Will TMS Therapy Affect Non-Targeted Areas of the Brain?
2/28/2025
TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Many individuals struggling with mood disorders have found relief through TMS, especially when other treatment options have been ineffective. This therapy precisely targets the necessary brain regions without impacting other areas, making it a safe and well-tolerated option. At Serenity Mental Health Centers, we are committed to patient education and safety, ensuring you have all the information needed to make informed decisions about your care. To learn more about TMS therapy or to determine if it's right for you, contact our Superior, CO office to schedule a consultation.
What is TMS therapy used for?
TMS therapy is a proven, noninvasive treatment for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). At Serenity, we utilize this innovative therapy to help patients find relief when other treatments have not been effective. By providing a safe and targeted approach, TMS therapy offers a new opportunity for healing and improved well-being.
How is the brain affected by TMS therapy?
TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions responsible for mood regulation, primarily the prefrontal cortex. This area plays a vital role in emotions, decision-making, and overall mental health. By activating neural activity in these targeted regions, TMS can improve mood and cognitive function. For individuals struggling with conditions like depression or anxiety, the therapy helps restore balance by enhancing underactive areas or calming overactive ones. Because it is noninvasive, TMS provides relief without impacting other parts of the brain, making it a safe and effective treatment option.
Are there permanent side effects of TMS?
One of the biggest benefits of TMS therapy is that it has minimal side effects, and those that do occur are usually temporary. Common side effects include:
- Headache
- A sensitive scalp
- Slight discomfort in the treatment area
These symptoms typically fade soon after the session. Since TMS therapy is noninvasive and does not involve medication, the risk of long-term side effects is extremely low. Most patients tolerate the treatment well and can return to their normal activities immediately after each session.
How does TMS compare to other treatments?
One of the main advantages of TMS therapy over other treatments, like medications, is its precision. Medications often affect multiple areas of the brain and body, which can result in side effects such as drowsiness, weight gain, or digestive issues. TMS therapy, on the other hand, targets only the areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation, providing a more focused and controlled treatment.
For patients who haven't had success with medications or cannot tolerate their side effects, TMS therapy offers a highly effective alternative with fewer risks.
Target mood regulation
TMS therapy is a focused, noninvasive treatment that targets specific areas of the brain to help relieve symptoms of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. At Serenity Mental Health Centers, we provide personalized TMS therapy plans to ensure each patient receives the highest level of care. If you're considering TMS therapy as a treatment option, reach out to our Superior, CO office to learn more about how TMS therapy can support your mental health journey and determine if it's the right choice for you.