Patient Resources – FAQs

• First available in 1985, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been used by researchers around the world to help understand the function of different parts of the brain. Several hundred manuscripts have been published regarding its use in stimulating select regions of the brain.
• Since the mid-1990s, TMS has been studied as an antidepressant therapy.
• In 2006, the largest randomized, controlled study ever conducted with TMS Therapy was completed. This study was sponsored by Neuronetics and utilized the NeuroStar TMS Therapy system
• In 2008, NeuroStar TMS Therapy system, was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adult patients with major depressive disorder who failed to receive satisfactory improvement from prior medication antidepressant treatment.
• In 2013, Brainsway Deep TMS received FDA clearance to treat major depression for those who had not improved from prior antidepressant medication treatment.

• Patients being treated with TMS Therapy do not require anesthesia or sedation and remain awake and alert.
• It is a 20-40-minute outpatient procedure that is prescribed by a psychiatrist and performed in a psychiatrist’s office.
• The treatment is typically administered daily for 4-6 weeks.

A TMS treatment session is conducted using a device. Through a treatment coil that is applied to the head, the TMS therapy device generates highly concentrated, magnetic fields that turn on and off very rapidly. These magnetic fields are the same type and strength as those produced by an (MRI) machine.

These pulsed magnetic fields are delivered to the head targeting the specific region of the brain that is believed to be responsible for causing depression.

During a TMS treatment, the patient will feel a tapping sensation on the scalp. TMS treatment produces a loud clicking sound, so earplugs are provided.

• A consultation appointment with a TMS Center of Colorado psychiatrist is required prior to being scheduled for TMS treatments.
• Interested patients should schedule a free phone consultation by calling (303) 884-3867.
• Once approved by a psychiatrist for TMS treatment, the patient will be scheduled for a treatment series consisting of 5 treatments per week over a 4-6 week period for an average of 30 treatments at 6 weeks. Each treatment lasts approximately 40 minutes.

TMS treatment does not involve any anesthesia or sedation and patients remain awake and alert during the treatment. Patients are able to drive and/or return to work and/or other daily activities immediately after treatment.

Most patients have experienced results by the fourth week of treatment, however everyone is different and some patients may notice benefits over a shorter or longer period of time.

TMS treatment should not be used by anyone with a seizure disorder or high seizure risk. Also TMS treatment should not be used by anyone who has magnetic-sensitive metal in their head or within 12 inches of the  Magnetic Coil that cannot be removed. Objects that may have this kind of metal include:

• Aneurysm clips or coils
• Stents
• Implanted Stimulators
• Electrodes to monitor brain activity
• Ferromagnetic implants in your eyes or ears
• Bullet fragments and other metal devices or objects implanted in the head

• The most common adverse event related to TMS therapy was scalp pain or discomfort at the treatment area during active treatments, which was transient and mild to moderate in severity. The incidence of this side effect declined markedly after the first week of treatment.
• Less than 5% of patients discontinued the study due to adverse events.

• You will have to check with your individual insurance carrier for coverage of your TMS therapy
• TMS Center of Colorado participates in Anthem Health, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, United Healthcare/Optum and Cigna
• Please see our financial policy concerning payment for TMS Therapy

• TMS Therapy was systematically evaluated for its effects on memory
• The clinical trials demonstrated that TMS therapy does not result in adverse effects on memory or concentration

The following links are reputable companies or associations with useful information regarding TMS therapy.

• Brainsway
• Mental Health America of Colorado
• Colorado Psychiatric Association
• American Psychiatric Association
• Colorado Psychology Association
• American Psychology Association

• Contact the TMS Center of Colorado for an initial consultation; (303) 884-3867
• You may also view our financial policy