Doctor taking blood pressure of patient.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy

At Providence, we understand that many patients with major depressive disorder find it difficult to regain their quality of life from talk and/or medication therapies alone. This is why we offer an advanced and FDA-approved treatment: transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS therapy, is a non-invasive treatment for patients with Major Depressive Disorder. The treatment uses magnetic pulses, similar to those involved in MRI screenings, to produce changes in brain activity.

Symptoms of MDD are often caused by a decrease in brain activity, specifically in the region that helps regulate mood (the prefrontal cortex).

TMS therapy works by delivering targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate the prefrontal cortex with pinpoint accuracy. The increase of neural activity within the cortex helps improve mood and manage symptoms of depression.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is delivered through a small electromagnetic generator that rests on the patient’s head. The device emits rapid magnetic pulses that painlessly pass through the skull and stimulate brain activity.

Patients remain awake and alert during TMS therapy sessions, which take less than 20 minutes to complete. Once the treatment session is complete, the patient can resume normal activities immediately.

The most common side effect reported with TMS therapy is mild discomfort near the treatment site, which typically subsides after the first week of treatments.

Clinical trials have shown that TMS therapy is a safe and effective treatment to help patients achieve long-term remission from MDD.