TMS may be worth discussing if you have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and have not experienced adequate improvement with previous treatment. Some patients consider TMS because they have had difficulty tolerating medication side effects or want to understand additional evidence-based options.

Eligibility is determined individually. Your provider reviews diagnoses, symptom severity, previous medications, other treatments, medical history, and the particular TMS protocol being considered. Certain implants and seizure-related risk factors may affect suitability.

1. Evaluation and treatment planning: A Certus provider reviews your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment history, medications, and safety considerations. You can ask about expected benefits, risks, alternatives, scheduling, and cost.
2. Your stimulation sessions: You sit in a treatment chair while a coil is positioned near your scalp. The device delivers repeated magnetic pulses, often felt as a tapping sensation. You remain awake and can communicate with the treatment team.
3. Ongoing monitoring: Your care team follows symptoms, side effects, and progress during and after the course of treatment. Additional psychiatric appointments, medications, or therapy may remain part of your plan.

TMS is supported by clinical research as a treatment option for certain patients with major depressive disorder, including some whose symptoms have not responded sufficiently to antidepressants. Some people experience a meaningful reduction in symptoms; others have little or no improvement. Remission is possible, but no provider can promise a particular outcome.

Results depend on factors such as diagnosis, medical history, treatment protocol and how response is assessed. Be cautious when comparing published success percentages: a result from one device, study or accelerated schedule may not apply to another.

TMS is generally well tolerated when appropriately prescribed and administered. Common side effects include temporary headache, scalp discomfort, and tapping-related discomfort during treatment. Seizures are rare but serious potential complications. Hearing protection may be necessary during stimulation.

TMS may not be suitable for patients with certain metallic or electronic implants in or near the head. Your provider should review implanted devices, relevant health history, medications and seizure risk before treatment. Report any worsening depression or thoughts of self-harm promptly; TMS is not an emergency intervention.

Traditional TMS commonly involves several visits per week over multiple weeks. The individual session length can vary substantially depending on the device and stimulation method. Accelerated and one-day programs use more intensive schedules, but the time required to complete sessions is not the same as the time it takes to experience symptom improvement.

Certus can clarify the expected number of appointments, time at the office, rest intervals and follow-up for the specific approach under consideration.

Many commercial insurance plans and Medicare plans may cover conventional TMS for qualifying patients with depression, subject to specific medical necessity, documentation, and prior-authorization requirements. Coverage varies by carrier and plan. Accelerated, one-day, and EEG-guided protocols may be treated differently and may require self-payment.

Before starting treatment, ask Certus to review the proposed approach, anticipated cost, insurance requirements, and any financial responsibility.

No. TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted brain areas and generally does not require anesthesia or intentionally cause a seizure. ECT uses a different medical procedure under anesthesia.

Many patients notice tapping or scalp discomfort, particularly early in treatment. Your care team can explain what is normal and help address discomfort.

Because standard TMS generally does not require sedation, many patients can resume normal activities after sessions. Follow instructions specific to your treatment and health circumstances.

Not necessarily. TMS is often part of a larger care plan. Do not change or discontinue medication without guidance from your prescribing clinician.

Response varies. Some patients notice changes during treatment, while others may experience benefits later or not at all. A shorter treatment schedule does not guarantee immediate improvement.

TMS is used and studied for multiple conditions, but FDA-cleared indications and the strength of evidence vary by condition and device. A clinician should explain the evidence for the specific use being proposed.