Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe, effective, noninvasive, outpatient treatment for depression. It uses a magnetic coil to activate parts of the brain that are linked with depression to help them work more effectively.

Many people notice an improvement in their depressive symptoms, even when medications and therapy have not worked.

Advantages of TMS

TMS is most often used when medications have not been successful

• High success rates: About 60% of patients respond to treatments, even those who did not respond to medications or therapy
• Noninvasive: there are no needles, medications, or sedation needed
• Minimal side effects: TMS is well tolerated with fewer side effects than antidepressant medications
• No activity limitations: treatments are quick, you can drive yourself to and from treatments and continue with your day as usual

Treatment course

First we use a small magnetic coil to find the portion of your brain that makes your right thumb move. We use this to find both the location and dosage for treatments--individualized to your unique brain. A larger treatment coil is then placed next to this location and magnetic pulses are delivered.

Treatments are daily for about 7 weeks or 36 treatments total--usually for 3 minutes each.

Side Effects

TMS is well tolerated and side effects are uncommon and usually mild. Some may experience a mild headache or scalp discomfort. These typically go away once the treatment is over. Muscle twitching in the forehead or jaw can occur during the stimulation.

A serious but very rare side effect associated with TMS therapy is seizures. However, the risk of seizures is very low—similar to that of antidepressant medications. If you have a seizure disorder, TMS may not be right for you.

How to Get Started

To find out if you’re a candidate for TMS therapy, call us at (312) 996-2200. You’ll undergo a screening process that includes the following: 

• A screening phone call: One of our staff will ask questions about your history of depression and response to treatments in the past. They will also see if you have any conditions that would make TMS unsafe to perform.  
• A psychiatric consultation: You will meet with one of our psychiatrists to discuss your treatment history and whether a course of TMS is right for you.
• Insurance authorization: If we decide that TMS is right for you then we will work to get approval from your insurance to make sure TMS is covered. Unfortunately, Medicaid will not cover TMS services as of 10/4/24.
• Self-pay options are available and can be used for accelerated treatment courses that insurance does not presently cover.

 Once you’re approved for treatment by UIC and your insurance provider, we’ll begin scheduling your series of appointments.