Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Services in North Carolina
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS)?
Apogee Behavioral Medicine offers transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy (TMS) as part of our suite of state-of-the-art mental health treatments. Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy is a breakthrough technology that treats mental health conditions that do not respond to conventional psychiatric treatments, such as medication or talk therapy. TMS is a safe, painless, and noninvasive outpatient treatment that stimulates healthy brain activity and reduces the long-term symptoms of many mental health disorders.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a safe outpatient treatment that uses repetitive magnetic pulses to stimulate neural activity in specific parts of the brain adversely affected by mental health problems such as major depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). All TMS treatments begin with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation by a certified TMS psychiatrist. If an individual is a candidate for this therapy, an initial brain mapping is done to determine the specific part of the brain to be targeted by the therapy.
TMS sessions are short, painless treatments that are done on a completely outpatient basis, without the need for inpatient hospitalization. During a session, patients receive a series of rapid magnetic pulses that penetrate into the brain. These magnetic pulses stimulate activity in the neural axons, improving brain functions such as mood control, and helping the brain to return to a normal, healthy level of functionality.
What Does TMS Treat?
Same-day Appointments
No more waiting! Immediate access to the behavioral healthcare you need.
Find a TMS Therapy Provider
Find an ABM provider near you and schedule an appointment today!
Derek Ayers, DO
Adult Medication Management
Locations
Hickory, NC 28602
Jessica Edwards, MD
Pediatric Medication Management,
Geriatric Medication Management,
Adult Medication Management
Locations
Mount Airy, NC 27030
Hickory, NC 28602
Greensboro, NC 27410
Call us at (855) 409-9002 to see if you are covered.
Insurance plans may vary by state and are subject to change.
What Our Patients Say
an ABM Patient
FAQs for TMS Therapy
What does TMS therapy do?
TMS electrically stimulates neurons in the brain using magnetic pulses. These magnetic pulses stimulate activity in the neural axons, improving brain functions such as mood control, and help the brain to return to a normal, healthy level of functionality.
What is the success rate of TMS?
TMS, when utilized for major depressive disorder has a good chance to work for you. Results in our clinic have shown that about 75% of our patients have had a response (a response is a reduction in symptoms of at least 50%) to TMS and about 50% have gone into full remission of their depressive symptoms.
Is TMS therapy safe?
Yes. TMS was cleared by the FDA in 2008 and is only contraindicated in patients with implanted metallic devices or non-removable metallic objects in or around the head (except for standard amalgam dental fillings).
What conditions does TMS treat?
TMS treatment is beneficial for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression.
Am I a candidate for TMS?
You may qualify for TMS if you:
- Have Been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or Nicotine dependence.
- You have tried at least two antidepressants without success.
- Received evidence-based therapy within the last 5 years.
Is TMS right for me?
Antidepressants work for some individuals. About 30% of the depressed population are resistant to antidepressant medications and others cannot tolerate the side effects of medication. This is where TMS becomes an option for you.
What potential side effects occur with TMS?
Side effects from TMS are not very common. However, when they do occur, you may experience, headaches, scalp discomfort at the treatment site, or lightheadedness. If these side effects occur, the level of stimulation is often adjusted to reduce the symptoms.
What should I expect during TMS?
You will be seated comfortably in our private treatment room. A TMS device will be positioned onto your head and you will begin to feel a tapping sensation every few seconds. You may watch TV, read, or use your phone during treatment. A TMS technician will remain in the room to ensure your comfort and care. After the 20-minute session, you will be able to resume daily activities without limitations.
A treatment session takes approximately 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 36 total treatment sessions or about 6-8 weeks.
