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TMS Therapy
in Costa Mesa, CA

At BrainHealth Solutions in Costa Mesa, we offer advanced transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, a groundbreaking, non-invasive treatment designed to help individuals find lasting relief from various mental health conditions. Our experienced team tailors each treatment plan to your unique needs, ensuring a supportive path toward improved well-being.

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What Is TMS Therapy?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It works by using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS is typically used when other treatments, such as medication or therapy, have not worked or were not tolerated.
If you are interested in TMS therapy in Costa Mesa, read on to learn how it can benefit you today.

How TMS Therapy Works

TMS works by delivering electromagnetic energy painlessly via a coil placed against your scalp.

The magnetic pulses stimulate nerve cells in the brain areas involved in depression, mood, and executive functioning. TMS works by activating brain areas that display lower levels of activity in patients with depression, anxiety, and OCD. Several factors influence the effect of TMS on the brain:

  • The design of the coil
  • Location of the stimulus
  • Single pulses vs. repeated pulses
  • Intensity of stimulation
  • Frequency of stimulation

What to Expect from
TMS Therapy

TMS is performed in our office. You will be seated in a comfortable chair for the duration of the treatment.
Before starting the treatment, you will be encouraged to enter a relaxed state of mind by listening to alpha wave music and/or focusing on an object, such as a painting. This helps your brain become more receptive to treatment.
Once you are relaxed, a magnet is used to locate your prefrontal cortex, which is where depression “lives” in the brain. Your doctor will determine the amount of magnetic energy needed by placing the magnet on your scalp.
Once the right dose has been identified, the magnet delivers pulses at this intensity for a total of 30 minutes. You will be awake and alert for the entire treatment.
You can return to your normal daily activities after your treatment. Between treatments, most patients can typically work and drive.

Is TMS Effective?

If TMS works for you, symptoms of depression may improve or go away completely. For most patients, response to TMS therapy follows a predictable pathway of results:

  • Within your first few sessions, thinking becomes clearer, and the “brain fog” starts to subside.
  • Around session 5, sleep patterns become more regular, and many patients report feeling more well-rested.
  • During the second week of treatment, you will start to have more energy, and improvement will be visible to those around you.
After a TMS treatment series, medication and psychotherapy may be recommended as ongoing treatment. If your depression improves with TMS and later recurs, the treatment can be repeated.

Potential Side Effects of
TMS Therapy

TMS is a non-invasive treatment. It does not require surgery or implantation of electrodes. Although it is considered safe, there are some potential side effects:
  • Headache
  • Scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation
  • Tingling, spasms, or twitching of facial muscles
  • Lightheadedness
If any of these symptoms occur during your first session, you will be recommended an over-the-counter pain medication to take before the procedure for the next few sessions in order to prevent further occurrences.
Like antidepressant medications, TMS carries a slight risk of producing euphoria, which may result in hypomania or mania. Seizures may occur in roughly 1 in 30,000 patients during the procedure. Our medical team is highly trained to recognize and safely manage seizure events, with strict protocols in place to ensure patient safety at all times.

Who Is Eligible
for TMS?

To be eligible for TMS, patients
must have:
  • Moderate to severe depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • At least one failed medication at or above the minimum dose
  • A failed course of talk therapy
This treatment is also effective for patients with PTSD and older individuals with memory issues. There is no age limit to receive TMS.

Benefits of TMS Therapy

TMS offers a modern approach to mental health treatment, providing meaningful relief for many individuals who have not responded well to traditional therapies.
  • Non-invasive treatment: No surgery, needles, or anesthesia required.
  • Minimal side effects: Generally well-tolerated compared to medications.
  • No downtime: Patients can return to normal activities immediately after sessions.
  • LightheadedneMedication-free option: Ideal for those who cannot tolerate or prefer to avoid antidepressants.ss
  • Targeted therapy: Precisely stimulates specific brain regions involved in mood regulation.
  • Proven effectiveness: Clinically shown to help reduce symptoms of depression and other conditions.
  • Long-lasting results: Many patients experience sustained improvement over time.