“A woodpecker on steroids” – My experience, so far, with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

So, for the first time in my multi-decade battle with depression, I’m trying a new type of therapy (other than talking and taking pills). It’s Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and I’ve written about it before.

Here’s the basic gist of how it works:

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a method whereby an electromagnet placed on a scalp transmits magnetic pulses or waves to a small portion of the brain. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) delivered at a low frequency (once per second) has been shown to reduce the reactivity or excitability of the part of the brain stimulated and other brain regions functionally connected to the region stimulated.

I started it Monday, and it is time intensive – not so much in how long you have to sit there (my sessions are only twenty minutes), but in terms of how long you have to do it – for me, it’s six weeks, five days a week. I had to wait until vacation was over and for a break in my calendar to make it happen.

As for how it works: Honestly, it’s not hard. You sit there. You get yourself into a nice and comfy chair and they adjust a couple of things by your head. The right side of your head is lined up with a pad to keep your head still. The left side of your head is where the action is at – a magnet, enclosed in some equipment, is aligned in the right spot. It’s desired location is your frontal cortex, which is the area of your brain where depression apparently can be adjusted. They send one magnetic pulse into your head, and if your hand twitches, they have the right spot.

Once they have the right spot, they save the settings and that’s where you sit. If it’s aligned right, you may feel a little discomfort or pressure during the actual treatment. The actual treatment consists of your head being tapped with a magnet (not directly, but through padding) for four seconds, followed by a rest of twelve seconds. That continues for twenty minutes.

Is it painful? No. The first alignment can be – if it’s misaligned, it hits a nerve and OUCH. It just stings for a few seconds. They readjust, and then it’s fine. Now, is it comfortable? Nah. But you do build a resistance to it. I had a headache and took Tylenol the first three days. By days four and five I barely noticed. They also give you earplugs. Those are optional, but if a Doctor gives you ear plugs, use them, okay?

It’s a strange experience, described to me by the nurse as being hit by a woodpecker on steroids. I love that description, and it’s accurate. I mean, you’re basically getting tapped by a magnet or roughly 30 times over four seconds. It’s weird, but not painful. I’ll putz on my phone, close my eyes and chill, whatever. Honestly, its not that bad. The session ends and you go back to work. There are no after effects, except for maybe a slight headache that Tylenol can bop right out. You can drive, think, function, etc. I’ve left therapy sessions where I’ve been more disoriented.

When am I supposed to see results? The literature I read said week four. They said they thought they had seen some people get more depressed as the placebo effect wore away in week two. I’m hoping I don’t go through that, because I have no illusions that this will work until at least week four.

So, one week down, five to go. Here’s to hoping.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences, and as the process goes on I’ll share more, including some pics. Let us know about your TMS experiences below!

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SIDE NOTE: First, again, I’m not a doctor or medical professional – I’m a damn politician and writer. I’m certainly doing my best to write an accurate description, but if you have any questions or concerns, please contact a medical professional. Second, this probably goes without saying, but I’m going through this treatment like any other normal person and paying with my insurance. I am not receiving any compensation or consideration whatsoever for sharing my experiences.