TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a innovative, non-invasive therapy that’s transforming the lives of people dealing with depression and anxiety. This post is here to walk you through the entire TMS treatment journey at the Alfredo H Arellano Psychiatric and TMS Clinic. 🧠✨
💡 Initial Assessment and EEG Recommendation
Before starting your TMS treatment, our providers will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure TMS is the right treatment for you. In some cases, an EEG (Electroencephalogram) may be recommended to further tailor your TMS treatment. 📝👨⚕️
💡 Mapping Session & Motor Threshold Determination
Your first major step in TMS treatment involves a mapping session. Here, we use a state-of-the-art neuronavigation system to locate your dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). This area is marked on your TMS cap for future sessions. During this stage, we also identify your motor threshold by stimulating your motor cortex and observing for reactions in your hand. 🎯🖐️
Once your motor threshold is found, your first official TMS session starts. We dial in the optimal intensity level that suits your comfort while ensuring maximum benefit. 🔄🌟 We try to get you as close to your motor threshold without discomfort, this maximizes the clinical benefits of TMS.
💡 Scheduling and Consistency
Your remaining sessions are scheduled from Monday to Friday until you reach 30 sessions. Consistency is key for maximum benefits, so try to make all your appointments. If you miss a session, it does not count as an appointment -However, we do understand that life happens, so we are flexible with rescheduling. But try your best to be consistent, it’s crucial to maintain your treatment schedule and maximize your benefits. 🗓️⏰
You can think of TMS as like the gym for your brain. Strengthening the areas under active and more importantly strenghtening the connections it has with other parts of your brain. This allows for the frontal lobe to better regulate emotion, respond to stress, and improve energy and motivation. The effect of TMS sessions are cumulative, being consistent with your schedule maximizes the benefits and gets you relief from the symptoms you have been experiencing.
💡 The Step Down Stage
After your 30th session, we gradually reduce (or ‘step down’) your appointments over several weeks – three sessions in one week, two sessions the next week, and one session the week following. 👌📉
💡 Maintenance Sessions
In the tapering stage, our providers will also evaluate if you need maintenance sessions. If required, these usually consist of two sessions per week for a month, followed by one session per week for another month.
Your journey with TMS treatment can be transformative. Here at Alfredo H Arellano Psychiatric and TMS Clinic, we’re committed to helping you achieve maximum mental wellness. We hope this guide clarifies the TMS process, inspiring you to take your first step towards recovery.
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