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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain areas involved in mood.

  • Psychiatry & Neuropsychology

    We have decades of experience caring for patients through psychiatry and neuropsychology, pioneering minimally invasive treatments and advancing research to develop new therapies that improve patient outcomes.

What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, also called TMS, is a noninvasive treatment that uses repeated magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in carefully selected parts of the brain. It does not require surgery or sedation. TMS is most often used to help adults with depression, especially when symptoms have not improved enough with other treatments.

What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Why Choose Baptist Health?

At Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care, patients benefit from coordinated care designed around their symptoms, diagnosis and treatment goals. Brain & Spine Care brings together specialists across neurology, psychiatry, neuropsychology and related services so patients can receive thoughtful evaluation and ongoing support in one connected system.

Because depression and other brain-based conditions can affect daily life in different ways, your care plan may include medical evaluation, symptom monitoring and follow-up recommendations based on your needs.

Why Choose Baptist Health?

How It Works

TMS uses an electromagnetic coil placed against the scalp to deliver brief magnetic pulses to a targeted part of the brain. These pulses create small electrical signals in brain tissue. The goal is to help change activity in brain circuits involved in mood regulation.

Treatment is usually given in a series of outpatient sessions over several weeks. The exact schedule can vary based on the treatment plan and the type of TMS being used.

Who May Benefit

TMS may be considered for adults with depression when symptoms continue despite other treatment approaches, such as medication, psychotherapy or both. It may also be discussed when depression is affecting work, relationships, sleep or other parts of daily life.

A physician will determine whether TMS is appropriate based on your health history, current symptoms, prior treatments and any safety considerations.

Benefits and Risks

Potential Benefits

Potential benefits of TMS may include:

  • Improvement in depression symptoms
  • A noninvasive approach without surgery
  • No anesthesia or recovery stay
  • The ability for many people to return to normal activities after each session
Potential Risks

Risks and side effects are generally discussed before treatment begins. These may include:

  • Scalp discomfort
  • Headache
  • Lightheadedness during or after a session
  • Rare but serious risks, such as seizure, which should be reviewed with your physician

What to Expect

  • Antes de comenzar la TMS, tendrá una evaluación para revisar sus síntomas, tratamientos anteriores, medicamentos e historia clínica. Su equipo de atención también verificará si existen factores que puedan afectar la seguridad, como determinados dispositivos metálicos o electrónicos implantados. Es posible que tenga una consulta de planificación para identificar el área que se tratará y determinar los parámetros del tratamiento.

  • During a TMS session, you will relax comfortably in a treatment chair while magnetic pulses are delivered to targeted areas of the brain. Treatment sessions are performed in an outpatient setting and typically last less than an hour. Most patients remain awake and alert throughout treatment.

  • Most patients can return to normal daily activities after treatment. Some patients notice mild tapping sensations or temporary scalp sensitivity during treatment, which often improves over time. Your physician will monitor how your symptoms change over time and whether your treatment plan needs adjustment. Follow-up care may include ongoing mental health support and medication review, when appropriate.

Recovery

Because TMS is a noninvasive outpatient treatment, there is no surgical recovery period. Many patients return to work, school or other normal daily activities the same day. Some people may have temporary scalp sensitivity or headache after a session. Your physician will explain what follow-up schedule is right for you.

Meet Our Clinical Leaders

Frequently Asked Questions

  • TMS is most commonly used to treat depression, especially when symptoms have not improved enough with other treatments. A physician will review your history and symptoms to decide whether it may be an appropriate option for you.

  • No. TMS is a noninvasive treatment. It does not involve incisions, implanted hardware or sedation.

  • No. Patients stay awake during treatment, and anesthesia is not typically needed.

  • Treatment is often given over multiple outpatient visits across several weeks, but schedules vary. Your physician will explain the expected frequency and duration for your plan.

  • Many patients are able to return to normal daily activities after a session because TMS does not usually require sedation. Your physician will tell you whether any specific precautions apply to you.

  • Common side effects can include scalp discomfort, headache or lightheadedness. Rare but serious risks, including seizure, should be discussed with your physician before treatment starts.

  • TMS may not be right for everyone. Certain metal implants or electronic devices in or near the head may affect safety. Your physician will review your medical history carefully before recommending treatment.

Our Locations

Kenneth C. Griffin Neuroscience Institute
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Kenneth C. Griffin Neuroscience Institute

8950 North Kendall Dr., Ste. 104W, Miami, FL 33176
Brain & Spine Care | FIU
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Brain & Spine Care | FIU

800 SW 108 Ave., Ste. 100, Miami, FL 33174

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