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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

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Ultimate rTMS is an FDA-approved therapy for depression (MDD) and (OCD)*.

 

What Is Involved?

 It is an outpatient procedure

 It is a noninvasive procedure

 No anesthesia or sedation is needed

 You will be awake and alert during the treatment

 There is no recovery wait period after the treatment session

 Does not affect cognitive functions like memory

 

What Does It Entail?

 A magnetic coil is placed on top of the head to deliver treatment.

 Short magnetic pulses are delivered targeting specific regions in the brain responsible for MDD.

 Underlying nerve cells in the brain tissue are stimulated, improving depressive and/or OCD

symptoms.

 

 

How Will You Feel During a rTMS Session?

 You'll be sitting relaxed in a chair.

 You'd likely have a headphone or ear plugs on.

 You may hear clicking sounds or sense haptic taps.

 You are expected to stay still as much as possible.

 You can do distracting activities like watching a TV or reading a book.

 

How Long Will The Treatment Take?

 Each daily therapy session is 20-30 minutes long.

 You'll take 5 such sessions per week for 6 weeks.

 Your provider may consider additional biweekly sessions for continued treatment of symptoms.

 Relapse into depression is likely without follow-up treatment.

 

Is Ultimate rTMS Treatment Suitable For Me?

TMS treatment for MDD has been approved by the FDA for adult patients since 2008. TMS treatment for OCD has been FDA approved since 2018. It is available by prescription only. Considering your medical history and other measures, your provider will determine if TMS treatment is suitable for you. You may discuss alternative treatments such as medications, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy.

 

Certain conditions may preclude you from this treatment, such as:

 You are pregnant or nursing

 You have a history of seizures

 You have an implanted device such as pacemaker, neurostimulator, cochlear implant or

ferromagnetic ocular implant

 You have metals in or near skull, such as splinters, bullets, pellets, or surgical clips

 

Ultimate rTMS Treatment Benefits, Risks and Side Effects

 

Benefits

rTMS therapy for MDD has been approved by the FDA since 2008. rTMS therapy has been approved for OCD since 2018. The therapy protocol is well established and standardized to minimize adverse events and side effects. Clinical studies have shown statistically significant improvement in MDD and OCD conditions for patients who completed their prescribed therapy sessions. rTMS treatment effects in reducing depression and OCD could be temporary, and may need to continue other forms of OCD and depression therapy.

 

Short-term Risks

Short term risks associated with rTMS therapy are well known and deemed to be minor. Incidents of seizure are rare. Temporary worsening of depression may occur if your antidepressant medication is tapered down during the treatment. You should inform your doctor if you experience any behavioral changes, like worsening of depression, suicide ideations, aggressiveness, or irritability.

 

Long-term Risks

Clinical experiences have shown that rTMS treatments are safely tolerated and no negative effects of treatment are seen during follow-up periods. Long term effects of rTMS treatment are not known. Exposure to other devices, like MRI scanners, with similar magnetic fields as rTMS have not exhibited significant short- or long-term safety concerns.

 

Side Effects and Adverse Events:

The most common side effect of rTMS therapy is headaches. They generally get better as the therapy sessions progress. They can also be treated with common OTC pain medications. Other reported side effects and adverse events include application site pain or discomfort, jaw pain, back pain, muscle twitching, anxiety, and insomnia. Incidents of seizure are rare.

 

 

 

rTMS Patient Questionnaire

 

Your provider will assess your answers to the following questions to determine if Ultimate rTMS therapy is appropriate for you:

 

  • Are you pregnant or nursing?

  • Do you have epilepsy or ever had seizure/convulsion?

  • Do any of your family members have epilepsy or history of seizures?

  • Have you ever had a fainting spell or syncope? If yes, describe.

  • Have you ever had a serious head injury (concussion or loss of consciousness)

  • Have you ever had a stroke?

  • Have you ever had a neurosurgery of any type?

  • Do you have any metals in your body?

  • Do you have any implanted device in your body?

  • Are you taking any medications? Provide a list.

  • Have you had TMS therapy in the past? If yes, did you encounter any problems or side effects?

 

 

Understanding Your Insurance's Coverage for TMS

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Most leading insurance providers offer coverage for TMS treatments for major depressive disorder and OCD. Our team will work closely with your health insurance benefits, manage any necessary pre-authorizations, and ensure you are fully informed about your coverage and payment options prior to starting treatment.

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