This treatment for depression involves delivering repetitive magnetic pulses, so it is called rTMS or Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It is an effective treatment for people with depression. It is a comfortable and medication free option with long-term positive effects. TMS can be effective even if you have failed to respond to antidepressant medications i.e. if you have Treatment Resistant Depression.
TMS is a non-invasive treatment delivered by an external magnetic coil placed lightly touching the scalp. The coil sends repetitive electromagnetic pulses to stimulate neuron activity in specific surface areas of the brain that regulate mood.
TMS is a recognised treatment for depression by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
TMS is effective in about 60-70% of the patients, which means that the vast majority of individuals find significant relief after the treatment. Nearly half of those who respond to TMS feel better within the first few weeks of
treatment.
During treatment, the patient relaxes in the chair while the magnetic pulses are administered at a certain frequency over a period of about 20-40 minutes, depending on the patient’s specific treatment protocol.
Patients often wonder what the magnetic pulses will feel like. TMS is not painful. Patients report that the pulses feel like a slight tapping or tingling, but this sensation usually dissipates after few treatments.
After each treatment, you can return to your normal activities, including work and driving.
One of the great benefits of TMS therapy is that unlike medications, TMS does not circulate through the body. Therefore it does not cause side effects such as weight gain, dry mouth, upset stomach,
dizziness, or sexual dysfunction.
TMS does not cause cognitive side effects
or memory problems.
TMS treatment for depression at our TMS clinic typically consists of 20 to 35 sessions delivered as an outpatient over 4 to 7 weeks.
Regular psychometric testing is conducted to monitor your response to treatment. At the end of the course of treatment, our psychiatrist will discuss the psychometrictest results with you and report to your treating GP or psychiatrist.
When patients have achieved significant improvement in their condition, a maintenance course of treatment could be considered.
While Treatment Resistant Depression TRD) is the most common reason to seek TMS, there are number of other conditions it is known to be effective for, this includes:
Our centre is offering no out-of-pocket cost for TMS depression treatment sessions.You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for medicare funded services:
Speak to your GP/Psychiatristabout whether TMS is right treatment for you, and to check eligibility for Medicare funded services.
TMS Referral can be sent directly to
Dr Neeraj Sareen via Health link or Argus.
Referral can be emailed at
tms@thempc.com.au or
referrals@thempc.com.au.
TO FIND OUT YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND GET MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OUR OFFICE:
Locations:
202 New St,Brighton Vic 3186
257A Bluff Road, Sandringham, Vic 3191
PH: 03 9193 8502 FAX: 03 9193 8508
Email: tms@thempc.com.au
