TMS is a noninvasive outpatient procedure. That means there's no cutting, and you don't have to stay in the hospital overnight. You'll get treatments in the clinic over several weeks. 

This treatment uses repeated, low-intensity pulses from an electromagnetic device to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The strength of the magnetic field is similar to that of an MRI machine. 

Doctors may also refer to this treatment as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or rTMS. The FDA cleared the first rTMS device for depression in 2008. Since then, rTMS has expanded to other mental health disorders with depressive symptoms.

Talk to your psychiatrist about your depression symptoms and current treatments, especially if you're not seeing the relief you need. TMS may be an option.

You may need lab tests before we can approve TMS for you. We also ask that you complete our TMS screening questionnaire.

At Carilion, we use TMS for: 

• Moderate to severe depression
• Treatment-resistant depression
• Severe obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Anxiety with depression
• Bipolar depression
• Migraines
• Substance use disorder

TMS is highly effective for many people with depressive symptoms and is safer if you have a complex medical history. However, it doesn't work as well as electric stimulation therapy—the "gold standard" for treatment-resistant depression.

Who should not get TMS?

We don't offer TMS if you have:

• Active substance use disorder
• A seizure disorder, like epilepsy
• Ferromagnetic implants, such as aneurysm clips and cochlear implants

For people under age 15, TMS is only FDA-approved for depression. So, it's not an option for any other indication.

TMS is a series of treatments. Often, you'll receive daily treatments (Monday – Friday) over 4 – 6 weeks. Each treatment lasts 3 – 4 minutes.

Before

The doctor will measure your head on the day of your first treatment. This will help us find the best place for the TMS coil and the right level of electromagnetic stimulation. It takes about 20 minutes to fit your head with the TMS coil. Then, you'll have your first TMS treatment. 

During

During the procedure, the doctor quickly turns the magnetic field on and off, causing the coil to deliver a series of short electromagnetic pulses to your brain. 

These pulses cause electric currents that stimulate brain cells in the targeted area. With each pulse, you may feel a slight tapping or knocking on your head.

After

After your treatments, you should feel normal. TMS doesn't typically cause confusion or drowsiness. You can drive after your visit and return to work or daily activities. 

For most people, TMS is safe and well-tolerated. Common side effects of TMS are often mild and go away quickly. They may include a mild headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness. Do not use any alcohol or any illicit drug while getting TMS treatments.