TMS- Patient Information

TMS
Patient Information

Are you considering getting TMS Therapy but feeling apprehensive?

Check out what  Patient advocate, Martha Rhodes has to say. 

What to Expect: 

1. Phone Screening:
After you call our office at 425-742-4600 or submit a request for appointment, you will get a FREE Phone screening by our TMS Coordinator to help you decide if TMS therapy is an option for you. This is usually a 5-15 min phone appointment.  TMS coordinator will set your initial consultation with a TMS Specialist. 

2. Comprehensive Assessment: 
This could be a telehealth- video chat appointment or in person appointment. During this meeting, you and your doctor/nurse practitioner will review your symptoms, treatment history, and possible treatment options. They will explain the procedure, benefits and side-effects to help you decide. 

If TMS is the right treatment for you, and you decide to give it a try, you will sign consent and insurance forms so our staff can get authorization from your insurance company or help you make payment arrangements. 

3. First Treatment
Once authorization is received, treatment sessions can be scheduled to begin immediately. 

Your first appointment is the longest (60-120 min) as your doctor will determine where exactly to give stimulation and what power will be appropriate for you. 

4. Subsequent Treatments:
Each subsequent treatment can last from 3.5-19 minutes during which you will be awake and alert. The magnetic pulses make a loud clicking sound and feel like a tapping on the scalp but do not result in more than mild discomfort. If you wish, you can listen to music or your favorite podcast/audiobook during the TMS session.

After the treatment you can drive and resume your normal activity. TMS is non-invasive, meaning it does not involve surgery, and has no systemic effects. Typical TMS side effects are transient and mild irritation or discomfort at the treatment site and headache.

A usual course of treatment for depression involves sessions 5 days a week for 4 to 6 weeks, although this can vary depending on your response. As you progress through your treatment, we will regularly assess with you your status and determine with you the eventual number of treatments.

In one year of studies, 45% people have experienced full remission and 67% significant response for upto a year after TMS. 

5. Follow up: 
Your doctor will review your progress every 2 weeks during the treatment and then 1 m, 3m, 6m and a year after the treatment. 

You may need to continue your medications or if appropriate your medications would be reduced gradually.  ( Many of our patients are able to go off medication if TMS works well for them)

6. Booster Treatments:
70% of patients don’t need any further treatment. If you need booster treatment that 30% of the patient needs, your doctor will suggest a few sessions to boost your benefits as needed. 

Here are some of the suggestions that can improve the chances of recovery.