TMS

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe, non-invasive and effective FDA-approved treatment for patients suffering from depression who haven’t improved with antidepressants. Because SeattleNTC has been providing TMS for our patients since 2008, we are the most experienced and trusted provider in Washington state.

”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 chat with our TMS Techs. After the procedure, patients can immediately return to a normal routine, including driving.

Can I bring my dog with me?

SeattleNTC loves dogs! You are welcome to bring your dog with you to treatment as long as you are able to provide them with ear protection as dogs have very sensitive ears. Please let us know if you would like assistance in finding a good option for dog ear protection.

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

What is Deep TMS?

Deep TMS, or dTMS, is a subtype of TMS treatment that uses a different shaped coil with a broader area of effect. The efficacy of dTMS in placebo controlled trials has been similar to rTMS for depression. dTMS involves a helmet that is strapped to the patient’s head like a bicycle helmet.

There are several different coils which are referred to as dTMS. One coil is FDA approved for the treatment of depression, and another coil is FDA approved for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. SeattleNTC offers dTMS at our Seattle clinic using the BrainsWay device.

Does SNTC offer the SAINT protocol?

The SAINT protocol is an accelerated TMS protocol that uses MRI technology to target the treatment site. Instead of a standard TMS course, which is 1 treatment per day for about 6 weeks, 10 shorter treatments are administered per day for 5 days.

SeattleNTC can provide an accelerated TMS course similar to the SAINT protocol, which involves 6 to 10 theta burst treatments per day for 1 week. This protocol is off-label, meaning it is not FDA-cleared and may not be covered by insurance.

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.