Breaking Down the Science Behind TMS Therapy

Mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and a smoking addiction can sometimes be difficult to manage or treat. Even with a wide variety of treatments available like medications and therapy techniques, you may find that your symptoms show little to no improvement after trying multiple options.

For decades, a method known as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or “shock therapy” was used to treat severe psychiatric conditions. It’s actually still used today since it’s typically incredibly effective; however, many people opt out of ECT since it can have so many adverse effects on cognition.

As an alternative to ECT, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy has emerged as a method for treating mental health conditions that are resistant to the first lines of treatment. It relies on the same principle that ECT does: that your brain is electrically active. 

TMS therapy is a noninvasive treatment that’s much less drastic than ECT but more effective than medication and therapy. Venice Sanchez, MD, and the rest of our team at her practice in Newport Beach, California, utilize the BrainsWay® TMS equipment to help you find relief from depression, OCD, or smoking addiction. 

This month’s blog takes a look at what exactly TMS is and how it can give you relief from the symptoms of your psychiatric condition.

What is TMS therapy?

TMS therapy is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates nerve cells in your brain. It’s noninvasive because it doesn’t require surgery or any incisions in your skin. 

During TMS therapy, an electromagnetic coil is placed on your head. The coil sends out magnetic pulses that can influence the electrical activity that’s already naturally occurring in your brain. 

Why is TMS therapy effective?

To better understand how TMS therapy works, it’s helpful to examine the ins and outs of electrical activity in the brain. 

Your brain cells are called neurons, and they send information to and from your brain and the rest of your body. In order to perform all this communication effectively, neurons have to use tiny pulses of electricity. When you bring a magnet close to something electric, the energy from the magnet affects that electrical activity. And this is exactly what TMS therapy does. 

Mental health conditions and their symptoms are caused by hyperactivity or lack of activity in certain portions of your brain. TMS therapy utilizes magnets to either excite or slow down sections in your brain that are underactive or overactive, especially parts that deal with emotions, internal decision-making, and feelings of pleasure. 

What can you expect when you get TMS therapy?

When you come in for TMS therapy at Dr. Sanchez’s practice, she first sits down with you to discuss your mental health diagnoses, your symptoms, and what you want from TMS therapy. She can then make an effective treatment plan from there, tailoring how strong the magnetic pulses are and which parts of your brain to target. 

TMS therapy involves five 20-minute sessions per week for 4-6 weeks. This treatment isn’t painful. The only thing you may notice during your sessions is a slight tapping sensation. TMS therapy also doesn’t require any downtime, meaning you can return to your normal activities immediately afterward. 

To learn if TMS therapy might be right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sanchez by calling 949-269-6142 or using our online booking feature today.