FAQS

TMS is an effective process in which a focused magnetic field stimulates under-active brain cells, activates them to work more efficiently and transforms lives through symptom reduction.

TMS is particularly effective when used to treat depression, anxiety and burnout that has not fully responded to conventional treatments (medication/therapy). Also can be used for Parkinson, PTSD, and OCD along with Migraines. We now have a specific FDA approved Coil for OCD. MeRT can treat all of the above along with ADHD, Tinnitus, Brain Injury and Concussion.

No. TMS is primarily recommended for treatment resistant illness and in that context, is intended to be an adjunctive (additional) treatment. That being said, given repose rates and tolerability, increasingly clients are opting for TMS earlier in the course of their illness prior to trying medication. While receiving TMS, we would ask that no medication changes be undertaken if at all possible. For those that thereafter achieve either complete remission or significant improvement, it is important that any changes to medication proceed under the supervision of your usual treating team.

TMS

• Hospital admission not required (out-patient)

• Non invasive

• indirect application of magnetic pulse

• Awake & alert throughout

• No recovery time needed after treatment (the patient can drive and return to work immediately)

• Side effects – mild and uncommon.

• Seizure occurrence is rare, with no impact on memory function

• Research suggests potentially as effective as ECT

ECT

• Usually performed in hospital (admission required)

• Invasive

• Direct application of low amplitude electrical current

• General anaesthesia required

• (carries a rare mortality risk)

• Period of recovery time and nursing

• observation required after treatment

• Seizure induced (integral to mechanism of action) & can cause long-term damage to memory

• Historical gold standard treatment of depression

An individual may be suitable for TMS if he or she:

• has a diagnosis of depression (especially treatment resistant depression)

• has had difficulty coping with some of the side effects of medication

• does not wish to take medication

• does not wish to undergo Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

• suffers with any of the other disorders listed earlier (see section what is TMS used for?)

As a general rule, TMS works best when it is given relatively early in the course of the illness, and results are better if the treatment course is completed. Our experience shows it works remarkably well, even for clients with a high level of treatment resistance. Given its mechanism of action, TMS cannot proceed if has a personal or family history of seizure (or other neurological) disorder, has active alcohol or drug dependency, has ANY metal fragments in the brain, eye, ear or heart or is younger than 15 years of age or a cochlear implant. MeRT patients can be treated at age 2 and up.

The average number of treatment sessions is 30 over a period of two weeks. We now offer 40 treatments over the two weeks for the Depression protocol, Anxiety is 30 over 3 weeks , OCD is 25 over 5 weeks and MeRT is 30 over 6 weeks as we use the most up to date protocols.

This ultimately depends on the individual. Patients commonly report sustained improvement several months following treatment. For some in whom depressive symptoms recur, an individualised maintenance program can maintain recovery without having to repeat the initial induction course.

Once assessed and the appropriate treatment protocol is determined, the treatment session typically lasts less than 5 minutes per session. This is achieved using a revolutionary software upgrade to the treatment called ‘Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) which allows us to administer three of four rapid treatment sessions in a single 15 to 20 minute appointment. As a consequence, the total treatment course can be completed from Mon-Friday over ten to 15 working days. Clients are at all times sitting comfortably and alert. For this reason we encourage individuals to engage with therapy whilst receiving their treatment. During treatment the magnetic coil is suspended over the appropriate region of the person’s scalp. The client perceives a series of clicking noises followed by a pause as the magnet rapidly turns on and off gently pulsating activating energy to the desired brain region. Following treatment, the client can immediately resume daily activities. MeRT is 6 weeks and OCD is 5 weeks, Parkinson's is also 5 weeks.

Treatment resistant depression (TRD) is depression that has failed to respond in any meaningful way to conventional treatment (medication/psychological therapy). Depression itself is a complex illness that can diminish a person’s enjoyment or engagement with his/her loved ones, friends, education or career. In addition to the psychological feelings of despair and guilt, it can have a physical basis and adversely affect one’s sleep pattern, energy levels and sex drive, as well as other symptoms such as muscle pain. For some, coping with this illness can become difficult and they can become hopeless, even suicidal. For these reasons, the World Health Organisation recognises depression as the illness with the greatest morbidity. TMS is helping to turn treatment resistance into recovery attainment.

Yes! It is approved by Health Canada (2005), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States (2008) and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), United Kingdom (2015).

To date over 100 peer reviewed publications investigating TMS in depression, including three multicentered randomised sham controlled trials, have been completed. The evidence is consistent regarding the effectiveness and safety of TMS in depression (Clinical TMS Consensus Review 2016). Please visit the Evidence and Research page for medical articles.

The core scientific principles of TMS (electromagnetic induction) are well established. Research into its physiological/clinical applications began in the 1980s leading to its approval by Health Canada (2002), as a safe and effective treatment for depression. Since it received FDA approval in the United States, TMS is now covered by insurance policies in 41 of 50 states. TMS is now covered by insurance in all 50 States in the United States’. In Canada some insurance companies consider part payment of the treatment on a case by case basis. We have been offering rTMS for over 7 years now and have seen 1000's of patients.

A typical TMS session is $75.00 to $180.00 depending on the protocol prescribed. Major Insurance companies will sometimes help cover some of the cost under your Mental Health Plan, we fall under the category of Psychiatrist or Counselling. We also offer payments plans thru Medicard from 6 months to 6 years also with no percentage, making it affordable for all budgets. We also work with WCB, Veterans Affairs and EPSB and Disability. Please call so we can discuss a personal option for you as we are here to help in every situation even if you feel you can not afford we can help or give you other options. We will match pricing with any other TMS clinics in Edmonton.

587 860 1880 call or text or email claire@neuromedclinic.com

There has been a lot of studies on the effects of rTMS and pregnancy, rTMS has proven to be safe when used on pregnant woman suffering with Depression and or Anxiety.