Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is very successful in the treatment of depression, as well as other neurodegenerative conditions, even in patients where other treatments have not worked. This non-invasive treatment is highly effective at alleviating the symptoms associated with depression and anxiety.
TMS is a safe, painless, and FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of depression.
HOW DOES TMS WORK?
This painless procedure involves the use of an electromagnetic coil, which delivers a repetitive magnetic pulse or rTMS, which stimulates targeted regions of the brain. It is believed that it works by activating the part of the brain that has decreased activity.
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A crucial aspect of mood modulation, as well as overall brain health, is the ability of the neurons in various parts of the brain to remain interconnected. The neurons in the brain are connected by junctions called synapses, which facilitate communication between the brain and the rest of the body via electrical and chemical signals. The loss of these synaptic connections between neurons in the brain can result in a variety of mood disorders, as well as the degeneration of brain tissue and the decline in cognitive function. By stimulating the brain, we not only improve the function of these neurons, but also promote the development of new synaptic connections, allowing for access to deeper parts of the brain and improved overall brain health.
WHAT IS TMS USED FOR?
Depression is a debilitating disease which affects millions of Americans. It is the leading cause of disability in people aged 15-44. Unfortunately, the most common therapies, which include psychotherapy in conjunction with medication, don’t work for everyone. Some studies suggest that nearly two-thirds of people with depression are unsuccessfully treated with medication.
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Even for people where medication does work, it can take months for these medications to take effect and even when they do, they often do not resolve all the symptoms and over time can become less and less effective. And many medications come with significant side effects, which can outweigh the benefits.
A recent study showed that TMS is a safe and highly effective therapy in particular for seniors, without any side effects. Although studies in children and adolescents are more limited, several studies have indicated that TMS is also effective for younger people, with one study showing a considerable reduction in suicidal thoughts in severely depressed adolescents. Given its tolerability, safety, as well as effectiveness, several studies are looking into applications for other disorders in children, such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), epilepsy and autism.
Although this is a relatively newer therapy, Harvard Medical School estimates that approximately 50-60% of people with depression, who have failed to see improvement with medication, do see a meaningful, clinical response with TMS.
A study published by the Cleveland Clinic demonstrated that TMS was two to four times more effective in relieving symptoms in treatment-resistant patients, as compared to antidepressant medications. Another clinical study showed that 58% of patients responded positively to TMS treatment, while 37% achieved full remission, meaning their symptoms have completely gone away.
It is acknowledged that while most patients feel significantly better after the completion of their initial round of treatment, some patients will require subsequent, follow-up treatments. Studies indicate that patients who have successfully been treated with TMS will have more beneficial results in subsequent treatments.
Some practitioners, including the Kellman Wellness Center, are using TMS to successfully treat other conditions:
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Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease
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Psychological disorders like bipolar disease and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)
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Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Pain management
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Stroke recovery
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Smoking cessation
WHY CHOOSE TMS AS A TREATMENT OPTION?
Part of what makes our treatment so successful is we focus on the metabolic function of the brain. TMS Therapy is just one of many healing modalities we offer our patients due to its profound healing benefits:
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Non-invasive, non-sedative and pain-free treatment
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FDA-approved to treat depression and anxiety
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TMS has no known side effects
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Does not interfere with your ability to drive like some medications
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May eliminate the need for medication
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Proven to be effective for treating depression, anxiety, and neurological disorders, even when medication has failed
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High success rates, as high as 70% of patients experience complete remission
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Long-term results
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TMS is evidence-based, with over 30 clinical trials of proven success
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The majority of patients experience results within several weeks
What Makes Our Approach Different?
What makes the Kellman Wellness Center’s approach unique is its expertise in other highly effective modalities, which allows us to address these conditions through a more comprehensive approach.
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Dr. Kellman works with each patient to determine the appropriate combinations of therapeutics to address their specific needs. The following therapeutics may be paired with TMS to provide a more targeted resolution of your symptoms:
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Nutraceuticals: natural compounds the body already uses, which beneficially affect the brain at the molecular level. When used appropriately, they can improve blood brain barrier permeability, increase cellular energy in the brain, improve neuronal function, as well as reduce inflammation.
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Herb Nootropics, which are specialized formulations of herbs and other natural compounds used to optimize neuronal function and boost brain health.
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IV Ketamine: has been shown to be highly effective for people, particularly those suffering from depression and anxiety, where conventional medications have not worked. Ketamine works to boost levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes the growth of new synaptic connections in the brain, thereby healing the brain through the restoration of these broken pathways. Studies have also shown that ketamine can be highly effective in reducing inflammation in the brain.
As with most other chronic conditions, addressing hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, as well as healing in the gut microbiome through supplementation, as well as diet and lifestyle changes, are an essential part of our whole-body approach to overall health and wellness.
Benefits of TMS Therapy
At the Kellman Wellness Center, we do not stop until we understand the root cause of your condition. This is what sets us apart from other traditional doctors.
We are treating the cause and not just covering up the symptoms. Once we uncover the deeper issues at hand, we apply advanced knowledge and techniques to bring you to a complete recovery. Part of what makes our treatment so successful is we focus on the metabolic function of the brain. TMS Therapy is just one of many healing modalities we offer our patients due to its profound healing benefits.
✅ Non-invasive
✅ Non-sedative
✅ FDA- Approved to treat depression and anxiety
✅ TMS is revolutionary with zero side effects
✅ Does not interfere with your ability to drive like some medications
✅ May eliminate the need for medication
✅ Proven to be effective for treating depression, anxiety, and neurological disorders when medication has failed
✅ High success rates
✅ Long-term results
✅ As high as 70% of patients experience complete remission
✅ TMS is evidence-based, with over 30 clinical trials of proven success
✅ Majority of patients experience results within several weeks