Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or rTMS is a non-invasive treatment for severe depression. It is also versatile enough to treat other mental conditions. Your psychiatrist can recommend this therapy to improve your symptoms. If you want to know what to expect during rTMS, here are the details.
It involves the localized delivery of electromagnetic energy to the cerebral cortex. The small currents pass through the scalp and brain without issue. These trigger the brain’s nerve cells responsible for depression and mood regulation. Triggering these neurons change brain function to improve the patient’s symptoms. Using rTMS does not need anesthesia at all. The treatment does not involve loss of consciousness or the onset of seizures.
A psychiatrist with proper rTMS training is the ideal healthcare professional to see. Reviewing the patient’s consultation details will help meet the patient’s needs. The patient will enter the treatment area and remove any metal accessories. This includes piercings and other forms of jewelry.
The patient will sit in a comfortable chair, with the head leaning back without any strain. A vacuum pillow around the neck will ensure proper support for the head. The psychiatrist will give a custom-fit cap for the patient to wear during the treatment. Proper fit will ensure correct coil positioning and effective delivery of magnetic pulses.
There will be no need for anesthesia. The patient will be aware and conscious during the rTMS therapy session. The psychiatrist will place the magnetic coil on the patient’s head. This is often where the right or left DLPC is. These areas are about three inches above the temple, underneath the skull.
The patient will stay still during the therapy session. The team will make sure the patient is calm throughout the treatment. The risks and side effects of rTMS are manageable. It is an outpatient procedure. This means the patient can drive home alone and return to normal activities.
There will be 20 sessions for 20 days. Each session will last for 20-45 minutes, depending on the psychiatrist’s protocol. The patient may feel painless twitches in the hand while the treatment happens. This helps determine the level of intensity the patient’s brain needs for stimulation. The patient may experience slight headaches or tingling sensations during the session. The attending nurse will make sure the patient feels comfortable until the session finishes.
The passing of electromagnetic energy may prompt a tapping sensation underneath the coil. This could also trigger small nerves around the face. Muscle twitching in the eye, forehead, or face region may occur as well. The psychiatrist can prescribe antidepressants. This can prevent relapses after each rTMS session.
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Optimal mental health is always a factor in achieving good general health. Working with your psychiatrist can determine if you are eligible for rTMS therapy. Knowing what happens during your treatment can help you prepare for each session. This can even help you schedule your activities after each session since you do not need to recover from sedation at all.
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