FAQs

TMS uses the energy of magnets to stimulate specific regions of the brain, which can treat certain disorders affecting brain health.

The first step is to map the area in the brain that we are going to treat, which is done in the clinic using the TMS system. It takes about an hour or so to map. You do not need an MRI prior to TMS.

Once your brain is mapped, and we have found the area we are going to treat, you start treatments the same day.

While you relax in a chair, the TMS system’s coil is applied on your head, near the area of the brain receiving stimulation.

TMS works because of the neuroplasticity of our brains. Our brains can heal. Sometimes they just need a little help.

Victory Clinic is the first treatment center in Kansas and the second in Colorado with the MagVenture Atlas™ Neuro Navigation System. We optimize your TMS with precise, world leading technology.

The FDA initially approved TMS for people with treatment resistant depression (TRD) in 2008. TRD is when 2 or more anti-depressants from 2 or more classes have failed to put someone in remission from depression

Many insurances cover TMS. Coverage for TMS depends on a person’s individual policy.

We work hard for you to obtain prior authorization for your TMS treatment. If your insurance doesn’t cover TMS, we have self-pay payment plans available.

TMS is also FDA cleared for peripheral pain, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), smoking cessation, and migraines.

These are newer FDA indications may not be covered by insurance yet, but hopefully will in the future. If your insurance does not cover a treatment that we can provide, then you have the option to pay out-of-pocket. Financing and payment plans may be available.

TMS is being studied in many other areas including addictions, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease/dementia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and post-stroke recovery.

TMS is painless. The TMS system is placed on your head and feels like a tapping. It makes noise—which sounds like an MRI, so you’ll be asked to wear earplugs during your treatment. TMS treatments feel similar to treatments from a TENS unit.

During your treatment, you are awake. You may talk, look at your phone, or just put your feet up in the recliner. Many people like to watch the neuronavigation on the TV in front of them.

No. Just show up and relax during your treatment. Tell your provider if there are any changes in your medications or health history. You will be asked to wear ear plugs and fill out a form every week to track your progress.

Insurance companies typically approve patients with treatment resistant depression for at least 36 TMS treatments, which are given 5 times a week over 6-8 weeks.

Victory Clinic’s TMS treatments are fast: only 5 minutes long, so you can get back to your life. Treatments on most other TMS systems are slow and take 20-30 min even up to an hour to run.

Our system—made by MagVenture—can do theta bursts, which compress what was once an hour treatment into under 5 min. Not only are these treatments faster, but they are also more effective.

These fast, effective treatments also allow Victory Clinic to offer our own accelerated five day protocol, which is similar to the new Stanford Protocol which is not covered by insurance yet and is only available as an out-of-pocket option.

The weeklong accelerated protocol option is ideal for busy professionals and particularly those who want to avoid meds such as pilots or doctors who would like to take a week off, get better and return to their life.

TMS is safe. There are minimal risks and side effects to TMS treatment.

The most common side effect is headaches, which can be managed with relaxation techniques, over the counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or topical peppermint oil.

Unlike anti-depressant medications, TMS does not have the side effects of weight gain and decreased libido.

TMS is not the best option for someone with seizures, and may not be the best option for someone with any permanent, metal device or implant in their head or neck. People with cardiac pacemakers, hearing aids, insulin pumps, or any wearable, removable device can get TMS.

We medically evaluate all patients prior to starting TMS treatments to make sure TMS is the best and safest option. For some patients, another treatment such as SPRAVATO® may be a better alternative.

To find a TMS provider in your area, visit ClinicalTMSSociety.org/find-a-clinic.

If you or a loved one is struggling, there is hope. We specialize in treatment resistant depression, helping to heal depression when medications fail to provide relief.

Call one of our locations or message us today at 785-693-6779 or by clicking purple ‘Message us’ box at right hand corner of the screen.