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Specialized TMS treatment for depression and OCD from a team experienced in complex, difficult-to-treat conditions.
Most treatments for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) work from the inside out, through medication in your bloodstream or talk therapy. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) works differently. It uses gentle magnetic pulses aimed at specific areas of the brain to help calm or stimulate activity in the regions that may be driving your symptoms.
TMS uses an electromagnetic coil placed against the scalp to deliver those pulses to targeted brain regions. There are no incisions, no implanted device and no anesthesia. You stay awake during each session and can usually return to normal activities right away.
At Keck Medicine of USC, we offer TMS through the USC Neuromodulation Program. Our team takes the time to understand your full history and help you determine whether TMS, or another advanced treatment, is the right next step for you. We treat patients ages 15 and older and design every care plan to your specific symptoms, goals and prior treatment history.
TMS may be right for you if you have depression or OCD that hasn’t improved enough despite treatment. Unlike surgical or implanted options, TMS is noninvasive, which makes it a consideration for people who want to avoid surgery or the side effects that can come with medication. You may be a candidate if you have:
Clinical evidence suggests that the benefits of TMS may last for up to six months. As many as 70% of patients see depression symptoms stop by the end of treatment. The majority of patients experience symptom relief and improved functioning. Many insurance plans cover TMS as a treatment for depression, and some even cover it for treatment of OCD.
Your first TMS appointment will include a detailed evaluation and a mapping process. This allows clinicians to determine the appropriate placement of the magnetic coil and to identify the minimum stimulation level needed for effective treatment.
TMS takes place in a clinical setting as an outpatient procedure. Sessions last approximately 20 minutes or less. During each session, your care team positions the coil against your scalp and delivers magnetic pulses to a targeted part of the brain. You stay awake the entire time. Some people feel a tapping sensation on the scalp or mild discomfort early in treatment. Your team will monitor how you respond and adjust the plan as needed.
Most patients complete a series of treatments over several weeks, though the exact schedule depends on the team’s recommendations.
One reason many people feel more comfortable starting with TMS is that it doesn’t have the risks that come with surgery or an implanted device. There are no incisions, no anesthesia and no medication effects to navigate. Serious side effects are uncommon, and for most people, TMS fits into their routine without disruption.
Most people find TMS very manageable. Some notice a mild headache or scalp discomfort in the first few sessions, and occasionally some temporary nausea. These side effects will reduce quickly and usually don’t interfere with your normal routine. Your care team will talk you through everything before your first session, so you feel prepared and know what to expect.
However, no treatment is completely without risk, and we take that seriously. Before you begin, your care team will sit down with you to go over anything involved with your specific situation. This includes your health history, symptoms and goals. We’ll only recommend TMS if we genuinely believe it’s the right fit for you.
ECT uses electrical stimulation under anesthesia to induce a brief seizure. Common side effects may include memory loss and short-term confusion. After treatment, you must generally undergo a recovery period in the hospital.
TMS, meanwhile, is a noninvasive outpatient procedure that uses magnetic stimulation. It does not require anesthesia and has mild side effects. You can return to your normal activities immediately after treatment.
Our psychiatry team has experience in advanced neuromodulation for treatment-resistant depression and OCD.
We offer personalized treatment planning based on your symptoms, diagnosis and prior treatment history.
As a full-service academic neuromodulation program, we offer more than one type of treatment, so the recommendation you get is truly the right one for you.
We provide rapid access to treatment so that you can get relief quickly.
As part of the academic health system of Keck Medicine of USC, our experts are leading clinical trials on the benefits of TMS.
