Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

offered in Encino and Pasadena, CA

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation services offered in Encino and Pasadena, CA

If you're still struggling with depression despite trying several medications, or you have PTSD that hasn't improved with treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be able to help you get on the road to recovery. At Adelpha Psychiatric Group, their skilled team offers TMS therapy at their offices in Encino and Pasadena, California. To learn more about this innovative, highly effective treatment, call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Q&A

What is TMS?

TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve activity in your brain. Delivering TMS repeatedly to specific areas helps alleviate symptoms of chronic psychiatric disorders.

TMS has received FDA clearance for the treatment of depression. Research also indicates that repetitive TMS can reduce symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), co-occurring PTSD and depression, and treatment-resistant depression that doesn’t respond to medication.

How does TMS work?

Your provider places a circular coil of wire over the targeted brain area. When electricity flows through the coil, it generates a magnetic field, emitting magnetic pulses that safely penetrate your skull and reach your brain.

The impact of TMS depends on the location, intensity, and frequency of the magnetic pulses. While slow pulses can suppress nerve activity, which is beneficial for certain conditions, the opposite effect is used to treat depression. Rapidly repeated magnetic pulses stimulate brain activity in regions that are underactive in patients with depression, activating neurotransmitters that relieve depression symptoms.

What should you expect during and after TMS treatment?

The team at Adelpha Psychiatric Group uses TMS Therapy to stimulate underactive areas of your brain. You will recline in a comfortable treatment chair while the magnetic coil is gently placed on your head. During treatment, you’ll hear clicking sounds and feel a tapping sensation with each pulse.

Each session lasts about 40 minutes. Some patients may experience a mild headache during treatment, and about one-third might feel slight discomfort near the treatment site, which usually subsides after the first week.

Since the magnetic impulses do not affect your cognitive abilities or memory, you can resume normal activities immediately after treatment. Treatment plans are customized for each patient, with most achieving optimal recovery through TMS therapy sessions five days a week for 7 weeks.

If you suffer from ongoing depression, TMS treatment might be right for you. To learn more about TMS and the comprehensive medical and therapeutic treatments available at Adelpha Psychiatric Group, call the office or request an appointment online today.