Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

The course of treatment depends upon the condition being treated and the specific protocol being used. Currently, the most commonly used protocol for depression is 36 treatment sessions, typically completed five days per week.

You do not need someone to accompany you to treatment, although you are welcome to bring someone with you.

Yes, you are free to return to your normal life, including driving, following your treatment as there are no negative effects on cognition with TMS.

TMS is a well tolerated treatment. The most common side effects include temporary scalp discomfort or headache. These side effects tend to dissipate and no longer occur after the 1st week of treatment.

TMS therapy feels like a light tapping on the head. In clinical trials, less than 5% of patients discontinued due to side effects.

TMS is FDA-cleared and has a large breath of safety data over many clinical trials. The most serious side effect, although exceedingly rare, is seizure. The rate of seizure is on par with the rate of seizure secondary to antidepressant medication.

Based on Brainsway recorded data of over 1,000 patients who completed 30 sessions, nearly 75% achieved a clinical response, with one out of two achieving remission from depression. Accelerated TMS has shown even greater response and remission rates.

Time to response varies from person to person. Generally speaking, most people can begin to feel a difference in 2-3 weeks, with some noticing differences earlier and others taking longer.

TMS is a durable treatment, meaning that the effects last after treatment has been completed. Research suggests that at one year following treatment, over 60% of patients remain depression free.

Fortunately, patients who have previously responded to TMS treatment are likely to respond during a subsequent treatment. In fact, over 80% of those who previously responded will respond to another course of treatment.

Absolutely. In fact, this is preferred, as Evolve and its providers are specialists in TMS and will provide you with your TMS treatment while your psychiatrist and/or therapist will continue their care of you simultaneously.

To stop or continue an antidepressant medication during TMS treatment will occur on a case by case depending on a number of things, including whether the antidepressant has provided benefit and the side effects you are experiencing from the medication.

Absolutely. GIven TMS’s relative lack of side effects and high efficacy, TMS is a great alternative for people who can’t tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medication.

No, the two treatments are very different. ECT is a treatment that uses electrical current to induce a seizure in the brain. ECT occurs under general anesthesia and can be associated with significant side effects, including memory loss. TMS, on the other hand, uses electromagnetic pulses to non-invasively stimulate specific areas of the brain, does not require anesthesia and lacks significant side effects.

Usually, no. In rare instances, some specific insurance providers may require a referral to be seen by a specialist, however, for most plans, this is not necessary.

TMS is covered by most major insurance providers. Contact Evolve with any questions related to your provider's coverage of TMS.

In rare instances when TMS is not covered by an insurance provider, Evolve can work on your behalf in an attempt to get TMS covered for you on a single case agreement. If you believe this applies to you, contact Evolve to learn more.