Over the past 20 years, Ive coped relatively well with antidepressants and mood stabilizers until this year. Ive been on medical leave most of the year with treatment-resistant depression. Ive had some pretty bad spells over the years, but five months ago, I entered the deepest depression Ive ever experienced. My medications were no longer working, and I was desperate to find another solution.
Then, I heard about transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and after some research, I was hopeful that this could work for me. Since TMS was FDA-approved in 2008, most insurance plans in the U.S., including Medicare/Medicaid, cover the treatment, but insurance requires proof that multiple medications have stopped working.
Going into my first treatment, the internet and my doctor provided expectations such as the procedure, treatment effectiveness, reaction times and side effects. Heres what I learned and experienced.
How it works?
TMS is non-invasive and doesnt requires anesthesia. The TMS device contains a magnetic coil that pulsates to stimulate neurons in the region of the brain associated with depression. At this time, TMS is approved for treatment-resistant depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but ongoing research explores protocols for other mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and even chronic pain.
Related: What I Didn't Know About Starting Medication for My Depression and Anxiety
Because the treatment involves magnets, you cannot wear any metal jewelry, hair clips, etc. Discuss any metal implants in your head with a doctor they will advise if you are a candidate based on the location of the implant.
What to expect?
During the treatment, youre in a comfortable reclining chair with an adjustable headrest and lumbar support. There is a T-shaped tape that keeps the head in position on the headrest, and youll wear earplugs. The magnetic pulses are administered on the left side of the head towards the front.
During the first session, the doctor performed a mapping exercise to position the magnetic pulse correctly. The machine issues a single tap while the doctor watches for a finger twitch from the right hand. Once this is complete, the position is programmed in the machine.
How does it feel? How long does it last?
The pulses feel like Woody Woodpecker tapping on your skull for five-second intervals with a rest period in between. The machine beeps before each series of pulses, so you know when the pulse interval starts. The treatment can last anywhere from 17-37 minutes, depending on the rest periods. We started out with longer rest periods, and as I got used to it, the rest periods decreased.
Related: When Not Going Home to a Toxic Family During the Holidays Isnt an Option
Treatment protocols are four to six weeks and occur every weekday. A tapering period follows with about six treatments every other day.
What to do with your time?
You cant wear earbuds due to the metal, and the reclining position makes it difficult to read. My center had a smart TV, so I watched videos and listened to podcasts via YouTube. I thought of the treatment as reprogramming my brain, so I chose inspirational and humorous programs for a positive mindset. Also, you cant fall asleep. With the woodpecker tapping, youd think it would be difficult, but fatigue means I can fall asleep anywhere, any time.
When will I see improvement? How much improvement should I expect?
Response time and improvement vary for everyone. Some people see an improvement the first week. I saw a slight improvement after four weeks and an amazing improvement at the end of the six weeks. However, it doesnt work for everyone. Forty-five to 60 percent of patients see some improvement with 30-40 percent achieving remission. Effects can last up to 12 months, and insurance coverage for follow-up treatments varies. Luckily, my insurance will cover another course in three months.
Related: How I'm Trading Self-Harm in for Self-Care
Are there side effects?
Headaches are the most common side effect, but as you get used to the treatment, these usually fade. Taking some Ibuprofen before the first few treatments helped, but after a few days, I tolerated the tapping.
Another common side effect, referred to as the dip, can occur during the first few weeks. Everyone reacts to the treatment differently, so you may not experience this at all, but its something to be aware of. During this dip, the initial improvement is reversed, depression recurs and it can be much worse. I experienced this about a week in, and it lasted a day or two. Others report dips up to a week. Since responses vary, I actually experienced another dip after about four weeks, but it wasnt as bad as the first one.
