Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS Therapy)

TMS is a procedure that involves the focused application of a magnetic field to superficial regions of the brain, changing the activity level of cells in the stimulated areas. During a TMS procedure, an electrical current passes through a small coil placed against the scalp, this current induces a magnetic field. The magnetic field is applied in pulses that can pass into the brain without resistance. If the magnetic field is of sufficient strength it will stimulate electrical activity in neurons below the coil, causing them to fire. TMS can be applied in differing ways.

TMS is available for patients with depression and who have a history of poor response to, or an inability to tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications. It is also available to those patients who have had a previous good response to TMS.