TMS Therapy Explained: How Magnetic Stimulation Can Alleviate Depression Symptoms

Dr. Germaine Hawkins directs Hawkins Psychiatry in Mansfield, Texas, and offers neuromodulation medicine. He provides many psychiatric services, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), targeting treatment-resistant depression.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Dr. Hawkins in Mansfield, Texas, explains that TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a non-invasive and helpful treatment if you have depression that hasn't responded well to other treatments. This treatment helps to stimulate nerve cells in parts of the brain that tend to be underactive in people with depression. 

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Process

We put an electromagnetic coil on your scalp near your forehead to allow a painless magnetic pulse transmission into nerve cells responsible for mood. There is no downtime or anesthesia needed, but you will be wearing earplugs. 

Our doctor monitors your reaction for over 40 minutes while you remain awake and alert and determines how many follow-up treatments you need according to your situation. Other therapy approaches such as talk therapy or medication may continue once our doctor sees improvement. 

Benefits of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Patients typically receive psychotherapy and antidepressants to monitor effectiveness before initiating Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

While research is still ongoing regarding the benefits of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is FDA-approved for depression and OCD, and can potentially help with anxiety, PTSD, stroke rehabilitation, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, chronic pain, nicotine addiction, and MS. 

Our doctor may determine you are a good candidate for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation if you,

• Have shown no effectiveness with antidepressants
• Show adverse side effects from antidepressants
• Are a teenager or child

A young person may be an ideal candidate for this treatment option as they are at a higher risk for anti-depression side effects. 

This treatment is not a safe procedure for those who have metal in their head they cannot remove. The exception is if you have dental fillings or braces; this procedure is safe. 

TMS may also not be suitable for people with epilepsy, are at risk for seizures, or are on stimulants.

Call Us for Possible Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator Treatment!

Call Dr. Hawkins today at 817-460-7080 at Hawkins Psychiatry in Mansfield, Texas, to schedule your appointment for TMS consultations to determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment per appropriate diagnosis.