Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Tree Growing from Head Profiles

Our brain guides physical function and abstract thinking. It calculates, contemplates, and enables compassion. It makes us who we are. At Sleep and Brain, we help you understand your brain better by measuring and analyzing brainwave patterns. We offer noninvasive, drug free approaches to support brain performance and mental clarity.

The brain is an electrochemical organ. While much of science has focused on the chemical aspects, we take a holistic approach by examining brainwaves, the electrical currents that reflect how neurons communicate. These brainwaves correlate with different mental states like relaxation, focus, and creativity.

  • Delta Band
    Predominates during deep, restorative sleep

  • Theta Band
    Associated with creativity, daydreaming, and memory processing

  • Alpha Band
    Linked to relaxation, calm alertness, and flow states

  • Beta Band
    Associated with active thinking, problem solving, and concentration

Our process starts by mapping your brain’s unique frequency patterns using EEG, a safe and noninvasive method of measuring electrical activity in the brain. Your brainwave patterns are unique to you and may reflect your current state of focus, rest, or relaxation.

Next, we analyze your EEG to gain insights into your brainwave dynamics. Using FDA cleared TMS technology, we can support healthier brainwave balance and enhance relaxation, focus, and mental clarity. TMS is noninvasive, well tolerated, and does not require medication or downtime.

When brainwave patterns are more balanced, individuals often report feeling clearer, more focused, and more rested. Exploring your unique brainwave profile can provide valuable guidance in optimizing cognitive performance and supporting your overall well being.

Geodesic Head Web

Step 1: EEG

The EEG device records brain activity in just five minutes. It captures signals from 130 distinct brain regions involved in various activities, emotions, and cognitive functions. This provides objective and quantitative brain data, which we use to create a customized stimulation plan based on your unique brainwave patterns.

Step 2: Brain Map

The results of the electroencephalographic data collected in Step 1 are analyzed by software for EEG analysis to generate a map that reveals a hidden order to your brain.

Step 3: Treatment

A personalized TMS program is created based on your unique brainwave mapping, with the goal of supporting healthy brainwave synchronicity. TMS sessions are available up to seven days per week, with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes while you relax in a comfortable reclining position. EEG assessments are repeated periodically to track progress and further personalize your care.

Frequently asked questions

What is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a unique, non-invasive treatment that utilizes magnetic fields to treat various brain health conditions by effectively regulating brain structures' neural activity found to be associated with those conditions. FDA-cleared to treat depression, OCD and smoking cessation, TMS is well-tolerated and proven effective in alleviating adverse symptoms.

During the TMS treatment process, a figure-eight coil is placed at different area of your scalp and sends out magnetic pulses that influence the neural activity of the relevant brain structures. The non-invasive treatment process does not require anesthesia, and each session lasts about 20 minutes, allowing you to incorporate them into your daily routine.

How is TMS administered?

Treatment involves sitting comfortably in a chair and the operator placing a figure-8 coil at different locations on your head. The coil activates brain structures using directed electromagnetic fields that generate neuronal excitation or inhibition inside the brain. TMS has been tested in numerous clinical trials worldwide. It can even help patients who have not responded well to medications or a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

Does science back TMS?

A growing body of research has found that TMS successfully alleviates symptoms of brain health conditions. These studies use gold-standard benchmarks, such as randomized, double-blind protocols and in-depth analyses, to reach evidence-based conclusions. Well-regarded journals such as The American Journal of Psychiatry, World Psychiatry, and the Journal of Psychiatric Research publish the studies. Due to its success in offering symptom relief and a favorable safety profile, TMS is FDA cleared to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and smoking cessation.

Is TMS safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the MagVenture TMS device to treat depression and OCD in individuals who failed to respond to antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. Several clinical trials demonstrate efficacy. TMS is not painful or disruptive, does not cause systemic side effects, and does not require hospitalization or anesthesia.

TMS is a well-tolerated treatment option with a favorable safety profile. Trained professionals operate the TMS system and follow specific guidelines designed to ensure your safety. It is a non-invasive treatment course not associated with systemic side effects. The staff provides extra care to facilitate a comfortable experience for you.

A 2019 study published by the Journal of Psychiatric Research underscored TMS's advantages by finding that a combining TMS with antidepressant medication was a safe treatment course that offered significantly greater symptom relief than antidepressant medication alone. These results show that TMS can enhance existing therapies while offering its unique advantage when treating brain health issues.

What are the possible TMS side effects?

Individuals undergoing TMS treatment may experience a mild headache or scalp discomfort during the procedure, with some reporting a tapping sensation in the targeted area. Generally, side effects such as headaches that may arise following the TMS procedure are mild and tend to pass quickly. There is also a very rare risk of seizure associated with the treatment. Side effects prevalent with other treatments, like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or memory effects, are absent in patients following TMS treatment.

Who should not get TMS?

Out of concern for their safety, individuals included in the following categories should not undergo TMS treatment:

  • People with magnetic metal plates or devices implanted in or around their heads (this does not include standard amalgam dental fillings).

  • People with implanted electronic devices in their bodies.

  • People who have undergone a seizure, a medical condition, or a change in a medical condition may increase their risk of having a seizure.

Additionally, the safety and efficacy of TMS are unproven in the following people groups through a controlled clinical trial:

  • People who have a suicide plan or have recently attempted suicide.

  • People who do not meet DSM criteria for the relevant mental health condition.

  • People less than 18 years or older than 68 years of age.

  • People with a history of substance abuse.

  • People with a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenic disorder, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disease, or major depression with psychotic features.

  • People with psychoses or psychiatric emergencies where a rapid clinical response is needed, such as immediate suicide risk.

  • People with neurological conditions include epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, increased intracranial pressure, a history of repetitive or severe head trauma, or primary or secondary tumors in the CNS.

  • People with metal in or around the head, including metal plates, aneurysm coils, cochlear implants, ocular implants, deep brain stimulation devices, and stents.

  • People with implants controlled by physiological signals, including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and vagus nerve stimulators.

  • People who are pregnant or nursing.