There are many different treatments available to help those with various mental illnesses. And finding the right therapy for the right patient can sometimes be a challenge.
Often used when other treatments have not worked, transcranial magnetic stimulation is a brain stimulation therapy that has been proven to be quite effective in many cases. But, if you decide to give this type of treatment a try, then you may want to know how long the effects will last. So, let’s talk about it.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Simply put, transcranial magnetic stimulation is used to help depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health and medical conditions. This treatment is non-surgical and non-invasive - and is usually done in an outpatient center.
The technician will place a magnetic coil on the head from which magnetic impulses will be released. As the patient, you will hear clicking noises and feel tapping, but nothing more.
So, how does it work?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation works by sending electromagnetic pulses to stimulate the nerve cells. In turn, they improve symptoms.
Multiple sessions are required.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
In all, patients who undergo treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation can find relief - or remission - of their symptoms for about 6 months to 1 year. For some patients, the effects of treatment last much longer.
To reach these results, however, the patients must be willing to go through with the treatment. That means visiting the treatment facility for about 20 minutes every weekday for about a month.
The overall success rate of transcranial magnetic stimulation is about 50% to 60% for those who didn’t respond well to other types of treatment. And of those who do find success with it, about 30% of them go into full remission of symptoms.
Are There Risks Involved with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
It is not uncommon for patients to shy away from therapy involving transcranial magnetic stimulation. After all, it has been portrayed negatively in films throughout the years. Once people believe these inaccurate depictions of the treatment, it can be tough to sway them otherwise.
The truth is, there are no risks involved with the treatment
A few side effects have been reported, but they are only minor and temporary. These side effects include:
- Mild headaches
- Lightheaded or dizziness
- Tingling or tenderness at the treatment site on the scalp
- Sleepiness
More serious side effects, including fainting and seizures, are very rare.
Learn More About Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Are you interested in learning more about transcranial magnetic stimulation - and whether or not it is a treatment that may benefit you? The team at South County Psychiatry can help. We reserve this treatment for those patients that have not found success with other options. So, if you feel like that’s you, perhaps this may be a good fit.
Contact us today at one of four convenient locations:
Massachusetts 617-671-0728
Connecticut 959-666-3777
North Kingstown 401-268-5333
North Scituate 401-895-7897
Or, request an appointment online.