On this page, we briefly overview the following:
• what to expect when referring a patient for TMS
• TMS for depression including the typical TMS protocol
• the indications
• the benefits and limitations of the treatment
• more information regarding the costs.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about TMS, we welcome you and your staff to visit our office and see our TMS Therapy System.
Referring a Patient
for TMS
We offer high-quality and convenient TMS services for mental health providers.
The appropriate use of TMS will vary from patient to patient and depends on factors such as the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and current medications. Your patient’s medication will not be altered without your knowledge or consent and only if required by the TMS treatment clinical requirements.
We welcome inquiries about TMS therapy and how it may benefit some of your patients. Our staff is available to address any questions, concerns, or feedback from you and your patient.
The TMS protocol for depression involves several steps, including:
patient
evaluation
initial
assessment
treatment planning
treatment sessions
monitoring progress
follow-up assessment
TMS treatment sessions are typically conducted 5 days a week for 4-6 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-60 minutes. During the treatment, the patient remains awake and seated in a comfortable chair while a magnetic coil is positioned against the scalp.
The area stimulated by TMS in the treatment of depression is known as the Dorsal Lateral Pre-Frontal Cortex (DLPFC), which can be accurately located and confirmed without the use of brain imaging scans. There is no compelling medical evidence that treating other brain regions or using scans to locate other areas delivers better outcomes than the FDA-approved method in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been FDA-approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adult patients who have failed to receive satisfactory improvement from one prior antidepressant medication in the current episode.
TMS has also been approved for:
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
TMS also has good evidence for the treatment of various other mental and neurological conditions, some of which include:
• Anxiety disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar depression
• Addiction
• Chronic pain
• Parkinson’s disease
• Tinnitus
• Migraines
It is important to note that the above uses of TMS are considered off-label, meaning that they have not been FDA-approved for these specific indications. Further research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and safety of TMS for these conditions and its use should only be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
TMS has been shown to provide significant relief from depression symptoms for many patients when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Patients who receive TMS also often respond better to other forms of therapy during and after TMS treatment, making it important to continue therapy while undergoing TMS.
However, it is important to note that TMS is not a cure for depression, and it may not be appropriate for all patients.
The cost of TMS treatment at our facility would depend on the indication being treated, including the number of sessions as well as the treatment protocol being used.
Currently the cost of TMS treatment is not covered by medical schemes in South Africa, although it is covered throughout Europe and other regions. Some NHS Trusts in the UK also cover TMS therapy. TMS therapy is covered by most insurance companies in the USA. It is also covered in Australia for the treatment of depression.
South African psychiatrists are currently negotiating with medical aids for the reimbursement of TMS treatment as it is in other parts of the world.
Book your
session
You can book a session right now!
Phone: +27 (0)12 993 3211
Email: info@clinicaltreatmentsolutions.co.za
By appointment only: Room A104, Mediclinic Denmar, 507 Lancelot Rd, Garsfontein X16, Pretoria
Request a
call back
Simply fill in the form to schedule a session with Dr Bosch and to take advantage of the power of technology to improve your mental health with this a pain-free, drug-free and non-invasive treatment that is trusted, safe and very effective.