TMS questions, answered plainly

What is TMS?

TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. A coil placed against the scalp delivers focused magnetic pulses to a mapped region of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is non-invasive, drug-free, and performed while you are awake.

Read more: How TMS works

Is TMS FDA cleared?

Yes. In the United States, EXOMIND is intended for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode. Uses outside that indication are off-label.

Read more: EXOMIND TMS

Does TMS hurt?

Most people describe a tapping or knocking sensation on the scalp rather than pain. Mild scalp tenderness or a dull headache can occur, most often during the first week, and usually eases as treatment continues.

Read more: What patients feel

Is TMS the same as ECT?

No. Electroconvulsive therapy requires anesthesia and induces a seizure. TMS uses focused magnetic pulses, requires no anesthesia or sedation, does not induce a seizure, and does not cause memory loss as an expected effect.

Does TMS require anesthesia?

No. There is no anesthesia and no sedation. You remain awake and aware for the entire session and can read, listen to music, or rest.

Can I drive after TMS?

Yes. Because there is no sedation, most people drive themselves home and return straight to work, school, or their usual day.

How long does a TMS session take?

Sessions with EXOMIND are typically under 30 minutes. Your first visit takes longer because it includes evaluation and treatment mapping.

Read more: TMS therapy in Inglewood

How many treatments will I need?

TMS is delivered as a course of short sessions over several weeks rather than a single visit. The exact number is set by your provider based on your evaluation and reviewed as treatment progresses.

Does insurance cover TMS?

Insurance coverage may be available for eligible TMS treatment for Major Depressive Disorder. Coverage requirements vary by plan and may include diagnosis, previous treatment history, and prior authorization. Off-label uses are generally not covered.

Read more: TMS insurance coverage

What is treatment-resistant depression?

Clinicians generally use the phrase when depression has not responded adequately to at least two antidepressant trials taken at an appropriate dose for an appropriate length of time. It describes treatment response, not a personal failing.

Read more: Treatment-resistant depression

What is EXOMIND?

EXOMIND is the TMS platform we use, delivering ExoTMS pulses through a coil positioned over a mapped treatment area. It is non-invasive and drug-free, with walk-in, walk-out sessions.

Who should not receive TMS?

TMS may not be safe for people with certain metallic implants or devices in or near the head, cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, implanted stimulators, a seizure history, or some other neurological conditions. Everyone is screened before treatment.

Read more: Safety screening

Can TMS be used with antidepressants?

Many people continue their medication during TMS. That decision belongs to you and your prescribing clinician — never start, stop, or change a medication based on a website.

Read more: TMS vs antidepressants

What happens during the first appointment?

Your first visit covers your symptom and treatment history, standardized symptom rating, TMS safety screening, insurance review if applicable, and — if you are a candidate — treatment mapping and threshold measurement.

Read more: The patient journey

Where can I get TMS in Inglewood?

Inglewood TMS Center is located at 3217 W Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303, convenient to Inglewood, Hawthorne, Westchester, Ladera Heights, View Park-Windsor Hills, South Los Angeles, El Segundo, and Culver City.

Read more: Contact & directions