St. John Mental Health Clinic of Houston
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MagVenture TMS—which stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation—is a non-invasive treatment that targets nerve cells in the brain. The MagVenture TMS device stimulates brain cells by using magnetic fields generated from an electromagnetic coil that clinicians place near your scalp. The magnetic pulses pass through your skull and produce small electric currents in your brain. These currents activate your brain cells, helping to reduce or eliminate your symptoms without medication.
MagVenture TMS is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder. This therapy has been especially useful for patients who suffer from treatment-resistant depression, meaning they have not responded to traditional antidepressant medications. MagVenture TMS therapy has also shown promise in treating anxiety and in serving as an adjunct treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Results have been so encouraging that new research is now investigating MagVenture TMS therapy’s potential use in other brain-mediated disorders.
A typical MagVenture TMS session lasts for 3 minutes, but your session length can vary depending on the protocol you are prescribed based on your condition. MagVenture TMS therapy can be administered in a standard or accelerated treatment schedule. Most people receive treatment sessions five times a week over four to six weeks. This relatively short time span allows you to get treatment without disrupting your daily activities.
The number of MagVenture TMS sessions in your treatment cycle will depend on several factors, including the nature of your diagnosis, the severity of your condition, and your response to the treatment. Your treatment plan may include tapering, which means the frequency of the sessions gradually decreases.
Any side effects you may experience from MagVenture TMS therapy are generally mild and resolve quickly. The most common side effects are scalp discomfort where the magnetic coil has been placed, headache, or dizziness. Uncommon side effects may include tingling or facial spasms. Serious side effects are rare with modern TMS protocols but can include seizures. Most side effects go away after the first week of treatment sessions.
MagVenture TMS is usually covered by health insurance. Two federal laws mandate that insurance providers offer benefits for mental health treatment at the same level of coverage they provide for medical or surgical care. Your insurance provider will have criteria you must meet to receive payment, which often include having a diagnosis of depression that does not respond to traditional treatment. Since coverage can vary, you must check with your insurance company about your coverage, including your deductible, copay, and whether the company requires prior authorization.
MagVenture TMS stands out from other protocols for several reasons. It has been FDA-cleared to offer an express protocol with shorter and more efficient treatment sessions. The magnetic coil is liquid-cooled, which increases your comfort level. The equipment also allows us to customize your treatment options, giving us greater flexibility to meet your needs.
MagVenture TMS can be effectively combined with other mental health treatments, including medication and talk therapy. This integrative approach helps increase the improvements in your mental health. Because MagVenture TMS is non-invasive, it does not interfere with most other treatments, making it a versatile tool to address complex or treatment-resistant mental health issues.
You may be a candidate for MagVenture TMS if you suffer from a mental health condition that has not responded to traditional medications or treatment but does respond to TMS therapy. You may also be considered a candidate for MagVenture TMS if you have significant side effects from medication and are looking for a non-invasive alternative treatment. You should not have a history of seizures or other medical conditions that could be worsened by magnetic stimulation, including having implanted metal devices, such as a cochlear implant or pacemaker.
Our clinicians are well-versed in using MagVenture TMS treatment for people experiencing depression and chronic pain. If you are looking for a MagVenture clinic, visit St. John Mental Health Clinic of Houston. We are located at 14811 St. Mary’s Lane, Suite 270, Houston, TX 77079. Get directions here.
St. John Mental Health Clinic of Houston
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Copyright © St. John Mental Health Clinic of Houston. 2025 | All rights reserved.