Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Unfortunately, some people find themselves with a variant of the condition known as treatment-resistant depression, meaning the medications prescribed are ineffective. Personalized repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (PrTMS®) Therapy is an alternative option to treat MDD symptoms.
As you research TMS therapy, you are likely to have many questions about the likely side effects. A common question many people ask: Does TMS cause memory loss? While a valid concern, PrTMS® therapy is not linked to memory loss, and the team at Beautiful Minds Medical could help you understand how it works and why it is a safe choice.
Depression is closely linked to memory problems, making it difficult to focus on or accomplish the tasks you have to finish. By impairing your short-term memory, depression makes your day-to-day life more difficult and can negatively impact your relationships. By addressing your depression with an alternative treatment option like TMS, you can actually improve your memory and other everyday symptoms of depression that you live with.
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that passes electromagnetic impulses into targeted regions of your brain. These pulses are administered via a coil that is placed against your scalp. The pulses stimulate activity in regions of your brain that have decreased activity due to your depression, which in turn should improve your mood.
PrTMS® therapy has not been linked to memory loss. In fact, its ability to target specific regions of the brain and stimulate neuron growth has the potential to help mitigate the memory loss symptoms that are common with depression. Finding the right treatment option for your MDD is integral to your recovery and well-being, and this could be it.
Although TMS therapy has not been found to cause memory loss, there is always the chance of other side effects. The most common side effects of PrTMS® include:
Though safe, PrTMS® therapy does also run the risk of other, more uncommon side effects, such as mania, seizures, and hearing loss if your ears are not protected during treatment. These side effects are relatively rare, but as with any procedure, it is important to remain informed before making the right choice for you.
You deserve to feel confident in your abilities and in everyday life. Reach out to our team if you are still concerned about TMS causing memory loss, and let us ease your concerns and teach you how you can benefit. You do not have to accept the memory lapses that come with treatment-resistant depression. Take action and take back your life today.
Adult Indications for Use
PrTMS® Therapy is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode.
PrTMS® Therapy is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Adolescent Indications for Use
PrTMS® Advanced Therapy is indicated as an adjunct for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescent patients (15-21).
PrTMS® Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if PrTMS® Therapy is right for you. Patients’ results may vary.
Important Safety Information
The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. These events are transient, occurring during the TMS treatment course and typically not recurring for most patients after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with the use of TMS therapy (<0.1% per patient).
PrTMS® Advanced Therapy should not be used with patients who have non-removable conductive metal in or near the head. PrTMS® Advanced Therapy has not been studied in patients who have not received prior antidepressant treatment.
