TMS Therapy
One of the most innovative treatment approaches to brain-psychiatric illness is the development of TMS Therapy. TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation and it was approved by the FDA in 2008 for the treatment of Depression. We are excited that we are able to offer this cutting-edge treatment through Victoria TMS Center, right here, in the Crossroads area.
TMS is a safe and effective outpatient procedure that targets specific brain regions. These brain regions consist of brain nerve cells (neurons) arranged in brain circuits. In the case of depression, we find that those regions are not working as well, with the brain cells not “firing” as much.
Chemical Signals
Brain neurons transmit messages to one another in the circuit through both an electrical and chemical signals. Most people are familiar with the chemical signals that are released between 2 brain neurons (synapse) to transmit a message from neuron A to neuron B. These chemical signals are the neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine (chemical messengers) and it is here where most antidepressants work.
Electrical Signals
For the message to go from neuron B to neuron C, it has to travel across the brain neuron. This happens inside the brain neuron with the chemical signal being converted to an electrical signal, in the form of a small electric current (action potential). The message is then transmitted to the other end of the cell and on to other brain neurons in the circuit. TMS works at the neuronal level, by non-invasively introducing a small electric current in the brain circuit, stimulating the cell to become more active and “fire” more.
Benefits of TMS
Not everyone with depression responds to medications.Actually, nearly 30% of patients with depression do not benefit from or are intolerant of antidepressant medication. TMS Therapy offers hope for these individuals. Because of its targeted treatment approach, TMS Therapy does not have the adverse effects usually associated with some antidepressants, such as weight gain, dry mouth, stomach upset, drowsiness, sexual dysfunction or emotional numbness. Studies have also shown that for TMS therapy has higher efficacy rates for patients who have treatment-resistant depression and who do not respond to medications.
For more information or to see if you might be a candidate for TMS Therapy, please call us at the Victoria TMS Center at (361) 582-5678 or visit www.victoriaTMScenter.com