TMS Therapy Treatments

Procedure

A TMS Therapy treatment session is a short outpatient procedure that lasts about 3-37 minutes, depending on what the doctor determines is the correct protocol. During treatment, you can relax in the treatment chair. You can also speak with our TMS Specialists whenever necessary. After the procedure, you can immediately return to your normal routine, including driving.

Your first treatment session

Because your TMS-certified physician needs to determine how to most effectively administer treatment, your first session could last up to an hour and a half. You will be provided and asked to wear protective earplugs, as the system emits a tapping sound during operation.

Your TMS physician will first take multiple measurements of your head to determine the location where the TMS treatment will be applied. 

Then the physician will perform a test to identify your motor threshold. The motor threshold is the amount of magnetic field strength that results in a movement of your thumb. This test is important because it identifies the magnetic field strength that will be used in your treatment. This field strength is customized for each patient to deliver the correct treatment dose.  

After these initial procedures, the magnetic coil will be moved to the treatment location.

The TMS Specialist will then administer TMS Therapy over an approximately 3-37 minute period. In short intervals, the device will deliver rapid “pulses” of the magnetic fields. These will feel like tapping on your scalp. Some patients may find this tapping uncomfortable. Your physician may be able to make adjustments to reduce this discomfort.