What Is TMS?

TMS uses magnetic pulses — similar in strength to an MRI — to stimulate nerve cells in specific regions of the brain associated with mood regulation. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is underactive in people with depression, is the primary target. Repeated stimulation over a course of treatment produces lasting changes in brain activity and connectivity.

What the Research Shows

TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder (2008) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (2018). In clinical trials, approximately 50–60% of patients with treatment-resistant depression achieve a meaningful clinical response, and 30–35% achieve full remission. These are patients for whom multiple antidepressants have failed.

Key Advantage: Unlike ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), TMS requires no anesthesia, causes no seizures, and produces no cognitive side effects — including no memory impairment. Patients drive themselves to and from sessions and maintain their normal daily activities throughout treatment.

What to Expect — The TMS Experience at UMG

  • Session length: Approximately 20–40 minutes per session
  • Frequency: 5 sessions per week for 6 weeks (standard protocol)
  • Sensations: A tapping or clicking sensation on the scalp; mild to moderate
  • Side effects: Mild scalp discomfort and headache at the treatment site, typically resolving within the first week
  • Insurance coverage: Covered by most major plans when medically indicated
  • Contraindications: Metal implants in or near the head; certain cardiac devices

TMS is not a last resort — it's an appropriate option for any patient who has not responded adequately to antidepressant medication. At UMG, we evaluate TMS candidacy as part of a comprehensive treatment planning conversation, not as something reserved only for the most severe cases.