Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

What is TMS?

Depression is a serious illness that affects more than 300 million people worldwide. It is a treatable condition, but for some people standard treatments—including drug and talk therapy—don’t work.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a way of treating moderate to severe depression when other treatments haven’t worked or patients want to decrease or stop the use of medications. Baystate Health offers TMS:

• In Baystate Medical Center's Psychiatric Neurotherapeutics unit in Springfield, MA (413-794-4584)
• At Baystate Wing Hospital's Griswold Behavioral Health Center in Palmer, MA (413-794-4584)

How TMS Works

TMS is a safe, effective noninvasive procedure which means it doesn’t break, cut, or enter the skin. A cushioned coil is placed on the head and sends targeted magnetic pulses to gently stimulate the areas of the brain (prefrontal cortex) that are underactive in people with depression..

Though it isn’t completely understood why TMS works, the magnetic stimulation seems to help neurons rewire and create neuroplasticity which is the brain’s ability to adapt and change, easing depression symptoms and improving mood.

What to Expect

TMS is an out-patient treatment meaning you will be able to travel by yourself to your treatment appointments. You will not need anesthesia or sedation. You can resume normal activities before and after treatment.

You’ll need to remove any metal hair clips, hearing aids, earrings and glasses before the treatment. Because the machine makes a clicking noise, patients often wear earplugs or listen to music during treatment.

During treatment, you’ll be reclined in a comfortable chair. You will be awake, and you can talk during the treatment. A magnetic coil will gently rest on your head, and you’ll feel a series of taps on your scalp.

A full acute course is 36 treatments that last as little 19 minutes per session.