TMS FAQ

TMS FAQ

Curious about TMS? Answers to Frequently Asked Questions are below for your reference. Schedule a consultation if you have further questions.
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TMS FAQ


At North Carolina Institute of Advanced NeuroHealth, we are committed to providing you with innovative treatment options and compassionate support on your journey to improved mental wellness. We offer innovative Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an effective treatment for people dealing with complex cases of depression. TMS Therapy can help when nothing else does. We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions about your care.

  • What is TMS Therapy?

    TMS Therapy stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It's a non-invasive, FDA-approved procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain known to be involved in mood regulation. TMS Therapy also offers a drug free depression treatment. Read more about TMS Therapy. 

  • How Does TMS Therapy Work?

    During a TMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed on the scalp near the forehead. It delivers gentle, repetitive magnetic pulses to help stimulate brain cells, particularly those associated with depression. This stimulation helps reinvigorate brain areas affected by depression, essentially turning those areas 'on' again.

  • Is TMS Therapy Safe?

    Yes, TMS Therapy is considered safe and well-tolerated. It doesn't involve anesthesia, and there's no need for hospitalization. Side effects are generally mild and include scalp discomfort and mild headache.

  • Who is a Good Candidate for TMS Therapy?

    TMS is typically recommended for people who have not responded well to traditional treatments for depression, such as medication and therapy. It is suitable for those diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and related mental health conditions.

  • How Long Does a TMS Session Take?

    A typical TMS session lasts about 20-30 minutes, and treatment is usually administered daily for several weeks. Our team can assist you with the necessary paperwork to request time off from work for your appointments. 

  • How Soon Can I Expect Results?

    Many patients report improvement within the first few weeks of treatment, but optimal results may take a few months. TMS Therapy has shown long-term relief from debilitating symptoms for 50-60% of patients who undergo treatment. When necessary, maintenance TMS or once-a-week treatments may prevent relapses after full treatment courses. 

  • Are There Any Side Effects?

    Compared to side effects associated with antidepressants, such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, and nausea, the side effects of TMS Therapy are generally mild. They may include scalp discomfort or headache.

  • Will I Need Maintenance Sessions?

    Maintenance sessions may be recommended to sustain the benefits of TMS therapy. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs.

  • Is TMS Covered by Insurance?

    Yes! Most major insurances cover TMS therapy. We can assist you in verifying your insurance coverage and guide you through the process.

  • How Do I Get Started with TMS Therapy?

    The first step is to schedule a consultation with our TMS therapy team. During this consultation, we will assess your condition, answer any additional questions, and determine if TMS therapy is the right option for you. Begin today. 

Isn’t it time you receive the relief you deserve? 

Treatment That Lasts:

TMS therapy is an outpatient, non-invasive treatment that has shown long-term relief from debilitating symptoms for 50-60% of patients who undergo treatment. When necessary, maintenance TMS or once a week treatments, may prevent relapses after full treatment courses. 

Relief Without Side Effects:

Medicines often don't work for a third of individuals suffering from depression. Unlike antidepressants, TMS doesn't cause systemic side effects like brain fog, upset stomach, heartburn, sexual dysfunction, or other issues.  No medications or anesthesia are required for TMS therapy.

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TMS THERAPY SUPPORTS MENTAL WELLNESS
  • Depression
  • Sadness or Despair
  • Low Mood or Lethargy
  • Irritability
  • Lack of Joy
  • Social Isolation
  • Self-Harm
  • Eating Disorders

TMS Therapy:

What to Expect

TMS leverages repetitive, electromagnetic pulses to stimulate cells and modulate activity in the brain. These repetitions target specific neurons to reduce symptoms.

A member of our expert team will measure your head before placing the TMS device and positioning a small coil a few inches away from the front area of your brain.

We tailor the length and duration of each session for your unique needs. Our team will support you every step of the way on your road to mental wellness.

Ready to improve your quality of life?


Patients who receive TMS therapy often find relief from their symptoms within a week. The best part? There’s no pain involved! Patients typically enjoy TMS treatment and their ability to relax in a comfortable reclining chair within a calming, relaxing, therapeutic environment. Think of TMS therapy like a miniature MRI: Pain free magnetic stimulation, without the loud clunking sounds. It is not ECT!

TMS Therapy is a breakthrough treatment that's non-invasive, FDA approved and covered by insurance.

Isn't it time to learn what it can do for you?
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TMS THERAPY COMMON CONDITIONS TREATED


Are you unsure whether TMS therapy can help you with your unique needs? Take a look at the following common problems and how TMS treatment may assist with mental wellness.

OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects approximately 5% of individuals. According to studies, a genetic predisposition might lead one down the road to developing OCD. TMS therapy may be a viable treatment option to help relieve the symptoms associated with OCD.

ADULT & ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION

In 2008, the FDA authorized TMS therapy for the treatment of depression. It is also used to treat teens and young adults with depression instead of long-term use of antidepressants. TMS is a safe, non-invasive therapy that helps people with MDD achieve long-term remission.

BIPOLAR DEPRESSION

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that can cause manic episodes that may ruin your life. If you have bipolar disorder, TMS therapy might be able to decrease the impact of your highs and lows. This technology uses magnetic pulses to help stabilize your emotions and restore balance to your life.

EATING DISORDERS

Eating disorders, such as anorexia, have been linked to brain damage or trauma in studies where the prefrontal cortex is the most notable network influenced. It causes symptoms of poor impulse control when it is underactive. TMS therapy can restore balance to the prefrontal cortex and rewire dysfunctional neural networks by stimulating them.

ANXIETY DISORDER

GAD, or generalized anxiety disorder, is characterized by persistent and severe worry or stress that affects one's daily life. GAD can manifest at any age and causes debilitating anxiety. Some medications used to treat GAD must be administered with extreme care. TMS is a highly successful long-term treatment option for GAD.

HYPERSOMNIA / NARCOLEPSY

Individuals who have an excessive need for sleep during the day may be diagnosed with hypersomnia or narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is distinguished by uncontrollable drowsiness, whereas hypersomnia is defined by more difficult to resist sleepiness. TMS therapy has been used to help people with both problems.

INSOMNIA

TMS therapy relaxes the area of the brain that causes insomnia, which leads to improved sleep quality. It's also a great alternative to flooding your mind with chemicals. We understand how much better you can feel when you have a solid sleep regimen in place. TMS treatment can assist you in falling asleep faster when life throws you off track.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

PPD is a serious medical condition that affects women more than it does men. PPD symptoms include feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, which can make performing daily tasks seem too difficult at times, even getting out of bed each morning may be daunting. RTMS treatment sessions or repetitive TMS may help you feel better quickly.

PTSD

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental illness that can be induced by frightening events. Flashbacks, nightmares, sleeplessness, and anxiety or depression are some of the symptoms. TMS therapy has been shown to strengthen connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, lowering severity levels associated with PTSD.

SMOKING CESSATION AND MORE

Smoking issues have shown a negative impact on overall health and brain function. The many bodily consequences of smoking, such as an increased risk of heart disease or cognitive impairment owing to restricted blood flow in regions important for learning skills like memory formation, have all been demonstrated. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation has been studied as a treatment to help people quit smoking and it is FDA-approved.

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