The brain communicates and forms functional circuits through electricity. Billions of electrical connections communicate to conduct voluntary and involuntary life functions including things as simple as breathing, up to more complex actions like language, thought, memories and actions. Complex and connected ‘circuits’ also cause emotions and, in turn, the way we respond to and manage these emotions. Sometimes these pathways can become awry and the electrical activity is not functioning as it should. Research and brain imaging studies have shown that some areas become dormant or deficient in activity and others excited and hyperactive - such as in depression or anxiety, respectively.

As noted, TMS-Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, utilizes magnetic fields or pulses, somewhat similar to a MRI, to stimulate electrical connections within the brain. There are many theories as to different ways that TMS benefits brain activity in those with depression, anxiety, or other conditions, but we know for sure that TMS changes neuronal activity. Depending on the type of stimulation that is administered, TMS can ‘wake up’ sleepy neurons that are low in electrical activity (such as in depression) or inversely ‘calm’ agitated neurons that are overactive (such as in anxiety).

Regardless of treatment protocol, the TMS team monitors tolerability to the treatment and can adjust aspects of treatment to limit discomfort. There are no systemic side effects to treatment, but occasionally patients experience scalp tenderness at the stimulation site or headache. This typically resolves with adjustment to treatment and dissipates over the first few sessions. Earplugs are worn for precaution as there is a tapping noise during magnetic pulses. It is not extremely loud and different devices have a more vs less prominent noise level (Inspire TMS Denver uses a device with lower decibel readings).

The treatment is done in a comfortable outpatient office setting. Patients do not require any medication or sedation prior to, during, or after treatment and simply lie in a reclining chair while receiving treatment and can even watch TV, listen to music, relax or meditate, or talk with their

TMS therapist. After a treatment session, patients can drive and return to work or back home with no limitations. A course of TMS treatments is typically around 36 sessions and takes place over six weeks with an additional several weeks for tapering off treatment. Response typically takes a few weeks, but time to improvement varies from patient to patient.