Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is not new, even though you may have never heard of it. TMS is FDA cleared to treat depression in adults who have failed to have significant improvement in their depression with the use of prescription antidepressants and talk therapy.
When you are looking for a new and different form of treatment for your depression, consider MagVenture TMS therapy in Houston. St. John Mental Health Clinic is proud to offer this breakthrough therapy for treatment-resistant depression patients. Even if you have never found a medication that relieves your symptoms, TMS can lift your depression and leave you feeling normal again.
Depression in adults was the first disease approved by the FDA to be treated with TMS. Researchers determined which areas in the brain control mood and realized the nerves and synapses (connections) between nerves in these areas were lower functioning in depressed patients. The researchers determined that if these areas were stimulated correctly, the nerves could be reawakened. Once function returned, patients’ depression lifted.
TMS sends a series of magnetic pulses into the superficial part of your brain where mood is controlled. Scientists believe the tiny electrical currents made by the magnetic pulses reawaken nerve cells and synapses (connection) to restore normal function in the treated area. This, in turn, relieves your depression.
The hand-held device used in MagVenture TMS therapy in Houston focuses and aims magnetic waves only at specific areas of the brain, which means fewer side effects. The magnetic waves do not travel throughout the body like a drug does, which also helps limit side effects.
One treatment session is not enough to bring back normal brain function, but with recurrent treatment sessions, TMS can reawaken the areas of your brain that cause your depression. As your nerves start to respond to the stimulation and stay functional longer and longer after each treatment, you will start to notice improvement in your depression-related symptoms. Sometimes the change is so insidious that you will not notice it as readily as friends and family members will.
St. John Mental Health Clinic of Houston uses MagVenture TMS to treat depression. Treatments are performed in our office with you completely awake and alert. No anesthesia is needed to keep you safe and comfortable. Sessions usually last 15 to 20 minutes, sometimes less, depending on your treatment protocol, so they are easy to fit into your busy schedule. You can return to your usual activities immediately after a treatment session, as you are completely awake with no problems with concentration or memory.
Side effects from TMS are mild, and for many patients, they lessen as they continue with treatments. Discomfort at the treatment site and headache are the main reported side effects, and over-the-counter pain medications are all you will need.
The risk of having a seizure due to TMS treatments has been shown to be about the same as your risk of having a seizure while taking antidepressant medications. It is extremely low. Dr. St. John will discuss risks with you and will assess whether you are at a higher risk of a seizure due to personal or family history.
TMS has been shown to be safe to use during pregnancy and for postpartum depression. If you have certain implants, such as a cochlear implant or deep brain stimulator, you may be unable to use TMS therapy. Another reason to avoid TMS is if you have metal clips, coils, or stents in your head or neck.
If you are looking for a better treatment for your depression because prescription antidepressants and psychotherapy have not worked, make an appointment to see Dr. Martha St. John. She is a board-certified psychiatrist with multiple years of experience in using MagVenture TMS therapy in Houston to treat treatment-resistant depression. At your first consultation, you will be able to discuss what has not worked for you as well as how TMS therapy can help you. She will be able to suggest the best TMS treatment protocol for you and you will be able to get started with therapy quickly.
Do not suffer from depression in silence. St. John Mental Health Clinic could help you find a treatment that will relieve your depression. Make an appointment soon to start your journey toward less depression and better mental health.
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