What is TMS and How Can it Help You?
If you feel stuck in a dark room and cannot find the door, you are not alone. Many people in our North Texas community feel this way. They struggle with a weight that won’t lift. They try pills and talk therapy, but the sadness stays. If this sounds like you, you might be asking, “what is TMS?”
At DreamWork Wellness Center, we want you to know one thing: You are not your diagnosis. You are a person with a story, a family, and a future. We offer a safe sanctuary for the resilient but exhausted. Our team is here to help those who have “tried everything” and are losing hope. We provide a path to peace that is different from the clinical assembly line of big hospitals.
What is TMS and How Does it Work?
TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to help your brain heal. It is FDA-approved for Major Depressive Disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Think of your brain like a light switch. When you have major depression, some switches in your brain are stuck in the “off” position. Specifically, these are nerve cells in areas of the brain that control your mood. During a TMS treatment session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against your head. This magnetic coil sends gentle pulses to wake up those sleeping switches.
Unlike other depression treatments, it does not use surgery or shots. You stay awake and alert the whole time. You can even talk to your trusted healer or listen to music during your TMS session.
How Does a TMS Session Feel?
Many people worry that a treatment session might hurt. Actually, most people describe it as a light tapping on the head. You might feel a little scalp discomfort during the first few visits, but your body gets used to it quickly.
At DreamWork, we believe your environment helps you heal. Our offices in Frisco and Sherman are designed to be warm and calming. Our team rejects the cold, scary feeling of a normal clinic. We want you to feel safe and heard. We use empathy to make sure you are comfortable from the moment you walk in.
Is TMS Different From Electroconvulsive Therapy?
Yes, it is very different! Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an older treatment. ECT uses electricity to cause a seizure while the patient is asleep under anesthesia. It can sometimes cause memory loss.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) does not cause seizures. It does not use anesthesia. There is no memory loss. After your treatment session, you can go right back to your daily activities. You can drive yourself home to McKinney, Prosper, or Allen without any trouble. It is a much gentler noninvasive procedure.
Who Should Think About TMS Treatment?
TMS is a great treatment option for people with treatment-resistant depression. This is when antidepressant medications don’t work well enough.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about one-third of adults with major depression do not find relief even after trying several different medications. This is a big deal! If you are part of that one-third, TMS might be the breakthrough you need. It is also helpful for people with:
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Chronic pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
We treat the whole person. Dreamwork looks at your mental, physical, and emotional health. We offer honest assessments to see if TMS is the right path for you.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Healing is a process, not an event. To get the best results, you usually need a series of treatments. Most patients come in five days a week for about six to seven weeks. Each TMS session lasts about 20 to 40 minutes.
We know that sounds like a lot of time. But remember, we provide continuity of care. You won’t be passed around like a file. You will work with a dedicated team that knows your name and your history. We prioritize human connection over schedules.
Does My Insurance Cover TMS?
The good news is that most insurance companies in the United States recognize that TMS is a life-saving tool. Most major plans cover the cost of TMS for Major Depressive Disorder.
Our team at DreamWork will help you talk to your insurance. We offer transparent education, so you know exactly what to expect. We believe that everyone in North Texas—from Plano to Paris, TX—should have access to the best care.
What are the Potential Side Effects?
Every medical treatment has potential side effects, but TMS has very few. The most common side effects are:
- A mild headache
- Some scalp discomfort where the TMS coil was placed
These usually go away after the session. Unlike pills, TMS does not cause weight gain, sleepiness, or stomach problems. It is a short-term commitment for long-term anxiety relief and happiness.
Are There People Who Cannot Get TMS?
Because TMS uses a magnetic coil, there are some people who should not get it. You cannot have TMS if you have metal in your head or neck. This includes things like:
- Aneurysm clips
- Cochlear implants
- Deep brain stimulators
- Vagus Nerve Stimulator
- CSF Shunt
- Ferromagnetic Ocular Implant
However, things like braces or dental fillings are okay! During your free Consultation, we will do a deep check of your health history to keep you safe. We also check for a history of seizures, as that can change our treatment protocol.
Why Choose DreamWork in Dallas and North Texas?
You have many choices for care in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. But DreamWork is different. We are not a corporate factory. We are a compassionate mental health clinic.
Dreamwork Wellness Center serves our neighbors in:
- Frisco
- Sherman
- McKinney
- Prosper
- Allen
- Plano
- Anna
- Van Alstyne
- Bonham
- Gainesville
- Whitesboro
- Paris, TX
We fight against hopelessness. When other doctors say “nothing else can be done,” we stand with you. We offer a wellness center that combines the latest science with a soft heart. We validate your pain and offer a real path to peace.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMS
How long has TMS been around?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration first approved TMS in 2008. Since then, many clinical trials have shown it is safe and works well.
Is TMS the same as a brain scan?
No. An MRI scan uses magnets to take pictures. TMS uses a magnetic coil to create tiny currents in nerve cells to improve brain activity. One is for looking; the other is for healing.
Will I lose my memory?
No. Memory loss is a side effect of ECT, but not TMS. You will still be you!
Can I drive myself to my appointment?
Yes! Since there is no sedation or “loopy” feeling, you can drive yourself to and from our clinic. You can go right back to work or your family.
Does it help with smoking cessation?
Yes! The Food and Drug Administration has approved a special type of TMS to help people stop smoking.
What is theta burst stimulation?
Theta burst stimulation is a faster version of TMS. It can cut the treatment session down to just a few minutes. We stay on the cutting edge of these treatment options.
Your First Step to Reclaiming Your Life
If you are tired of the clinical cold environments, come visit our safe sanctuary. You have been strong for so long. You have pushed through severe depression and mental health conditions that others don’t understand.
It is time to be heard. It is time for a trusted healer to help you find your way back to the things you love.
The first step is easy. Visit our website or call our office today to schedule a Free Consultation. Let’s talk about “what is tms” and how it can help you write the next chapter of your story.
You are a warrior, but even warriors need a place to rest and heal. DreamWork Wellness Center is that place for you.
Call us today at (214) 592-8159 or click here to Book Your Consultation.
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