Read the original post:
Read This If You're Considering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - Yahoo Lifestyle
- Tile Map Service - Wikipedia - December 8th, 2016 [December 8th, 2016]
- New Depression Treatment - Safe & Effective | Nashville TMS - December 18th, 2016 [December 18th, 2016]
- NeuroStar TMS Therapy Depression Treatment - December 22nd, 2016 [December 22nd, 2016]
- TM - Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokmon encyclopedia - January 13th, 2017 [January 13th, 2017]
- TMS Resources - VA Learning University - January 13th, 2017 [January 13th, 2017]
- The Marketing Store London - TMS - January 25th, 2017 [January 25th, 2017]
- Local sports: RMS, A-TMS win County League titles - Asheboro Courier Tribune - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- New Jersey Supreme Court Asks Judiciary to Translate More, Implement TMS - Slator (press release) (subscription) - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- TMW Suite, TruckMate TMS Now Integrate With 123Loadboard ... - Heavy Duty Trucking - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Driving a Ferrari at TMS is a solid Valentine's Day present - Fort Worth Star Telegram (blog) - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- A Sneak Peak into the Future of the TMS Market - Logistics Viewpoints (blog) - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- TMS wrestlers gear up for conference - Thermopolis Independent Record Homepage - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Other Voices: Trying to manage the Amazon effect? Don't ignore your TMS. - Modern Materials Handling - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- The Zacks Investment Research Upgrades Edap Tms SA (EDAP) to Hold - DailyQuint - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- First TMS Patient Health Data Management System for US Physicians Launched - Business News Wales - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- TMS reporter rides along with MUPD on blackout Thursday - Miami Student - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- Talent management software (TMS) Market Report -Global Industry Analysis, Development, Scope, Share, Trends ... - Satellite PR News (press release) - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- TMS Jazz Band Puts on Red Hot Performance at Prudential Center ... - TAPinto.net - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Trucker Tools' Load Track now integrated with MercuryGate TMS - Commercial Carrier Journal - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Review of Price Trends: EDAP TMS SA (NASDAQ:EDAP) - Is stories - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- TMS Health Solutions Launches New Website February 21, 2017 ... - Satellite PR News (press release) - February 21st, 2017 [February 21st, 2017]
- All I Want for Christmas Is TMS 2K17 - Supply & Demand Chain Executive - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- New non-medicinal treatment helps with depression | WFAA.com - WFAA.com - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- EDAP TMS S.A. (EDAP) Announces Prelim. Q4 Revenue of EUR10 ... - StreetInsider.com - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Tonganoxie police investgating threatening note left in TMS bathroom - The Mirror - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- TMW Systems appoints Ray West to lead TMS products - Commercial Carrier Journal - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- TMS' repave, re-profile project should be done by end of next week - Fort Worth Star Telegram - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- TMS Host Nation's Largets Daytona 500 Watch Party - Speedway Digest (press release) (blog) - February 27th, 2017 [February 27th, 2017]
- TMS Reviews Riverdale Chapter Five, "Heart of Darkness" | The ... - The Mary Sue - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- TMS boss Gossage: Austin road track doesn't know NASCAR business - Fort Worth Star Telegram - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- Trucker Tools integrates Load Track platform with Revenova TMS - Commercial Carrier Journal - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- TMS Announces 2017 Bladesmithing Competition Winners - Newswise (press release) - March 2nd, 2017 [March 2nd, 2017]
- Edap Tms SA (EDAP) Scheduled to Post Earnings on Friday - Sports Perspectives - March 2nd, 2017 [March 2nd, 2017]
- TMS girls basketball wrap up - Thermopolis Independent Record Homepage - March 2nd, 2017 [March 2nd, 2017]
- Trucker Tools' Load Track integrates with Revenova TMS - Fleet Owner - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- A Very Dumb Agreement With Texas Motor Speedway Keeps Racing From The Rest Of The State - Jalopnik - March 4th, 2017 [March 4th, 2017]
- TMS robotics team headed to state - Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal - March 4th, 2017 [March 4th, 2017]
- Brokerages Anticipate Edap Tms SA (EDAP) to Post $0.01 Earnings Per Share - The Cerbat Gem - March 6th, 2017 [March 6th, 2017]
