Alleviant Health Centers of Little Rock is a certified MagVenture provider.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

TMS is a non-invasive procedure for treatment-resistant depression that delivers magnetic pulses through an electromagnetic coil to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the specific region of the brain responsible for mood control. It was developed in 1985 as the first non-invasive treatment capable of targeting precise regions of the brain without general anesthesia or pain. Since then, TMS has been approved by the FDA in 2008 and covered by insurance since 2013.

We accept all major insurances and pre-authorize each patient to make sure their insurance will cover their treatment

FAQs

Some patients experience a slight headache or a tingling sensation on the scalp during TMS. These side effects should dissipate soon after the treatment concludes.  No long-term side effects have been documented or observed at this time despite the treatment’s existence for over 10 years.

Most insurance carriers cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression. We submit your information for pre-approval before beginning therapy to ensure you are a candidate.

Therapy takes place five times a week for six to eight weeks.

Each session should last between 4-6 minutes.

No, TMS does not inhibit your focus & concentration.

The initial results vary, however, many patients report improvement in functioning and depression scores within 2-3 weeks of the initial treatments.  Some patients notice benefits and improvements in as little as one week of treatments.

There are no particular medication contraindications; however, use of benzodiazepines at higher doses or changes to medications that can reduce or increase the seizure threshold during the active treatment may lead to reduced effectiveness and/or increased side effects.  Because of this it is very important to tell your physician / TMS treatment team of any changes to your medications.

Yes, psychosis does not prevent you from receiving TMS. However, as antipsychotic medications can affect the seizure threshold your medications should be maintained at the same level for the duration of the treatment.

We do not recommend TMS if you:

  • Are pregnant or nursing
  • Have metal or implanted devices above your heart, such as cochlear implants, stents, stimulators, aneurysm clips or coils, pacemakers, bullet fragments, medication pumps, etc.
  • Have a history of seizures
  • Have brain damage from injury, stroke, or tumor

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Request your diagnostic evaluation to begin haling today

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