Your Journey Through TMS Therapy
If you are wondering what to expect during TMS therapy, this guide walks you through every step of the process — from your initial consultation to your final treatment session.
What to Expect During TMS Therapy: Treatment Timeline
Initial assessments and mapping sessions
During your initial screening, we’ll gather key information about your symptoms, medical history, and insurance coverage. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about TMS therapy. After we verify benefits, our team will contact you to review coverage and payment options and confirm next steps.
Pre-treatment evaluation
This consultation helps us understand your symptoms, treatment history, and goals to determine whether TMS therapy is the right option for you. If you are a candidate, we will submit the required documentation to your insurance provider and guide you through the next steps in the treatment process.
Brain mapping and first treatment
The first step for successful TMS treatment is effective mapping of the patient's brain to determine which point on the head should receive stimulation. During the mapping session, the technician will place an electromagnetic coil (TMS device) against your head and switched off and on repeatedly to produce stimulating pulses and register the brain's response until the optimal point is identified. This results in a tapping or clicking sound that usually lasts for a few seconds, followed by a pause. You'll also feel a tapping sensation on your forehead.
The technician will also determine the best dose of magnetic energy for you by increasing the magnetic dose until your fingers or hands twitch. This is called motor threshold, and varies from individual to individual. Measuring the motor threshold helps in personalizing the treatment settings and determine the amount of energy required to stimulate brain cells. Treatment will be commenced once the coil placement and dose are identified.
