FAQs

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an effective, FDA-approved therapy for treatment resistant depression. People with depression, who have not improved after trying multiple medications, often go into remission with TMS.

While you relax in a chair, the TMS system 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.

Insurance companies typically approve patients with treatment resistant depression for 30 half hour TMS treatments, which are given 5 times a week over 6-8 weeks.

Victory Clinic offers our own accelerated five day protocol, which is similar to the new Stanford Protocol and is only available as an out-of-pocket option. Call us for more information.

The FDA initially approved TMS for people with treatment resistant depression (TRD) in 2008.

Although insurances may not cover other indications yet, TMS is also FDA approved for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), smoking cessation, and migraines.

The treatment of many other brain disorders is being studied using TMS, including addictions, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease/dementia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and post-stroke recovery.

TMS is painless. The TMS system makes noise, so you’ll be asked to wear earplugs during your treatment. During your treatment, you may want to read, look at your phone, or just relax with your feet up in Victory Clinic’s comfortable, state of the art TMS recliner.

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

Victory Clinic carefully screens 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® (nasal esketamine) may be a better alternative.

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.

People with seizure disorder (epilepsy) or any metal objects in or near their head, such as aneurysm clips, carotid stents, CSF shunts, Cochlear implants, head implants, magnet activated dental implants, foreign body (bullets) in the head/neck, or DBS/EEFG electrodes or metal plates.

Coverage for TMS is determined by your insurance provider. The team at Victory Clinic will work hard for you to obtain prior authorization for your TMS treatment. If your insurance will not cover treatment, then you have the option to pay out-of-pocket. Financing and payment plans may be available.

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