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When is TMS contraindicated?

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TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a generally well tolerated treatment with few relative side effects. However, the treatment is not right for everyone. Because the treatment produces a non-ionizing magnetic field, special precautions must be used with metallic objects that are permanently implanted or placed near the head. Individuals with metal implants in the head, shunts, implanted simulators, or defibrillators may not be eligible for treatment. Also, individuals with an active seizure disorder or history of seizures would need to be considered on a case by case basis by the medical director.  
Generally, TMS is well tolerated by most patients, and persons above the age of 18 suffering from a Major Depressive Disorder who have failed traditional treatments of medication and therapy are eligible for insurance coverage of the treatment.

We’re moving forward with TMS, but what about the rest of my treatment?

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TMS is a wonderful and highly effective treatment for depression, but is just a small part of the treatment plan. Psychotherapy and medications continue to have their integral role in the ongoing treatment and care of the depressed patient. We recommend that patients who are on medications and not experiencing side effects remain on such during and even after TMS.
Consideration of any reduction or termination of medications is a conversation to have with their individual psychiatrist later after remission (the goal) of their depressive symptoms. Likewise, therapy should continue throughout and after TMS treatment.

In short, TMS is not in lieu of any current treatment for the depressed patient, but in addition to such. As a matter of fact, we find that the more active a patient is in their other forms of care such as consistency with medications and psychotherapy, the better their outcomes during the TMS course.

by Dr. Charles Ihrig, Ph.D

TMS More Cost Effective than Medications in Treatment Resistant Depression

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Depression is a collection of symptoms that have the potential to impact an individual’s life in many different ways. Among those is the financial impact, both in its effect and in its treatment. Bottom line, analyses confirmed the superiority of rTMS in terms of value for money compared with antidepressant medications. Check out this link to see the details of how TMS compares to medications in terms of overall cost. Very interesting!

TMS More Cost Effective Than Medications