Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment option that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain known to be underactive in those diagnosed with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other related conditions. The treatment, which is safe and FDA-cleared since 2008, works by targeting the pre-frontal cortex with a helmet equipped with magnets. TMS therapy is an alternative for individuals who have struggled with medication therapy and side effects of prescription medication, or are considered treatment-resistant. TMS therapy can be safely combined with other treatments without downtime or significant side effects. Individuals who have not benefited from prescription medications or are looking for a medication-free option may consider TMS therapy a viable alternative.
What To Expect
TMS therapy sessions are short, lasting only 20–45 minutes. For best results, we recommend consistent, regular appointments.
1. Before
Before your first TMS session, we will take you through an evaluation including medical history, symptoms, and your goals.
2. During
A trained specialist will fit a cushioned helmet onto your head to deliver the pulses in the right location. You will be awake and able to talk to our team at any time. You may hear a tapping sound, but earplugs are provided to reduce the noise. You are able to read, watch tv, or use your phone during the treatment.
3. After
After the session, you can immediately drive yourself home or choose to relax in the clinic a bit more. You can then continue with your normal daily routine. You may experience moderate headaches or irritation in the treated area, which usually resolve after the session and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Location & professionals
Contact Us
Phone
+1 (514) 481-0317
Fax
+1 (438) 858-4145
Address
393 Laurier West Montreal H2V 2K3 QC
Ben Saxey, PA-C
Brett Sharp, MD
Christopher Sorensen, MD
Derick Moody, PA-C
Mallory Danielson, PA-C, MPH
Maurice Fiedel, DNP PMHNP-BC
Michael Ah You, DNP PMHNP-BC
Mike Miles, DMSc, PA-C
Steinia Lewis, PA-C
Vanessa Martinez, PA-C
Contact Us
Phone
(416) 860-7554
Fax
(416) 860-7559
Address
491 Eglinton Ave. W, Suite 100, Toronto, Ontario
Ben Saxey, PA-C
Brett Sharp, MD
Christopher Sorensen, MD
Derick Moody, PA-C
Mallory Danielson, PA-C, MPH
Maurice Fiedel, DNP PMHNP-BC
Michael Ah You, DNP PMHNP-BC
Mike Miles, DMSc, PA-C
Steinia Lewis, PA-C
Vanessa Martinez, PA-C
Contact Us
Phone
+1 (604) 423-5790
Fax
+1 (604) 423-5791
Address
Unit 208 – 2555 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5N4C1
Ben Saxey, PA-C
Brett Sharp, MD
Christopher Sorensen, MD
Derick Moody, PA-C
Mallory Danielson, PA-C, MPH
Maurice Fiedel, DNP PMHNP-BC
Michael Ah You, DNP PMHNP-BC
Mike Miles, DMSc, PA-C
Steinia Lewis, PA-C
Vanessa Martinez, PA-C
FAQ
During treatment, you might hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head. The most common side effect is mild discomfort in the treatment area, but this is usually temporary and only occurs during the first few days of treatment. There are no long-term side effects from TMS.
If you have any type of ferromagnetic metal in your head, you are not eligible for TMS therapy. This includes aneurysm clips or coils, stents in the neck or brain, implanted electrodes, deep brain stimulators, metal plates, or metallic implants. Braces, dental fillings, or titanium are fine.
To discuss other eligibility requirements including history of seizures or substance use, please contact us at 1-833-NUMINUS (686-4687) or book a call.
We work with a variety of insurance providers. Contact us to help verify and explain your insurance benefits. Typically, you pay your co-pay and we will bill your insurance company for you. In addition to insurance, we accept MasterCard, Visa, most health savings (HSA) cards, and cash payments. In the case we cannot accept your insurance, receipts can be provided to be submitted to your insurance company as an out-of-network provider. Please contact us at 1-833-NUMINUS (686-4687) or book a call.
Yes, there are no medications that interact with TMS therapy. Your treatment provider will monitor certain health behaviours and dietary patterns throughout the course of TMS treatment. This includes caffeine consumption, alcohol use, and sleep. Let your provider know if your medication regimen changes at any time during treatment.
For depression, TMS treatment is usually broken up into two phases: acute and continuation. The acute phase involves 20-minute treatments, delivered five times each week for four weeks. In the continuation phase, you will receive 10–16 treatments, delivered two times each week.
TMS therapy for OCD involves around 30 treatments, delivered five times each week for six weeks. The first session will be a longer 90–minute session. Each following session will be 40–45 minutes.
