Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Ottawa
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), also known as TMS, is the most exciting breakthrough treatment for mental health conditions in the past 10 years. TMS has the most evidence and is FDA and Health Canada approved for the treatment of depression and OCD. However, it is also backed by significant evidence and frequently used “off-label” with excellent results for many other conditions including PTSD, Anxiety disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Chronic Pain. We use advanced Brainsway technology to provide TMS treatments at our clinic. This type of TMS is also known as “Deep TMS” or dTMS based on its ability to better stimulate deeper brain structures than traditional rTMS techniques.
We can provide you with the latest evidence regarding the use of TMS in any of these conditions so that you can make an informed decision.
We can provide you with the latest evidence regarding the use of TMS in any of these conditions so that you can make an informed decision.
What TMS Does and How it Works
The brain has the natural ability to change and adapt over time. This phenomenon is known as neuroplasticity and TMS accelerates this process. Over the course of treatment TMS works by stimulating specific regions and networks in the brain with electromagnetic pulses.
Depending on the condition being treated, these magnetic pulses are directed to different brain regions and there are many other parameters that can also be modified. Repeated stimulation of these specific brain areas leads to desired changes in previously underactive or dysfunctional brain networks. It is for this reason that TMS is proven to be helpful for a majority of people suffering with difficult to treat depression or OCD.
Depending on the condition being treated, these magnetic pulses are directed to different brain regions and there are many other parameters that can also be modified. Repeated stimulation of these specific brain areas leads to desired changes in previously underactive or dysfunctional brain networks. It is for this reason that TMS is proven to be helpful for a majority of people suffering with difficult to treat depression or OCD.
The Salience Network
The salience network is a group of brain regions responsible for detecting important or emotional information and directing attention toward it. It helps us focus on things that are relevant or significant, especially when it comes to emotions, rewards, or danger.
In people with depression, the salience network often doesn’t function as it should—it may become underactive or fail to properly respond to emotional cues. This can lead to feelings of emotional numbness or difficulty focusing on positive experiences.
TMS targets specific areas of the brain involved in this network to help “reset” and stimulate them. By using magnetic pulses, TMS can enhance the activity of these areas, which in turn helps the brain better process emotional and rewarding experiences. Essentially, it helps the brain better recognize and respond to things that might bring emotional relief or positivity, supporting better emotional balance and mood regulation over time.
In people with depression, the salience network often doesn’t function as it should—it may become underactive or fail to properly respond to emotional cues. This can lead to feelings of emotional numbness or difficulty focusing on positive experiences.
TMS targets specific areas of the brain involved in this network to help “reset” and stimulate them. By using magnetic pulses, TMS can enhance the activity of these areas, which in turn helps the brain better process emotional and rewarding experiences. Essentially, it helps the brain better recognize and respond to things that might bring emotional relief or positivity, supporting better emotional balance and mood regulation over time.
What to expect during your TMS Therapy Sessions
DURING SESSIONS
During TMS sessions, there are a few things you can expect to occur including:
- Being asked to remove any jewelry you have on your person
- Having our Certified Technician fit the TMS helmet securely to your head
- Putting in earplugs to minimize the sound emitted by the machine
- Feeling a light tapping sensation and hearing pulsing from the machine (similar to an MRI machine)
Post-TMS Session: What to Expect
Since TMS is a completely non-invasive therapy, there is no recovery period required after treatment. Patients can safely drive themselves to and from appointments and resume their normal daily activities immediately following each session.
