Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
Renown Health is enhancing mental health services in northern Nevada through the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute, offering repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) therapy for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
This non-invasive and non-systemic treatment uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, targeting areas involved in mood control. It is typically employed when other treatments have failed. The therapy, cleared by the FDA and commonly covered by insurance, involves sessions lasting between 18-30 minutes over seven weeks, conducted under a psychiatrist's supervision.
The procedure, performed while patients are awake in a comfortable setting, may initially cause minor discomfort. Contact the institute directly for more details or to refer a patient.
How rTMS Works:
- Placement of Equipment: An electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp near the forehead.
- Mechanism: The electromagnet delivers a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the brain regions involved in mood control and depression.
- Effect on the Brain: The stimulation activates brain areas with decreased activity in depression, potentially easing symptoms and improving mood.
- Understanding the Biology: The exact biological reasons for rTMS's effectiveness are not fully understood, but it impacts brain functioning.
- Variability in Procedure: Different methods exist for performing rTMS, and techniques may evolve as research advances.
- Treatment Duration: Typically, patients undergo rTMS treatments for four to seven weeks, five days a week, lasting between 18-30 minutes per day, with the doctor tailoring the treatment plan.
Patient Referrals
Contact us for more information about TMS Therapy and patient referrals.775-982-5318
What Does rTMS Feel Like?
- Experience: rTMS therapy is an in-office procedure where patients remain awake and alert in a spa-like chair.
- Initial Discomfort: The first week of treatments may cause discomfort at or near the treatment site, usually subsiding after the first week.
- Regulation and Availability: rTMS is FDA-cleared, available by prescription only, and generally covered by most insurance plans.
- Referral Required: Patients need a referral from a behavioral expert to seek treatment.
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