- TMS to host fashion showcase - Troy Daily News - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- At Satellite 2017, TMS Touts Expanding Satcom Offerings as Multiple Business Units Integrate Satcom Expertise - Business Wire (press release) - March 8th, 2017 [March 8th, 2017]
- TEA Introduces The TMS-5000 - Yahoo Finance - March 8th, 2017 [March 8th, 2017]
- Achieve TMS Open House Event at New Location in Portland ... - Benzinga - March 8th, 2017 [March 8th, 2017]
- MacroPoint Integrates Load Tracking with Oracle TMS - Heavy Duty Trucking - March 9th, 2017 [March 9th, 2017]
- WGS Systems Launches Tactical Management System (TMS) after Inauguration Success - Heliweb Magazine (press release) (registration) (blog) - March 9th, 2017 [March 9th, 2017]
- TMS Installs 2017 Board Members - Newswise (press release) - March 11th, 2017 [March 11th, 2017]
- Aurora Oil & Gas' Successor Australis Quadruples TMS Acreage - Oil and Gas Investor (registration) - March 11th, 2017 [March 11th, 2017]
- At Satellite 2017, TMS Touts Expanding Satcom Offerings as Multiple Business Units Integrate Satcom Expertise - Yahoo Finance - March 12th, 2017 [March 12th, 2017]
- TMS director resigns - Troy Daily News - March 12th, 2017 [March 12th, 2017]
- NASCAR drivers don't know what to expect from TMS' repave - Fort Worth Star Telegram - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Erik Jones Ready for Another Graduation at TMS - Speedway Digest (press release) (blog) - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- NASCAR practice at TMS 4.7.17 - Fort Worth Star Telegram - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Kevin Harvick handles TMS' new pavement well with qualifying win - Fort Worth Star Telegram - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Edap Tms SA (ADR) (EDAP) Reaches $2.85 After 6.00% Up Move; Tide Point Capital Management LP Upped Its ... - Key Gazette - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Runner-up James Hinchcliffe eyeing Victory Lane visit in Texas this year - Fort Worth Star Telegram - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Parity is prevalent in IndyCar as series races to its TMS weekend - Fort Worth Star Telegram - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- TMS, Levy Restaurants Unveiling Hawg Heaven BLT Dawg - Speedway Digest (press release) (blog) - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Embarcadero and TMS Software Team Up for Application ... - Business Wire (press release) - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- TMS Website/Grades - Thurston Middle School - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- IndyCar's Will Power looks for another strong start on Texas' new surface - Fort Worth Star Telegram - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- Armstrong & Associates Releases 3Gtms Case Study - GlobeNewswire (press release) - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- TMS' Hawg Heaven BLT Dawg is a worldly creation - Fort Worth Star Telegram - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- Slumping Nemechek Sets Sights On Fun At TMS - RacinToday.com - June 8th, 2017 [June 8th, 2017]
- Stadium Super Trucks to create mega buzz at TMS - Fort Worth Star Telegram - June 8th, 2017 [June 8th, 2017]
- What's Happening To These Stocks? EDAP TMS SA (EDAP), Nutanix, Inc. (NTNX) - Post Analyst - June 10th, 2017 [June 10th, 2017]
- TMS Lighting - June 11th, 2017 [June 11th, 2017]
- DAT and Ascend offer free TMS software - Fleet Owner - June 13th, 2017 [June 13th, 2017]
- Keep calm and let the TMS decide - DC Velocity - June 13th, 2017 [June 13th, 2017]
- UCLA doctors use magnetic stimulation to 'rewire' the brain for ... - UCLA Newsroom - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- TMS students join in Junior Solar Sprint, KidWind Competition - Tallmadge Express - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Edap Tms (EDAP) Shares March Higher, Can It Continue? - Zacks.com - June 22nd, 2017 [June 22nd, 2017]
- Zacks Investment Research Upgrades EDAP TMS S.A. (EDAP) to ... - The Cerbat Gem - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- EDAP TMS SA (EDAP) has a mean analyst rating of 2.00 - Stocks Gallery - June 24th, 2017 [June 24th, 2017]
- 'Pokemon Go' Technical Machine: How to Use a TM to Learn a New Move - Heavy.com - June 24th, 2017 [June 24th, 2017]
- Pigeons, buses and mixing up fielders: TMS will miss Henry Blofeld - The Guardian - June 24th, 2017 [June 24th, 2017]
- Is a 'brain massage' the secret to treating depression? - Telegraph.co.uk - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- Pokemon GO: How to Get and Use TMs - Game Rant - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- 'Pokmon Go' Charged TM vs. Fast TM: What you need to know about the items added in the raid update - Mic - June 27th, 2017 [June 27th, 2017]
- Financial Analysis: EDAP TMS (EDAP) and Integer Holdings (ITGR) - The Cerbat Gem - June 30th, 2017 [June 30th, 2017]
- Indra To Replatform Its Leading TMS Solutions For Hotels Onto Sap S/4 Hana - Hospitality Net - June 30th, 2017 [June 30th, 2017]
- bob's guide to treasury management systems: How to avoid disruption during TMS implementation - Bobsguide (press release) - June 30th, 2017 [June 30th, 2017]