In our fast-paced world filled with deadlines and responsibilities, prioritizing your mental health can be challenging. Our medical specialists at Genesis TMS and Wellness believe that a peaceful mind is the key to managing all facets of life. We provide tools to help you handle the challenges that life presents. One of those tools is NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which can offer relief from symptoms of depression.
Making an effort to improve your mental health can be daunting. We are here to guide you through how the process works and offer support. Here is what you can expect at your first TMS session.
Before scheduling your first TMS therapy treatment, you will meet with our qualified medical team. We will ask you questions about your medical history, talk about the current state of your health, and discuss the results you hope to obtain. It is important to inform us of any prescription or recreational drugs you are taking so that we can ensure your safety throughout your treatments.
During our meeting, we will also address any questions or concerns you may have about TMS therapy. Our priority is to provide safe and effective care, and we want you to feel comfortable with the process. We are here to support you before, during, and after treatments and are happy to discuss anything you may wish to address at your initial consultation.
When you arrive at Genesis TMS and Wellness for your first TMS appointment, one of our dedicated team members will show you to our outpatient treatment room. There, we will guide you to a lounge chair and provide earplugs for your comfort. NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy does not require anesthesia or sedation, so you will be awake for the duration of the treatment.
We will position small magnetic coils lightly against your head. Before this, we may take measurements to determine the proper placement of the coils for optimal stimulation. When the TMS procedure begins, you may feel light sensations of tapping, tingling, or warmth. These sensations are usually temporary and will typically diminish as your treatments progress. Each session only takes about 20 minutes.
Since TMS therapy does not require sedation, you will not need any downtime after the procedure. You will be able to drive home after your initial TMS treatment and immediately resume your normal daily activities. This makes TMS therapy a suitable option for those who find it difficult to adjust their routines.
Side effects can occur. These include headache, scalp discomfort, and slight twitching sensations around the treatment area. However, side effects are usually mild and tend to diminish during subsequent sessions.
While some clients may feel a lift in their mood right after their first TMS sessions, most people experience a gradual shift as treatments continue. It is important to monitor your emotional state and any side effects you experience during and after each treatment. If you notice any negative changes to your mental or physical health, speak with our team immediately. We will also schedule follow-up appointments so we can check on your progress and adjust your treatment parameters if necessary.
At Genesis TMS and Wellness, our experienced care team is here to support you on your journey toward wellness. We want to empower you to prioritize your mental health and can provide the tools to help you achieve this. Call our office today to schedule your first NeuroStar TMS session in the Fairfax or Alexandria area.
