Whenever you are trying something new, it is always nice to have an idea of what will happen. This is the case when you plan on having a medical treatment like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Understanding the TMS procedure can help you feel more comfortable at your first treatment session.
Remember that our staff is always there to guide you and answer questions. Dr. Deirmenjian has over 14 years of experience treating patients with TMS therapy and was an early adopter of TMS, so he could tell you everything you need to know.
Your first visit with Dr. Deirmenjian will last about one hour. We want you to have enough time to discuss your current issues and the treatments you have tried so far. We need to know what happened in your care before you came to see us. You and Dr. Deirmenjian will discuss the problems and side effects you experienced with earlier treatments.
During your first visit, Dr. Deirmenjian will ask about your general health and medical history. Since we do not want to accidentally put you at risk of a problem from the TMS treatments, we will be thorough and cover items you may not think are pertinent, like past surgeries. We will also watch for any items in your past history and your family’s medical history that might mean that TMS is not appropriate for you.
It is customary for your insurance provider to require a prior authorization before they will cover TMS therapy. The good news is that most insurance plans cover TMS therapy. Depending on insurance requirements, we might need some older records from another physician you see or have seen. If you do not have insurance coverage for TMS, or if you need help with your co-payments in relation to TMS treatment, we will give you information on a few good financing options.
Every once in a while, we will ask a patient to get medical clearance from another one of their healthcare providers. Remember, this is for your safety. If there is anything we can do to help you with this task or understand the TMS procedure, please let us know.
When everything is in order, you will set up your first TMS appointment.
Your very first TMS session is longer than most. Dr. Deirmenjian will need to set up the specific parameters, such as the strength of the magnetic pulses. He will also map out the exact positioning of the NeuroStar TMS device on your head. While this visit can feel tedious, it is necessary. All of your settings must be set specifically for you, as there are no universal settings that will fit everyone.
When you arrive, you will be taken to the TMS treatment room. One of our TMS techs will be with you. The chair you will sit in for your treatments is a recliner with extra head pads to hold your head in a precise position while you relax. We will ask you to remove any metal jewelry since the magnets in the TMS device can affect metal up to a foot away. It could cause the metal to heat up and damage your jewelry.
Remember that you will be awake and alert throughout the visit. You are encouraged to ask questions so you understand the TMS procedure and feel comfortable.
The process you go through before your first actual TMS session is referred to as brain mapping. We will determine where to place the device on your head and how strong to make the magnetic pulses. You will be asked to hold your right hand in a relaxed palm-up position while your arm rests on the arm of the chair. You will hear a click as the device sends out a single pulse. Then, you will experience a single twitch of muscles in your hand. Your physician will “ping” your brain in various spots and with different pulse strengths to determine your parameters. Once the setting is determined, you are ready for your first TMS session.
The actual TMS session usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your exact treatment plan. There is no need for anesthesia, so you will be awake. Many patients read, watch TV on their phones, listen to music, or nap during a treatment. Since the device must make clicking sounds while working, you will be given a pair of earplugs. If you have any problems, your TMS tech will be there to help.
Once your TMS session is finished, you are free to return to your usual activities. You should have no problems with memory or concentration, so you are safe to drive and care for family members once home. Most patients continue working throughout their TMS therapy cycle. If you notice a mild headache, acetaminophen or ibuprofen should take care of it. Many of the mild side effects disappear over time with continuing treatment sessions.
Depending on your treatment plan, you may continue oral medications or talk therapy sessions. Maintaining good eating habits and keeping up with your usual exercise routine is also important. There are no restrictions on what you eat, though we suggest avoiding strenuous exercise or a major change in your exercise routine during a treatment cycle. If you notice you feel more tired than usual, get a good night’s rest every night and consider consuming a little of your favorite caffeinated beverage during the day.
The most important thing to remember throughout your NeuroStar TMS treatment cycle is that we are here to help you. We welcome your questions and want to ensure you have no problems understanding the TMS procedure. If you are having problems, let us know. We want to help you have the best TMS treatment cycle possible.
To set up an appointment with Dr. Deirmenjian, contact our practice today.
Call (310) 246-9110