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TMS Therapy in Birmingham, AL

Unlock a Brighter Tomorrow with TMS Treatment in Birmingham, AL!

Are you struggling with depression in Birmingham, AL, and seeking a breakthrough treatment? TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Therapy offers a promising solution. This innovative, FDA-approved therapy is gaining attention as a non-invasive and drug-free option for those who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments.

Imagine a life free from the heavy cloud of depression, where each day is filled with hope and improved mental well-being. TMS Therapy, with its state-of-the-art technology, has been transforming lives in Birmingham, offering a ray of hope to many.

Ready to explore how TMS Therapy can change your life? Contact our Birmingham clinic today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, healthier you.

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses repetitive magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. During a TMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp. The electromagnet pulse stimulates nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in mood control and depression.¹ TMS Therapy is typically used when other depression treatments haven’t been effective.

Magstim - An overview of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

How does TMS work?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) represents a non-invasive method of stimulating the brain, a technique that has been globally utilized in neuroscientific and clinical research for over three decades.

The Magstim TMS Therapy employs brief bursts of magnetic energy to activate neurons in the brain. This magnetic stimulation targets the brain region thought to be pivotal in governing emotional judgement and mood regulation. The swift magnetic pulses produced by the TMS system penetrate the skull and induce an electrical current in the brain area beneath the treatment coil. This electrical activity prompts neurons to activate, thereby stimulating adjacent brain cells.

FDA-approved & Recommended by the APA

TMS therapy has been recommended by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) since 2010 for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder, and it is also approved by the UK National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared Magstim TMS Therapy systems for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode.

TMS Therapyfor Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

With Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), there are biological alterations in the brain, including an imbalance of activity in frontal brain regions. These areas of the brain are involved in important mental processes and also have connections with deeper brain regions responsible for emotions. 

Due to the ability of rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) to alter brain activity, it was first proposed as a therapy for MDD in the mid-1990s. Since then, numerous studies have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of rTMS in MDD, especially in treatment-resistant patients who have not responded to antidepressants.

Approximately 58% of treatment-resistant patients respond positively to TMS therapy.

What is Treatment-Resistant Depression?

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a complex and challenging condition in the realm of mental health. It characterizes a situation where individuals afflicted by depression fail to experience significant relief from standard treatments like therapy and antidepressant medications, despite adhering to recommended regimens. 

TRD not only causes persistent and distressing symptoms but also significantly impairs a person’s ability to lead a fulfilling life. To address this condition, mental health professionals often employ a combination of strategies, which may include switching to different classes of antidepressants, augmenting treatment with adjunctive medications, or even considering more innovative treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

By tailoring treatment plans to the unique needs of each individual, the aim is to provide hope and relief for those grappling with the challenges of treatment-resistant depression.

Embrace a Brighter Tomorrow with TMS Therapy in Birmingham, AL, at Southern Ketamine and Wellness

If you’re seeking a transformative approach to mental wellness, TMS Therapy in Birmingham, AL, at Southern Ketamine and Wellness offers a promising solution. Our state-of-the-art treatment, backed by a compassionate and expert team, is here to guide you towards a brighter, healthier future. 

Don’t let mental health challenges hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards lasting change. Contact Southern Ketamine and Wellness today to learn more about TMS Therapy and how it can unlock a new chapter in your life. Your journey to wellness begins here.

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TMS FAQs

Learn The Facts About TMS Therapy in Birmingham, AL

TMS is covered by most insurance providers including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. Prior authorization is typically required for insurance coverage. Your provider will manage this process. Typically, treatment with antidepressant medications and psychotherapy may be needed before insurance will authorize TMS Therapy.

Magstim TMS Therapy Systems are indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode.

The magnetic coil which delivers TMS is positioned on the head. You will hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head when the magnetic pulses are delivered, however it is not painful. Many patients watch television or read during treatment.

TMS has few known side effects². The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort or headaches during treatment, but normal activities can typically be resumed immediately after treatment.

Most insurances allow for TMS treatment over a 6–7-week period, 5 times per week. Each treatment is typically around 20 minutes after your first appointment. Roughly 60% of people achieve remission after 30-36 sessions.

TMS is highly effective, but unfortunately it isn’t permanent. The remission length from depression can vary for each patient depending on their mental health needs. According to a clinical study, among people who responded to TMS initially, two-thirds continued to experience improvements after three months, and about half were still doing well after a year. A significant number of patients achieve complete remission from depression. Retreatment is often prescribed and reimbursed if you have responded to TMS therapy in the past.

Everyone’s brain is different and this will vary from person to person.

TMS has over two decades of clinical and scientific research supporting its safe use and application. FDA-cleared for the treatment of MDD, Magstim TMS Therapy is an effective, non-invasive, outpatient treatment, with few known side effects.

TMS Therapy is well tolerated for most. However, not all patients are appropriate candidates for TMS Therapy.
For example, patients with a history of seizures or who have metal implants or objects in or near their head are not appropriate candidates for TMS Therapy. To determine if TMS Therapy may be right for you, your supervising doctor or psychiatrist will carefully screen for the presence of medical conditions or metal objects which may make TMS unsuitable.

O’Reardon, J. P., Solvason, H. B., Janicak, P. G., Sampson, S., Isenberg, K. E., Nahas, Z., … & Demitrack, M. A. (2007). Efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the acute treatment of major depression: a multisite randomized controlled trial. Biological psychiatry, 62(11), 1208-1216.

Carpenter, L. L., Janicak, P. G., Aaronson, S. T., Boyadjis, T., Brock, D. G., Cook, I. A., … & Demitrack, M. A. (2012). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for major depression: a multisite, naturalistic, observational study of acute treatment outcomes in clinical practice. Depression and anxiety, 29(7), 587-596.

Rossi S, Hallett M, Rossini PM, et al. Safety, ethical considerations, and application guidelines for the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation in clinical practice and research. Clin Neurophysiol 2009;120:2008–39. 

Henriques, J. B., & Davidson, R. J. (1991). Left frontal hypoactivation in depression. Journal of abnormal psychology, 100(4), 535.

De Raedt, R., Vanderhasselt, M. A., & Baeken, C. (2015). Neurostimulation as an intervention for treatment resistant depression: From research on mechanisms towards targeted neurocognitive strategies. Clinical Psychology Review, 41, 61-69.

Höflich, G., Kasper, S., Hufnagel, A., Ruhrmann, S., & Möller, H. J. (1993). Application of transcranial magnetic stimulation in treatment of drugresistant major depression—a report of two cases. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 8(5), 361-365.

Gaynes, B. N., Lloyd, S. W., Lux, L., Gartlehner, G., Hansen, R. A., Brode, S., … & Lohr, K. N. (2014). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychiatry, 75(5), 477-489.

 

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