TMS

The following will be a basic introductory to our approach and what can be expected during treatment with TMS.

Welcome to Trimera Health’s TMS Program.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of major depression.

It's called a "noninvasive" procedure because it's done without using surgery or cutting the skin. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and covered by most insurances, TMS usually is used only when other depression treatments haven't been effective. The FDA also approved TMS for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), migraines and to help people stop smoking when standard treatments haven't worked well. Research continues into other potential uses for TMS, including epilepsy.

During an rTMS session for depression, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp of your head. This coil delivers magnetic pulses that stimulate nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in mood control and depression. It's thought to activate regions of the brain that have decreased activity during depression.

You also may hear the term "deep transcranial magnetic stimulation" or "deep TMS." The difference between rTMS and deep TMS has to do with the type of coil used. The deep TMS coil stimulates deeper and wider areas of the brain, compared with rTMS. Deep TMS coils have been FDA-approved for OCD and to stop smoking. Trimera Health’s Magstim Horizon 3.0 System contains both of these capabilities. Treatment is delivered 5 days per week (M-F) and sessions typically last no longer than 20 minutes!

How does it work?

Depression is a treatable condition. But for some people, standard treatments aren't effective. Repetitive TMS may be used when standard treatments such as medicines, and talk therapy, known as psychotherapy, may not work for each individual.

TMS is sometimes used to treat OCD, migraines and to help people stop smoking after other treatments have not been successful.

Why it’s done

Does insurance cover the cost?

Yes! Depending on what health insurance plan you have, TMS treatment may be covered at 80% or even 100% for indications such as Treatment Resistant Depression or OCD. Our team will help you navigate potential patient costs and create a plan that works with what you’re able to afford.