In your first session, our team performs initial measurements to find the exact location of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in your brain (every brain is a bit different). Once we’ve located it, we’ll find the natural level that your neurons release neurotransmitters to customize the TMS settings. Then, you’re all set for your first treatment.

TMS therapy is non-surgical and does not require anesthesia sedation. During your session, you sit in a comfortable chair with the TMS equipment positioned at a specific point on your head. Most patients report a light tapping sensation on their forehead, but it is not painful. We are with you during every single treatment session and are always available should you have any questions or concerns.

A total course of treatment consists of 36 sessions completed in about 7-8 weeks. The first 30 sessions are 5 days per week (Monday through Friday) and the last 6 sessions are usually tapered.

Magventure TMS machine and coil. Each patient receives their own individual treatment cap that they will wear each session.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a series of brief, repetitive magnetic pulses that are used to stimulate our brain cells. MagVenture TMS is used to treat depression for patients who have had no success with medication. According to studies, approximately 58% of patients respond positively to TMS therapy. The benefits of TMS treatment are a minimal side effects, non-invasive, and has been proven as a treatment for depression. TMS treatment includes four to six treatments that take less than an hour each day, five days a week. The way the TMS machine works is the patient is fitted for a cap on their head. Short pulses of magnetic energy are focused at the limbic system structures. Then the pulses trigger electrical charges, causing neurons to become active. Once the limbic system structures change, so do your emotional and behavioral patterns! This is why we need to do these treatments so frequently.

Virtually none. Compared to other treatments for depression, TMS is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects reported by patients are mild discomfort at the treatment site and the possible development of a slight headache during the first week of treatment. The most serious risk of TMS is seizures. However, the risk of a seizure is exceptionally low and a thorough check on a client’s medical history is conducted to rule-out this risk.

While Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)requires the delivery of high electric charges to induce a seizure, TMS is NOT shock therapy. TMS uses strictly magnetic pulses that are used in an outpatient setting. Anesthesia is not required like it is in ECT. The patient remains awake and alert throughout the entire treatment session, and they are able to drive themselves to and from the clinic. Additionally, TMS does not prove to cause any of the undesirable sideeffects as ECT such as memory loss, dizziness, insomnia, gastric issues, etc. Overall TMS is much less risky and more efficient procedure than ECT.

TMS is always prescribed by a LGTC Group physician. The initial motor threshold is always determined by a LGTC Group physician. The treatment itself is administered by an experienced TMS technician under the supervision of the LGTC Group physician or by the LGTC Group physician. The TMS technician or physician will always be present to monitor the patient during the treatment. The patient can stop a treatment at any time by asking the staff member present.