One way to deal with depression is brain stimulation therapies. Other traditional treatments include psychotherapy techniques, light therapies, medication intervention, and other methods. Many depression medications are familiar to us, but we may not be familiar with brain stimulation treatments. Over time, there have been many brain stimulation treatments that have been used to treat depression and other mental disorders. There are many advantages to tms treatment, when it comes down to choosing among different brain stimulation treatments.
What's TMS Therapy?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment for depression. TMS therapy involves placing magnetic coils on the forehead. These coils send magnetic impulses directly into the brain. These impulses stimulate nerve cell activity in the prefrontal cortical cortex. This area is believed to be responsible for mood control. These impulses can reduce depression symptoms for a long time, according to clinical trials and research.
What's ECT Therapy?
ECT, also known as shock therapy, has a lot to do with negative associations and connotations. This procedure is more intrusive and can have more side effects than tms depression therapy. Some brain stimulation therapies like ECT are controversial and are still being studied before widespread use. These therapies include Deep Brain Stimulation, Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Deep Brain Stimulation. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an approved treatment for Parkinson's disease and is being tested for depression treatment.
What's the difference between ECT and TMS?
There are some critical differences that tms treatment depression and ECT have. This gives tms depression therapy an advantage. TMS treatments do not require general anesthesia. You are under general anesthesia for the duration of ECT. People who are allergic or have a reaction to anesthesia or do not wish to be under general anesthesia for treatment of depression may find this a problem. ECT affects the entire brain, while TMS targets the left prefrontal cortex in order to stimulate nerve cells. The recovery and duration times are also different. TMS, an outpatient procedure, takes approximately 20-40 minutes and requires little to no recovery. You can continue with your normal activities as normal. You may require extended recovery to recover from more severe side effects of ECT.
Side effects vary greatly between treatments. TMS targets the root cause of depression, specifically the brain and the prefrontal cortex. There are very few or no side effects from TMS therapy. These side effects are limited to facial muscle tension, facial irritation, light-headedness, headaches, and application site irritation. Side effects from ECT and other medication treatments can be more severe and widespread. TMS does not interact with other medications. It is possible to keep your current medication and dosage, without having to change it. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor or TMS provider.
Advantages of TMS Treatment
TMS was recommended historically only when more traditional or conventional methods of treating depression fail. However, it is perfectly normal to continue psychotherapy alongside TMS treatments. TMS can relieve depression symptoms. Therapy can be used to support coping skills, encourage social interaction, challenge isolation and improve coping skills. TMS does not have to be considered a last-resort treatment option. Talk to your doctor, psychiatrist, and therapist to decide if you would like to try this therapy earlier in your treatment.
TMS is covered by most insurance plans. TMS is not covered by insurance companies if it is considered to be risky or still in clinical trials. TMS can be considered if there is a clinic near you. TMS is a great choice because of its advantages over other brain stimulation treatments.
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