TMS does not require sedation. All that is required is for the patient to sit still in the ergonomic treatment chair for the duration of treatment. Patients undergoing TMS therapy can return to their daily activities immediately following treatment.

Many insurance companies will cover a large portion of the cost of TMS treatment. At Boulder Center for TMS, we are often able to contract single-case agreements with insurance companies. This means that even if we are considered out of network by your insurance company, they will cover treatment at an in-network level. We research your insurance benefits for you and make sure you are aware of any out-of-pocket costs before beginning treatment so that you can make an informed decision based on your unique financial needs.

Unlike ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) where short-term confusion, memory loss, and long-term disruptions in memory have been shown to occur, TMS has little to no side effects. Some patients who undergo TMS therapy report headaches, fatigue, scalp soreness, or dizziness. However, these side effects are minor and tend to fade within the first week of treatment. The most serious side effect known side effect is seizure, though that only happens in roughly 1 in 200 patients. This is a very rare event that our staff is trained to handle.

No, the two procedures are very different. While both are effective in the treatment of depression, there are many differences in safety and tolerability. TMS is a non-invasive therapy that stimulates the activation of a patient’s brain with pulsed magnetic fields. During a session of TMS, patients will sit in a chair and are awake and alert throughout the entire 15-30 minute procedure – no sedation is used with TMS Therapy. Patients can transport themselves to and from treatment with ease. In contrast, "shock therapy", or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), intentionally causes a seizure through the direct application of electrical current. Patients receiving ECT must be sedated with general anesthesia and paralyzed with muscle relaxants. Recovery from an ECT treatment session occurs slowly, and patients are usually closely monitored for minutes or even a few hours after a treatment.

Our patients complete an initial evaluation appointment with our board-certified Psychiatrists to determine if TMS is a viable treatment option. During the appointment, we review your treatment and medication history. You will also have the opportunity to discuss your current medications and ask any remaining questions regarding treatment. This will help both you and the psychiatrists, to gauge if TMS is the right procedure for you.