TMS: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. TMS is commonly used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other mental health conditions when symptoms have not improved with traditional treatments such as medication or therapy. 

Unlike medication, TMS targets the brain directly and does not require anesthesia, sedation, or downtime. Patients remain awake and alert throughout treatment and can return to their normal daily activities immediately afterward.

Benefits of TMS

  • Non-invasive treatment 
  • No anesthesia or sedation required 
  • Minimal side effects 
  • No memory loss or cognitive impairment 
  • Covered by most insurance plans 
  • High success rates for treatment-resistant conditions

You may be a candidate for TMS if:

  • You have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), OCD, anxiety, PTSD, etc. 
  • You have tried one or more antidepressant medications without adequate improvement
  • You experience unwanted medication side effects 
  • You are seeking a non-invasive treatment option 
  • You want an alternative to increasing medications 
In some cases, providers may consider the use of TMS for conditions outside of its FDA-approved indications. This is commonly referred to as "off-label" treatment.

Potential off-label applications of TMS may include:

  • Anxiety disorders 
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 
  • Bipolar depression 
  • Substance use disorders 
  • Psychotic depression 
  • Fibromyalgia 
  • Mild cognitive impairment and dementia-related symptoms 
  • Tinnitus 
  • OCD in adolescents

What to Expect

Before Treatment 

You will relax comfortably in a treatment chair while a small magnetic coil is positioned gently against your scalp. 

During Treatment 

The coil delivers targeted magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Patients may feel a tapping sensation during treatment. 

After Treatment 

There is no recovery period. You may drive yourself home, return to work, or resume your normal daily activities immediately.

Why Choose Advanced Psychiatry of Elgin?

At Advanced Psychiatry of Elgin, Dr. Malik and our team provide individualized care throughout your treatment journey. Patients meet weekly with Dr. Malik to monitor progress, make adjustments when needed, and receive support through mindfulness techniques and coping strategies designed to enhance treatment outcomes. 

We offer both standard, accelerated and one day TMS protocol

Standard

1 session per day 5 days a week for 5-6 weeks total

Accelerated

10 sessions per day for 5 days 

One Day TMS Protocol

Patients typically spend approximately 11 hours in the clinic.