Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

When you have depression that is resistant to traditional treatment methods, it is easy to lose hope. However, at Colorado Recovery Solutions, located in Colorado Springs and Monument, Colorado, Dr. Ashley Johnson provides deep TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. The practice is one of few in the area providing state-of-the-art treatments for many forms of mental health disorders, including depression. To learn more about TMS therapy and how it can help you, call the office today, or schedule an appointment online.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, is a type of therapy used to treat severe forms of depression. It is an alternative treatment often used when other, more traditional treatments have not been successful in relieving your symptoms.

TMS works by using magnets to “wake up” nerve cells in your brain. This helps improve the symptoms of depression by allowing weakened areas of the brain to be stimulated. It is not completely understood how TMS works to improve depression symptoms. Some parts of your brain become dormant when you have depression. Most research shows that TMS stimulates these areas of your brain, allowing important neurotransmitters to begin firing again.

TMS therapy is completely non-invasive, medication-free, and safe. The team at Colorado Recovery Solutions are experts in this form of therapy and often achieve very successful results.

When can TMS therapy help?

Your provider considers TMS therapy when your depression symptoms do not resolve through other treatments. Psychotherapy and medications are often the first-line treatment when it comes to depression. However, they do not always help when you suffer from a severe form of depression.

If your symptoms continue after several different medications and rounds of therapy, the team recommends a consultation for TMS therapy to offer you another treatment outlet.

What can I expect during TMS therapy?

During TMS therapy, the team brings you into one of the TMS treatment rooms and you sit in a chair, where you will be comfortable and relaxed. They also provide earplugs, as the machine does make some noise during the treatment.

Once you are comfortable, they will place an electromagnetic coil on top of your head. The team then repeatedly turns the coil on and off, which sends magnetic pulses to your brain. This often creates a tapping sound.

You might also feel a slight tapping on your forehead, which is normal and lasts a few seconds at a time. As the treatment continues, the team increases the intensity as needed, until your fingers begin to have reflex responses. This is the optimal threshold for treating depression.

Each person requires a different amount of intensity for the desired result. The whole procedure takes less than an hour, and you can return to your regular activities right away. To learn more about TMS therapy, contact our offices in Colorado Springs or Monument today at 719-622-6522.