THE TMS PROCESS
Let’s dive into the science behind how TMS works, what you will experience, and why TMS treatment is the best solution to alleviate the depression that’s been weighing you down.
EACH PULSE BEGINS TO REWIRE THE NEURO PATHWAYS IN YOUR BRAIN AND CREATE NEW CONNECTIONS.
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PREPARATION
After your initial consultant and assessment with Dr. Chaghouri, you will begin your process tailored to you. Prior to your treatment program, you will have an outlined plan for the next 5-7 weeks.
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PROGRAM
Based on your individual mental health history, medications, and past treatments, you will agree to a program plan with the TMS team that ranges from 5-7 weeks. You will be supported every step of the way.
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PROCESS
Throughout the process you will be monitored by the TMS team to ensure the protocol is working to your benefit, improvements are being made, and your mental health is shifting.
A LOOK INTO TMS
TMS: YOUR PROCESS
Treatment One:
Identify mapping placement of magnet placement and dose of magnetic energy for YOU.
During your first treatment session, the "mapping" process is performed. Your first session is booked for 60 minutes, to allow for extra time:
You'll check in with the TMS team and go over any additional details about your treatment plan
You will set up in a treatment room with a reclining chair, with optional earplugs to wear during the process
An electromagnetic coil, as seen below, will be placed against your head and switched off and on a few times to produce stimulating pulses. You will feel a tapping sensation on your head and a clicking sound, followed by a brief pause.
The coil will be moved around your head and the magnetic energy adjusted to find the location that causes the fingers or hands on the other side of your body to twitch. This is the mapping process.
Once the location is found, a second process of finding your magnetic energy threshold occurs. Varying pulses alternate to determine how much energy is needed to move your fingers or thumb.
After your dose and location is determined, this location is mapped for your treatment plan.
EACH SUBSEQUENT TREATMENT
Here's what to expect during each treatment, which lasts about 20 minutes:
You'll sit in a comfortable chair in a treatment room, wearing earplugs, with the magnetic coil placed against your head.
When the machine is turned on, you'll feel and hear tapping on your scalp in the same place as your initial treatment.
The pattern will be a few seconds of tapping followed by a brief pause. The pattern will repeat. You'll remain awake and alert during the treatment. You may feel discomfort during the tapping, which is the most common side effect noted.
The type of stimulation pattern used will determine the length of your treatment and dose of magnetic stimulation for your program plan. The procedure itself will last 3.5 minutes or 20 minutes.
There are no actions to take in between sessions. You can carry on with your day as you normally would.