Is TMS Right For You?

”I am so happy to say I had very successful results starting four years ago. Depression to me means a lack of energy and a desire to turn inward. I have felt new energy and sociability since starting TMS. TMS worked so well that I am willing to come forward…with the suggestion that those suffering depression try TMS.” —Tom
"Even on medication, I experienced depressive episodes and had to drop classes. Grades were inconsistent as a result, and I had to take off long periods of time. In the past year, since starting TMS, I haven’t dropped any classes and am getting good grades again." —Erica
I just kind of sunk into a hole, cut off all my social communities, had no contact with my prior groups, and all I could do was sort of force myself to go to work, then go home. SeattleNTC introduced me to TMS and overnight, it’s like I came back to life. Everything changed. I’ve reconnected with my church groups, my community, my work and my family. My wife is very grateful, and my kids are happy to have me back. —Jim

Why Choose TMS?

TMS provides hope for patients who have tried and failed two or more anti-depressants. In studies, about two-thirds of patients with treatment-resistant depression responded to TMS. TMS can also provide successful outcomes for OCD patients. Almost half of treatment-resistant OCD patients who have failed to find relief with other medications and psychotherapy see improvement of symptoms with TMS.

What can I expect with TMS?

TMS uses short pulses of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in parts of the brain involved with mood and anxiety. This stimulation adjusts communication between parts of the brain and leads to an increase in beneficial connections associated with brain health.

A TMS treatment session is a short outpatient procedure that usually lasts between 15-20 minutes. TMS does not involve any anesthesia. During treatment, patients can rest in the treatment chair, listen to music, watch videos or speak with our TMS Clinician. After the procedure, patients can immediately return to a normal routine, including driving.

Side Effects

Treatment with TMS causes very few side effects and is well tolerated by most of our patients. The most common side effects are mild headaches and scalp discomfort that usually occurs less frequently after the first week of treatment. That means:

No systemic side effects
No weight gain
No sexual dysfunction
No nausea
No dry mouth
No negative effects on concentration or memory
No drug interactions

More Information About TMS

TMS is an outpatient procedure performed in our office.
TMS is non-invasive, meaning that is does not involve surgery.
TMS does not require any anesthesia or sedation. Patients remain awake and alert during the treatment.
TMS does not involve any medications.
The typical initial treatment course consists of five treatments per week over a six-week period for an average of thirty total treatments, followed by a six-treatment taper. Each treatment session typically lasts between 15-20 minutes.