How Long Does It Take Before My TMS Therapy Treatments Start To Work?
When you begin any new medical treatment, it is natural to wonder when you will notice a difference in your daily life. Your provider may have recommended Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy if you are dealing with treatment-resistant depression. Our providers at Desert View Counseling are here to help you understand the NeuroStar TMS process, including answering that important question: “How long does it take before my TMS therapy treatments start to work?”
The Science Behind TMS Therapy
As well as wanting to know the speed of symptom relief, many people also want to understand how NeuroStar TMS therapy works. TMS sends magnetic pulses to your left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—the part of your brain that is responsible for mood regulation. These pulses activate the brain cells responsible for releasing neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. As one potential cause of depression is an imbalance of these neurotransmitters, ensuring that they are at healthy levels can help relieve symptoms such as fatigue and low mood.
During your NeuroStar TMS therapy sessions, you will sit in a comfortable chair, and your provider will place a magnetic coil against the left side of your head. The coil delivers the magnetic pulses to your brain. Sedation is not required. You may notice a tapping sensation or slight headache—this is the result of your nerves adjusting to the treatment.
When Patients Typically Notice a Difference With TMS Therapy
You may wonder how soon you will start feeling the benefits from your TMS treatments. Everyone is different, and some patients notice changes as early as 2-3 weeks into treatment, while others closer to the end or after their treatment. The timing of NeuroStar TMS results is influenced by several factors, including whether you are using medication for your depression while undergoing NeuroStar TMS treatment. Our team will work with you to determine how you can maximize your results.
Length of Treatment With TMS Therapy
NeuroStar TMS therapy consists of a series of treatment sessions. Most patients receive five sessions a week for seven weeks. Sessions can run between 3-19 minutes, depending on individual needs. You can resume your regular routine immediately after each treatment session.
It is important to fully complete your recommended NeuroStar TMS treatment plan, even if you notice your symptoms beginning to improve early in your TMS treatment process. Each NeuroStar TMS session builds on the last one, and the goal is to gradually strengthen your brain’s neural pathways. This allows for sustained positive changes to your mood and behavior to empower you to live a fulfilling life.
Signs TMS Therapy Is Working
Just as everyone experiences depression symptoms differently, signs that NeuroStar TMS treatment is working—and how quickly these signs occur—may vary from patient to patient. As your depression begins to lift, you may notice:
- Increased energy levels
- Your sense of humor returning
- An improved ability to accomplish daily tasks
- A more hopeful mood and brighter overall outlook
- That you are enjoying hobbies and daily activities again
Recovery from depression often occurs in stages. Initially, you may notice subtle shifts, with additional symptoms easing over time. No matter what your recovery timeline is, our team is here to partner with you.
Contact Us Today To Discover How Soon You Could Feel the Benefit of TMS Therapy
At Desert View Counseling, we want every patient to feel confident about the treatment they are receiving. We will ensure you have the information that will help you understand your care, and answer any questions you may have—such as “How long does it take before my TMS therapy treatments start to work?” We want you to feel confident about your path to wellness.
