TMS Therapy

TMS Therapy Near Costa Mesa, CA – Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment for Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It works by using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS is typically used when other treatments, such as medication or therapy, have not worked or were not tolerated. If you are interested in TMS therapy in Costa Mesa, read on to learn how it can benefit you today.

How TMS Therapy Works

TMS works by delivering electromagnetic energy painlessly via an electromagnetic coil placed against your scalp.

The magnetic pulses stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain involved in executive functioning, depression, and mood.

TMS works by activating areas of the brain which display lower levels of activity in patients with depression, anxiety, and OCD

Several factors influence the effect of TMS on the brain:

• The design of the coil
• Location of the stimulus
• Single pulses vs. repeated pulses
• Intensity of stimulation
• Frequency of stimulation

Who is eligible for TMS?

• To be eligible for TMS, patients must have:
• Moderate to Severe Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• At least one failed medication at or above the minimum dose
• A failed course of talk therapy
• There is no age limit to receive TMS.

What to Expect from TMS Therapy Near Costa Mesa

TMS is typically performed in a doctor’s office. You will be seated in a comfortable chair for the duration of the treatment.

Once you are relaxed, a magnet is used to locate your prefrontal cortex, which is where depression “lives” in the brain.

Your doctor will determine the amount of magnetic energy needed by placing the magnet on your scalp.

Once the right dose has been identified, the magnet then delivers pulses at this intensity for a total of 30 minutes. You will be awake and alert for the entire treatment.

Before starting the treatment, you will be encouraged to enter a relaxed state of mind by listening to alpha wave music and/or focusing on an object, such as a painting. This helps your brain become more receptive to treatment.

You can return to your normal daily activities after your treatment. Between treatments, most patients can typically work and drive.

What is TMS Therapy?

TMS is a non-invasive treatment. It does not require surgery or implantation of electrodes. Although it is considered safe, there are some potential side effects:

• Headache
• Scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation
• Tingling, spasms or twitching of facial muscles
• Lightheadedness

If any of these symptoms occur during your first session, you will be recommended an over-the-counter pain medication to take before the procedure for the next few sessions in order to prevent further occurrences.

Like antidepressant medications, TMS carries a slight risk of producing euphoria, which may result in hypomania or mania; as well, seizures may occur in roughly 1 in 30,000 patients during the procedure.

If TMS works for you, symptoms of depression may improve or go away completely.

After a TMS treatment series, medication and psychotherapy may be recommended as ongoing treatment.

If your depression improves with TMS and later recurs, the treatment can be repeated.

Risks of TMS Therapy

TMS is a non-invasive treatment. It does not require surgery or implantation of electrodes. Although it is considered safe, there are some potential side effects:

• Headache
• Scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation
• Tingling, spasms or twitching of facial muscles
• Lightheadedness

If any of these symptoms occur during your first session, you will be recommended an over-the-counter pain medication to take before the procedure for the next few sessions in order to prevent further occurrences.

Like antidepressant medications, TMS carries a slight risk of producing euphoria, which may result in hypomania or mania; as well, seizures may occur in roughly 1 in 30,000 patients during the procedure.

Doctor Bota is a board-certified psychiatrist and TMS Doctor, and a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. The focus of his clinical activities and of his patient-oriented research has always been on understanding the interplay between psychiatric illnesses and medical conditions and on developing innovative ways of addressing the whole spectrum of psychosomatic needs in patients with complex presentations. Dr. Bota now offers transcranial magnetic stimulation for his patients at his TMS clinic in Costa Mesa, CA. To learn more about the benefits of tms therapy, or how to contact our TMS doctor, or where to find our TMS clinic, give us a call today!

The FDA has recently cleared TMS treatment for OCD. The treatment utilizes a different coil, but the procedure is largely the same.

Costa Mesa and Santa Ana is a beautiful city in Orange County, California with a population of over 332,610 people and families. According to Hope for Depression 1 in 10 people suffer with depression in the United States, and it takes over $100 Billion in sick days and lost wages and economic toll. In other words, depression one of the largest industries in the United States, its as big as the oil industry which brings in $110 Billion per year. Knowing these statistics, we can assume 33,261 people in Costa Mesa and Santa Ana, CA are struggling with depression. If that is you, there are steps you can take to recover.

Brain Health Solutions recommends TMS Therapy.

For most patients, response to TMS Therapy follow a predictable pathway of results:

• Within your first few sessions, thinking begins to grow clearer and the “brain fog” starts to subside.
• Around session 5, sleep patterns become more regular and many patients report feeling more well-rested.
• During the second week of treatment, you will start to have more energy and improvement will be visible to those around you.

TMS Therapy can help:

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation helps prevent depression
• TMS Therapy helps reduce PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Syndrom
• TMS Therapy helps reduce the mental strain of everyday work fatigue

How long does a full course of TMS therapy typically last?
A complete course of TMS therapy usually spans several weeks, with sessions scheduled multiple times per week. The total number of treatments can vary based on individual response, diagnosis, and treatment goals. Dr. Bota will personalize the schedule to ensure optimal results while monitoring progress throughout the process.

Is TMS therapy covered by insurance in Orange County, CA?
Many major insurance providers do offer coverage for TMS therapy, particularly for treatment-resistant depression. Coverage for anxiety or OCD may vary by plan. Most TMS clinics assist patients with insurance verification and prior authorization to help determine eligibility and minimize out-of-pocket costs.

How does TMS differ from medication-based mental health treatment?
Unlike antidepressant medications that affect the entire body, TMS therapy directly targets specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Because it does not circulate through the bloodstream, TMS avoids many systemic side effects commonly associated with psychiatric medications.

Can TMS therapy help patients who have tried multiple treatments without success?
Yes. TMS is frequently recommended for individuals who have not achieved adequate relief from medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Many patients pursue TMS after years of managing symptoms with limited success, making it an important option for treatment-resistant mental health conditions.

How long do TMS results last after treatment is complete?
The duration of symptom relief after TMS therapy varies from person to person. Some patients experience long-lasting improvement, while others may benefit from maintenance treatments if symptoms return. We help you develop a long-term care plan based on your response to therapy and overall mental health needs.