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How MagVenture TMS Therapy in Houston Works

Depression is one of the most disabling diseases in the world. Symptoms include a lack of pleasure and interest in daily activities, changes in sleeping patterns, fatigue, and feelings of hopelessness. The most common treatments are psychotherapy (talk therapy) and antidepressant medications. Unfortunately, antidepressant medications do not work for everyone and have a long list of adverse reactions that can affect your daily life, including nausea, constipation, sexual dysfunction, and an increase in suicidal thoughts. These side effects can vary depending on the specific antidepressant used. Talk therapy is effective, but it can be difficult to make lifestyle changes when you experience symptoms of depression. 

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy can help relieve symptoms, allowing you to make healthy changes and improve your quality of life. Understanding how MagVenture TMS therapy in Houston works can help you make an informed treatment decision. 

What Is TMS?

TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic stimulation to affect the areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation. It has emerged as a revolutionary method for treating depression and other neurological disorders by using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells.

The treatment targets specific areas of the brain and does not have systemic effects on the body—unlike antidepressant medications. This simply means that antidepressant medications affect nearly every cell in your body, while Houston MagVenture TMS therapy affects only your brain cells. For this reason, antidepressant medications can have a range of side effects, including gastrointestinal issues and weight gain, as well as sleep disturbances, increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and sexual dysfunction.

How Does MagVenture TMS Work?

MagVenture TMS works by using magnetic fields to stimulate targeted areas of your brain. During a MagVenture TMS session in Houston, a coil that generates magnetic pulses is placed near your scalp. These pulses pass through your skull to induce small electrical currents in the brain. These currents activate your brain neurons, leading to changes in activity and neurotransmitter levels. 

TMS therapy primarily targets the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, aiming to influence levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Changes in neurotransmitter levels can correct chemical imbalances. The treatment does not require implants or surgery, or involve the use of anesthesia, so it is considered non-invasive. You remain awake during sessions and can return to your normal activities immediately after. 

MagVenture TMS products are made by a Danish company that designs versatile modular programs with clinical and research applications. They were pioneers in receiving clearance from the FDA for intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS), which allows for shorter treatment durations compared to traditional TMS protocols. 

The systems include features such as liquid cooling for the coils, allowing for rapid succession treatment throughout the day.

What Are the Benefits of MagVenture TMS?

One benefit of choosing MagVenture TMS therapy over other TMS products in Houston can be found in the variety of liquid-cooled coils the company has available for research and clinical applications. Another benefit is their ability to perform both standard repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and iTBS. This allows the practitioner to customize the treatment protocol based on your clinical symptoms.

TMS does not affect your cognitive function, meaning you can leave the treatment and get back to your daily routine. Any side effects—such as scalp discomfort and headache—are generally mild and temporary, resolving quickly on their own without requiring other treatments. This is unlike pharmaceutical antidepressant options for which you may need additional medication to address the side effects.

Learn More About MagVenture TMS Therapy in Houston

Depression symptoms can be overwhelming and exhausting, affecting every aspect of your daily experience and reducing your quality of life. Without treatment, depression can have devastating effects. We encourage you to call our office today to learn more about how MagVenture TMS therapy in Houston works and how it can help to ease your symptoms of depression.