Your First TMS Session

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be an effective treatment alternative to meditation and psychotherapy. Here, we will explain what you can expect during your first TMS session with the staff at the Premier TMS Centers of Los Angeles, led by Dr. Deirmenjian. We will discuss what to expect before your treatment, meeting your personal TMS technician, and what happens during your treatment session.

When you are curious about what TMS treatment will be like, schedule a consultation with Dr. Deirmenjian today. He and his staff can answer all your questions and guide you through every step of the way to ensure that you are ready for your treatment. 

How Does TMS Work?

TMS therapy is designed to enhance your brain activity and help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and OCD. Unlike medications, which work from the inside out, TMS operates from the outside in. It uses magnetic pulses applied to your scalp to gently but powerfully stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It helps your brain function better, which can reduce your mental health symptoms.

Dr. Deirmenjian was an early adopter of this therapy to treat depression and other mental health conditions. His experience with TMS therapy spans over 14 years.

Your First TMS Session: What to Expect

You will start by meeting with one of our skilled TMS technicians, who will walk you through the procedure and answer any questions you have. At the Premier TMS Centers of Los Angeles, our team is trained to ensure your treatment is effective, safe, and customized to meet your needs.

You will sit in a comfortable padded chair while the TMS technician places a small coil against your scalp. As the treatment begins, you might hear clicking sounds and feel gentle tapping sensations. Most patients find this completely painless. Each session lasts between 20 to 40 minutes, and you can use the time to relax, read, or listen to music.

The FDA-cleared NeuroStar treatment device delivers small electrical currents that activate key brain regions involved in mood regulation during treatment. This increased activity can gradually relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and OCD. 

TMS is beneficial for our patients because it is noninvasive, virtually painless, and does not require anesthesia or sedation. These traits make it a promising mental health treatment option for those who haven’t found relief with other treatments. There is no downtime or recovery time needed after your treatment.

For most patients, TMS is painless and does not cause any side effects. A small number of patients may experience mild, manageable side effects. These side effects usually lessen with subsequent sessions and are easily treated with over-the-counter pain medication.

Do You Have More Questions About What to Expect During Your First TMS Session? Ask Us

At the Premier TMS Centers of Los Angeles, we understand that finding the right mental health treatment can be challenging, especially when medications or traditional therapy have not worked for you. That is why we offer the #1 doctor-recommended Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy, NeuroStar Advanced TMS, a practical, gentle, and highly effective treatment alternative.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Deirmenjian today. He can provide more details about your first TMS session and help you start toward a brighter, healthier future.