Treatment Sessions

So, what should you be expecting during your TMS Therapy sessions?

First Day of Treatment

Before the first treatment session can occur, Dr. Bouras will need to establish a treatment plan that is tailored just for you. During that treatment plan, Dr. Bouras will determine the treatment location and the intensity of the magnetic field that will be used during your treatment sessions. The NeuroStar TMS Therapy Device parameters, to ensure accuracy and consistency for each one of your treatment sessions, will be set during this treatment plan. Then the first TMS Therapy treatment can begin. TMS Therapy sessions are administered by a trained technician and overseen by Dr. Bouras. Staff working at Victoria TMS Center have been educated, trained, and certified regarding the use of TMS therapy using the NeuroStar TMS therapy system.

For a video demonstration, see below at end of page.

Duration of Treatment Session

During treatment, you will be fully awake and alert and able to converse with the technician. The actual treatment takes about forty (40) minutes, but expect to spend up to 1 ½ hour during your first treatment session because of the time it takes to establish the treatment plan. After the procedure, you can immediately return to your normal routine, including driving yourself back to work or school.

An acute course of TMS Therapy will usually take 10-30 sessions, depending on response. TMS Therapy is given daily over a period of 2-6 weeks, Monday through Friday except holidays. Your response to TMS therapy will be assessed on a weekly basis. Sometimes, extra 5-10 sessions are recommended for late responders. If you are a late responder, we will assess and discuss the need for extra sessions.

We do want to make your treatment experience as comfortable as possible, so please let us know if you have any questions or concerns during your treatment at Victoria TMS Center.

Follow up and Maintenance

We would like to know how you are doing following your last TMS Therapy session. You should continue receiving medical monitoring for your depression by your family doctor of psychiatrist. You are encouraged to call us with any questions or concerns that you might have.

You are also encouraged to call us if you feel that your depressive symptoms are returning. Sometimes, “booster” sessions or maintenance TMS Therapy might be necessary. Your need for TMS maintenance therapy will be assessed with you on a case-by-case basis.

Video Demonstration

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