John G. Doyle, MD, explains how this safe, noninvasive and Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for depression can work for you.
You are not alone. More than 300 million individuals worldwide suffer from depression. In fact, it is the leading cause of disability. Depression is treatable, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an effective form of treatment.
In order to place a self-referral for TMS at LVPG Adult and Pediatric Psychiatry–Muhlenberg, please call 610-297-7500 Option 4. For LVPG Adult and Pediatric Psychiatry–1259 Cedar Crest, call 610-402-5900.
What is TMS?
TMS is a noninvasive procedure. It uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the areas of your brain that control your mood and depression. Neurostar TMS was cleared by the FDA in 2008 to treat depression in adults who have not had success with medication and therapy.
What to expect?
For the treatment, you will be reclined in a comfortable, specially-designed chair. A small curved magnetic device will be gently placed against your head. The TMS machine then delivers magnetic pulses directly to the targeted areas of the brain. A full treatment course of TMS is 36 sessions. Daily treatments can vary between three-minute or 18-minute treatments, depending on your individualized treatment plan. Since there are no lingering side effects from treatment, you can immediately go back to your normal activities, including driving and working.
Is TMS right for you?
Individuals who have tried antidepressant medications and therapy, but continue to have depression symptoms that interfere with everyday life, may benefit from TMS. If you have experienced side effects from depression medications or are worried about potential side effects, this treatment can be an effective alternative.
How is TMS different?
- Performed in an outpatient setting
- Provides clinically significant improvement in depression symptoms
- Does not interrupt daily activities
- No anesthesia needed
- Few or no side effects (Most common side effects are a mild headache and/or scalp discomfort.)
- You are not required to stop taking medications
- Safe and well tolerated
- No side effects which frequently occur from an antidepressant such as weight gain, nausea, sexual dysfunction, or sedation
Where to reach us
LVPG Adult and Pediatric Psychiatry–Muhlenberg
2710 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem, Pa.
Phone: 610-297-7500
LVPG Adult and Pediatric Psychiatry–1259 Cedar Crest
1259 S Cedar Crest Blvd., Suite 230, Allentown, Pa.
Phone: 610-402-5900
