Approximately 13% of individuals aged 12 and older struggle with some form of depression. This mental health condition causes intense feelings of sadness, loss of interest in things you once loved and can make it difficult to function properly at work, school or at home. While treatment can help you regain control over your life, you may be one of the 30% with treatment-resistant depression. That’s when Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may be an option.
If you’re approaching your first session, it’s normal to feel nervous. At Sun Health Center, we help alleviate worries and make the process as easy as possible. This article explains what to expect during your first visit so you can walk in with confidence.
A Quick Refresher: What Is TMS?
Prior to your first session, you’ll receive an initial consultation. During this pre-session, your TMS technician or physician takes measurements of your head. These measurements help pinpoint the exact location on your scalp that corresponds to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of your brain, which is responsible for mood regulation. Your TMS cap is a custom fit.
Before Your First Session
Prior to your first session, you’ll receive an initial consultation. During this pre-session, your TMS technician or physician takes measurements of your head using brain mapping. These measurements help pinpoint the exact location on your scalp that corresponds to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of your brain, which is responsible for mood regulation.
You’ll also go through a quick calibration step to determine your motor threshold. During this process, you’ll rest your right elbow on a cushion with your right hand up. The calibration sends a small magnetic pulse to your brain. When the pulse goes off, you will experience involuntary movement of your right hand. This lets the doctor know the correct portion of your brain is being stimulated. Your doctor stores these measurements in the system so future sessions are quick and efficient.
What To Wear and How To Prepare
TMS isn’t like some other medical procedures that require you to wear a hospital gown or to avoid food or drinks after midnight. There’s very little preparation involved, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Choose comfortable clothes. Opt for casual clothing, such as t-shirts and comfortable pants. You remain fully clothed during your entire session. If you tend to get cold in exam rooms, bring a blanket as a comfort item.
- Accessories. Avoid wearing earrings, necklaces, or any jewelry or hairpins near your head. You may want to bring a pair of foam or wax earplugs to reduce the noise from the machine.
- Mental preparation. Some individuals enjoy listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or music during a session. Create a playlist and have it ready before you arrive.
Walking Into the Treatment Room
When you walk into the treatment room for the first time, the doctor, nurse, or TMS technician will make sure you’re not wearing any metallic jewelry. The treatment chair resembles a comfortable recliner. Once seated, the technician places a small cushion against your right temple to hold your head still. The magnetic coil is then positioned gently against the middle-left side of your head, just above the temple. Once everything has been set correctly, the machine will start. During the session, you’ll hear a series of clicks or tapping sounds, which are the magnetic pulses being delivered. At first, these noises may seem a little loud, which is why it’s advisable to wear earplugs. You may also feel like your scalp is buzzing where the coil is placed. Most people get used to this feeling quickly. The important thing is to try to sit back and relax. Close your eyes, listen to music or chat with the technician. From start to finish, the entire session should last between 20 and 40 minutes.
Common Questions From First-Time Patients
If this is your first experience with TMS, you may have a lot of questions. The following are some common questions first-time patients have.
- Does TMS hurt?
Most patients describe the sensations from a TMS session as a light tapping or buzzing. Even though it’s obvious in the beginning, it’s rarely described as painful. If you experience any discomfort, mention it to your TMS technician so the intensity can be adjusted. You should feel comfortable throughout your entire session. - Do I need to do anything after a session?
Patients rarely experience any negative side effects of TMS, so you should be able to drive, go to work, run errands or even pick your kids up after school. - How many sessions will I need?
Most TMS treatment plans last for several weeks, with five sessions per week. For best results, attend sessions regularly until the end of the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is TMS safe?
TMS has been cleared by the FDA as a safe, long-lasting treatment for depression. Each session is non-systemic, meaning it doesn’t cause side effects like antidepressants, which may include weight gain, nausea and sexual dysfunction. - Are the results from TMS permanent?
TMS provides long-lasting relief. While some patients require additional sessions months or years down the road, many find that a single treatment regimen is enough to bring about significant healing. - Will my insurance cover TMS treatments?
Most major insurance companies pay for TMS and other mental health treatments. Check with your insurance provider or your policy plan to determine if these sessions are covered. At Sun Health Center, we work directly with insurance companies to verify benefits and handle the authorization process, so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork that’s involved.
Schedule Your TMS Consultation at Sun Health Center
Taking the first step in your mental health treatment is typically the hardest step, but it’s important to know you don’t have to do it alone. We pride ourselves on creating a warm and supportive environment where comfort is a priority. If you’re ready to get started on your journey towards healing, contact Sun Health Center today to schedule your first TMS consultation.
