NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Bowman Medical Group
Psychiatrists & Mental Health Providers located in Beverly Hills, CA
NeuroStar Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe, effective alternative to medication for mental health conditions like Major Depressive Disorder. If other treatments aren’t relieving your symptoms, Bowman Medical Group in Beverly Hills, California, provides expert TMS treatments at their state-of-the-art facility. Find out more about the benefits of TMS and how it can help you by calling the office today.
NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Q & A
What is TMS?
NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved treatment for Major Depressive Disorder. TMS therapy involves using brief pulses of magnetic energy that change nerve cell activity in your brain. The magnetic field used in TMS is similar to that used in MRI machines. TMS is approved for treating depression that hasn’t responded to antidepressant medication. Bowman Medical Group uses NeuroStar® TMS technology for all of its TMS sessions.
How does TMS work?
The TMS system produces magnetic pulses that your provider at Bowman Medical Group directs to specific areas of your brain that regulate mood.
TMS magnetic pulses stimulate electrical currents in the brain tissue nearby, which activates your neurons. Neurons are cells that communicate with other cells and are the primary constituent of nerve tissue.
TMS helps promote the release of neurotransmitters in your brain. These are chemicals that have a significant effect on mood and include:
- Serotonin
- Norepinephrine
- Dopamine
TMS also optimizes blood flow in your brain and stimulates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is an important chemical that you need to make connections between your brain cells.
As a result of the increase in neurotransmitters and other positive effects on your brain, TMS can be very effective in relieving the misery of major depression.
How is TMS delivered?
TMS is an outpatient procedure that you have at Bowman Medical Group. A course of TMS treatment consists of daily sessions, Monday-Friday, for a period of five to six weeks. Your daily treatment lasts about 20 minutes.
You won’t need any anesthetic or sedative, as TMS is a noninvasive treatment. After your daily session, you’re free to continue your activities without restriction.
The most common side effect is slight scalp discomfort at the treatment location and headaches during the first few TMS treatments. These often fade as you get used to having your TMS sessions.
What are the advantages of TMS?
There are several significant advantages to TMS therapy. TMS uses no drugs and requires no invasive injections or incisions. That means it’s a very safe form of treatment.
TMS is a good option for people who don’t like taking medication or who experience unpleasant side effects if they take antidepressants.
Studies show that TMS has a high success rate and compares favorably with other forms of treatment for Major Depressive Disorder.
A psychiatrist at Bowman Medical Group can provide a consultation to discuss if TMS is appropriate for you.
If you think TMS could be helpful for your mental health condition, call Bowman Medical Group to schedule a consultation.