Who Is Eligible for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive and tolerable treatment for depression. It can also treat other disorders like anxiety. Many people suffer from these conditions. But some of them do not respond to conventional treatments. That is why psychiatrists recommend TMS to the right candidates. If you want to find out who is eligible for this treatment, here are the details.

Adult patients with TRD (treatment-resistant depression)

About half of the patients improve from taking their first batch of antidepressants. For those that do not, the depression symptoms seem to remain despite trying many combinations of medications. Patients with this problem are often diagnosed with TRD. They are optimal candidates for getting transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Patients at least 18 years old

TMS is FDA-approved for depression in patients at least 18 years of age. Research shows that this therapy can be good for children and teens with depression as well. Even so, the trials are not over yet to establish complete data. Many parents fear the effects of electromagnetic pulses on the developing brains of very young patients. This still needs more study.

Pregnant women

Pregnant women often had to stop taking antidepressants years before TMS was FDA-approved. Antidepressants enter the bloodstream. The mother’s blood carries nutrients to the womb, where there is potential for these medications to harm the developing fetus. That is why pregnant women with depression are ideal candidates for TMS. This therapy targets only the brain, so as not to directly affect the fetus.

Adult patients suffering from antidepressant side effects

Some patients do not experience side effects at all when taking a new antidepressant. Others suffer from severe side effects. These can even worsen the depressed state of these patients. They can experience low sex drive, weight gain, and blurred vision. Others experience dry mouth, dizziness, and irritability.

That is why these patients qualify for transcranial magnetic stimulation. Optimal health is always a priority in every treatment method. TMS always has favorable results. Patients often go back to feeling healthier after the treatment.

Patients not eligible for transcranial magnetic stimulation

There are people who cannot be treated with TMS. Patients with any metal implants are not eligible for this treatment. Those with bullet fragments near the head cannot have transcranial magnetic stimulation either. People who have had seizures in the past or are at high risk of having seizures must avoid TMS as well.

Brain tumors can prevent transcranial magnetic stimulation from reaching its efficiency. The tumors themselves could block the section of the brain in need of stimulation. They could also lead to seizure episodes. This could do more harm to the patient.