TMS THERAPY IN MIAMI

The science behind TMS therapy is evolving as researchers and physicians are successfully treating patients world-wide for such diverse mental ailments such as addiction, anxiety, ADHD, migraines, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Dr. Padro will be happy to discuss the science for these treatments and whether such treatment might be recommended. Because these TMS applications are not FDA-cleared, they are offered by Dr. Padro as “off label” TMS.

You are seated in a comfortable chair with earplugs (to avoid the tap-tap sound of the treatment). Once comfortable, the certified technician will place a TMS device over your head to ensure maximum and effective transcranial magnetic stimulation of the targeted brain structures. Once the session begins, there will be a loud ‘tap-tap-tap’ sound emitted from the helmet in varying intervals, depending on treatment protocol. You will not “feel” these taps except for the vibrations from the coil. Treatment time varies, but most TMS therapy will last about twenty minutes. Once treatment is completed, you can immediately return to normal daily routine, and you can drive yourself home or to work thereafter.

The treatment is without the side-effects typically experienced with anti-depressants. Some patients report of a mild discomfort or headache, but you should be able to resume your daily activities right after treatment. TMS is non-invasive, non-systemic, and has not been shown to cause any systemic side effects. Our TMS treatments are administered at our offices and do not require hospitalization or anesthesia.

The individual TMS therapy sessions last between 19 minutes and 35 minutes. Depending on the treatment protocol, treatment will last for four to eight weeks with daily treatments which vary in number according to treatment plan. Specific TMS treatment timelines vary with each patient.

The days and schedule depend on the treatment plan and type that works for you. Once you complete an intake session with our TMS clinical specialist, we can talk about the treatment plan and schedule.

The individual TMS therapy sessions last between 19 minutes and 35 minutes. Depending on the treatment protocol, treatment will last for four to eight weeks with daily treatments which vary in number according to treatment plan. Specific TMS treatment timelines vary with each patient.

Ideally, yes. Research has shown that the more consistent a patient is with coming in, the more likely they are to respond to treatment.

At the intake, a Certified TMS Consultant will determine if you are a good candidate for TMS, and if you are, the next steps moving forward will be discussed.

The motor threshold is determined on the day of the first treatment, before the first treatment is administered. The motor threshold will be re-determined a couple times throughout the treatment course to ensure accuracy of the treatment. Essentially, the motor threshold determines the amplitude, or the dosage, of the treatment.

TMS therapy is FDA approved for patients with treatment-resistant depression. If you have already tried anti-depressants to manage your depression but are still not satisfied, TMS therapy may be the treatment option for you. If you wish to try TMS treatment for other mental ailments, you should consult our medical staff and TMS specialists.

While many patients experience remission, some patients continue taking antidepressants after successful TMS therapy, usually decreasing intake or stopping medications, depending on the patient.

In reality, TMS therapy is not like Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT). ECT is a treatment based on using electricity to induce seizures. On the other hand, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses magnetic pulses to non-invasively stimulate specific brain regions associated with major depressive disorder. ECT requires anesthesia and has serious side effects, including memory loss. TMS therapy is performed in our offices, requires no anesthesia, and has no systemic side effects.

TMS therapy is currently covered by most insurance providers. If you’re interested in learning more about your personal coverage call (305) 456-1014 and schedule a consultation.