Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I stop my medication with TMS?
Maybe!
It is recommended to NOT make any changes to your medication prior to treatment. There is a possibility you will be able to decrease or stop medication sooner under the supervision of your medical provider.
It is crucial you be completely honest with your provider with what you are taking to decrease the risks of adverse effects.
Is it Safe?
YES!
TMS is a safe noninvasive procedure. The brain is stimulated externally with the coils inside the helmet.
No medication
No being put to sleep
No downtime after appointments
No changes in concentration
No changes in memory
Walk out of treatment and continue on your daily activities immediately after treatment.
Side Effects?
Side effects are minimal.
Most common side effects are headache and scalp discomfort.
The worst side effects can be a seizure and is extremely rare and less common than seizures associated with common psychotropic medications such as Wellbutrin and Abilify.
Does it Work?
YES!
TMS has been shown to be as effective as SSRI's, about 40-60% of patients show a response in both TMS and SSRI's.
For those that cannot tolerate medication, or medications have not worked for them, TMS is as helpful as medications.
A recent study published from the Netherlands saw that one more in five patients treated with transcranial magnetic stimulation vs medication achieved remission (2)
Remission is defined as at least 50% improvements in symptoms (1).
Bottom Line:
IF:
- you have tried a medication "augmentation" such as Wellbutrin or Abilify
- you cannot tolerate medication
- cannot tolerate higher doses of medication
- do not want to be on medication due to side effects
TMS can be right for you
Change your life in 3 Steps:
Step 1:
Step 1:
Step 1:
Complete this online screener
OR
Call us for a phone screener
773.461.0220
OR
email us at intake@brainbody.health
This 5 min screener helps us confirm insurance coverage and estimate your out-of-pocket cost.
Step 2:
Step 1:
Step 1:
Schedule first appointment for intake + mapping + first treatment.
We finalize insurance coverage and out of pocket costs.
Typically insurance will cover treatment if you meet "criteria".
Step 3:
Step 1:
Step 3:
Complete brain mapping by TMS provider and start with your first TMS treatment.
Brain mapping allows us to know exactly what dosage of TMS for each individual.
Mapping AND first treatment is about 45 min appointment
Follow up TMS treatments are 18-22 minutes long, depending on the appropriate protocols required.
If it is so great, why doesn't everyone use it?
COST:
Only recently has insurance companies make TMS more accessible to the public.
Today, most major insurance companies now cover TMS treatment for resistant depression, OCD and anxious depression. In the past a person needed to endure a much higher threshold to become approved. Currently, one can be covered with 2 documented "failed trials" of medication.
Knowledge:
Despite its low side effect profile, efficacy and high level outcomes, TMS is not as well known as other treatments. It has been around since the 80's.
Because of the past cost association and time commitment, its not as common as other treatments are.
TIME:
TIME:
TMS is a time commitment. Treatments are short (30 min in and out the door), but daily for 4-6 weeks. For this reason, we try to be as efficient as possible, and offer early morning, evening and lunchtime appointments.
