy work?
The therapy utilizes an electromagnetic pulse to stimulate regions of the brain that are suppressed in patients with depression. This raises neurotransmitter levels in these parts of the brain and reduces symptoms of depression.
Is TMS Therapy covered by my health insurance?
Since FDA has approved treatment with TMS for depression, many commercial insurances include at least partial coverage for TMS Therapy. We will assist you in obtaining insurance authorization for TMS. We work closely with your healthcare providers to provide multi-disciplinary care.
What are the risks of TMS Therapy?
The procedure is a generally safe and has been utilized since 1980s. The most common side effects are mild to moderate scalp discomfort and mild headaches. If the symptoms persist after the first week of treatment, magnetic field of the machine can be adjusted and topical analgesic agents may be prescribed by your doctor for comfort. In a very small percentage of instances there were reports of acute memory loss, minimal cognitive disruption, facial twitching, and seizures. These side effects were short term and no long lasting issues were reported.
Can TMS Therapy cause brain tumors?
No. Most TMS devices create the same type of magnetic fields as MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), which have not been shown to cause tumors. The magnetic energy used in a full course of TMS Therapy is a small fraction of just one brain scan with an MRI.
What is TMS indicated for?
In United States TMS is FDA approved for Depression. However, it is being used to treat multiple other conditions in the world. Research studies are ongoing in United States to get FDA clearance for using TMS to treat various other medical conditions including, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Headaches/Migraines, Anxiety, PTSD, Parkinson’s disease, Tremor, Alzheimer’s dementia, Insomnia, Stroke Rehabilitation, Addictions, Depression in Pregnancy, Postpartum Depression, and Tinnitus.
NOTICE TO PATIENTS OPEN PAYMENTS DATABASE
For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here. The
federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires that detailed information
about payment and other payments of value worth over ten dollars ($10) from
manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, and biologics to physicians and
teaching hospital be made available to the public.
You may search this federal database for payments made to
physicians and teaching hospitals by visiting this website:
https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov/