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By Mayo Clinic staffBefore having the procedure, you may need a medical exam to make sure it's safe and a good option for you. You may be asked a number of questions about your depression. Tell your doctor or mental health provider if:
- You're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant.
- You have any metal or implanted medical devices in your body. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) usually isn't recommended if this is the case.
- You're taking any medications, including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements or vitamins. Bring a list of what you're taking to your doctor's appointment and include dosages and how often you take them.
- You have a history of seizures or mania, any past injuries or surgeries, or any other physical or mental health problems.
Little preparation is needed. TMS isn't invasive, doesn't require anesthesia and can be performed in a doctor's office. You don't need to arrange for someone to drive you home after treatment — unless, for the first treatment, you want someone to drive you so you get a sense of how you'll feel afterward. Before considering treatment, check with your health insurance company to see whether TMS is covered. Your policy may not cover it.
- Brain stimulation therapies. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/brain-stimulation-therapies/brain-stimulation-therapies.shtml. Accessed Oct. 18, 2012.
- Hales RE, et al. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/resourceToc.aspx?resourceID=5. Accessed Oct. 22, 2012.
- Holtzheimer PE. Unipolar depression in adults: Treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Oct. 22, 2012.
- Rasmussen KG. Some considerations in choosing electroconvulsive therapy versus transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression. Journal of ECT. 2011;27:51.
- Cusin C, et al. Somatic therapies for treatment-resistant depression: ECT, TMS, VNS, DBS. Biology of Mood & Anxiety Disorders. 2012;2:14.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS or rTMS). National Alliance on Mental Illness. http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Transcranial_Magnetic_Stimulation_(rTMS).htm. Accessed Oct. 24, 2012.
- Kung S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 1, 2012.
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