PTSD Treatment
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of individuals worldwide, often leaving a profound impact on their mental health and overall well-being. Traditional treatments, such as psychotherapy and medication, have shown effectiveness but may not work for everyone. This is where Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) emerges as a groundbreaking option, offering hope to those who struggle with this debilitating condition.
What Is TMS?
TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. Initially developed to treat depression, TMS has gained recognition for its potential to address a range of mental health disorders, including PTSD. By targeting areas of the brain associated with mood regulation and stress responses, TMS aims to restore balance in neural activity and alleviate symptoms.
How PTSD Affects the Brain
PTSD is often linked to traumatic experiences that disrupt normal brain functioning. Research shows that PTSD can alter the structure and activity of certain brain regions, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These changes may cause heightened fear responses, intrusive memories, and difficulty regulating emotions.
TMS focuses on addressing these dysfunctions by targeting the prefrontal cortex, a region involved in decision-making, emotional regulation, and memory. By stimulating this area, TMS helps to recalibrate neural pathways and reduce symptoms associated with PTSD.
Call the New Patient Coordinator at 480-448-2916 for more information, or fill in the form below and we will contact you.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusion or re-experiencing, avoidance, and a hyperarousal cluster of symptoms stemming from a major traumatic event. The lifetime prevalence of PTSD ranges from 6.1–9.2% in adults in the U.S. and Canada. The development of PTSD varies from person to person. Symptoms can develop immediately after the traumatic event or years later.
Research shows that PTSD can affect the brain in the following ways:
- Memory and emotions: The hippocampus can shrink, impacting memory and the processing of traumatic memories.
- Fear and arousal: The amygdala becomes overactive, leading to heightened fear response and emotional arousal.
- Emotional regulation: The prefrontal cortex shows reduced activity, affecting the ability to process emotions.
- Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers like serotonin and norepinephrine become imbalanced, influencing mood, arousal, and brain function.
- Stress response: The body’s stress response system, called the HPA axis, becomes dysregulated, resulting in elevated stress hormone levels.
Learn more about the DSM-5 PTSD Diagnostic Criteria (download).
TMS and MeRT for Patients with PTSD
Fortunately, your brain can often repair itself. This concept, known as neuroplasticity, refers to how the brain can change, reorganize, or grow neural networks. MeRT and TMS work directly on those neural networks — areas of the brain that are out of communication — to improve their function.
For MeRT, we tailor our protocols for your specific PTSD symptoms based on a comprehensive analysis of your brainwave patterns. We then plan a personalized treatment program to neuromodulate your brain waves through our MeRT protocols, improving brain communication and organization.
Traditionally, treatments for PTSD include medication (antidepressants) and psychotherapy such as EMDR. Alternatively, rTMS and MeRT have been shown to result in significant improvements in patients with PTSD symptoms with or without depression—and these therapies do not come with the risks and side effects associated with medications.
Call the New Patient Coordinator at 480-448-2916 , or fill in the form below and we will contact you.
How TMS Works for PTSD
TMS therapy involves placing a magnetic coil on the patient’s scalp. This coil emits magnetic pulses that penetrate the skull to reach the brain. These pulses stimulate underactive neurons and promote the rewiring of neural circuits, helping the brain process emotions and memories more effectively.
The treatment is highly targeted, focusing on specific areas of the brain that are linked to PTSD symptoms. Unlike invasive procedures, TMS does not require anesthesia, incisions, or prolonged recovery time. A typical session lasts about 20 to 40 minutes and is performed in an outpatient setting.
Benefits of TMS for PTSD
- Non-Invasive and Painless: TMS does not involve surgery or medication, making it a safe option with minimal physical discomfort.
- Effective for Treatment-Resistant PTSD: For individuals who do not respond well to traditional treatments like therapy or medication, TMS offers a new avenue for relief.
- Minimal Side Effects: Unlike medications, which may cause drowsiness, weight gain, or dependency, TMS side effects are usually mild, such as scalp discomfort or slight headaches.
- Improved Emotional Regulation: Patients often report feeling more in control of their emotions and less burdened by intrusive thoughts.
- Quick Recovery Time: Since TMS does not involve invasive procedures, patients can immediately return to their daily activities after each session.
MeRT for PTSD
MeRT is a breakthrough in treating PTSD symptoms, as it focuses on the specific brain dysfunction that could cause your symptoms. We analyze your brainwave patterns using a qEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram), also known as brain mapping. That’s because studies have shown that patients with PTSD symptoms have clearly visible markers in their EEG results. Once we identify your precise brain imbalance, we can then strengthen the brainwave activity with targeted TMS. This can bring balance to the brain and significantly reduce symptoms.
Call the New Patient Coordinator at 480-448-2916 for more information.
Or fill in the form below and we will contact you.
How TMS and MeRT Work
These therapies are designed to stimulate and improve connectivity and functioning in the brain specific to those areas and imbalances that can cause increased anxiety, resulting in better balance and mood.
What to Expect During TMS Treatment
Patients undergoing TMS therapy for PTSD typically attend sessions five days a week over the course of four to six weeks. During the session, the patient sits comfortably in a chair while the TMS device delivers magnetic pulses. The process is painless, though some individuals may feel a tapping sensation on their scalp.
Throughout the treatment, medical professionals monitor the patient closely to ensure comfort and adjust the stimulation as needed. Many patients start to notice improvements in their symptoms within a few weeks of starting therapy.
Research and Success Rates
Studies indicate that TMS can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD in many patients. For instance, research published in Biological Psychiatry highlights the effectiveness of repetitive TMS (rTMS) in improving mood and reducing hyperarousal in individuals with PTSD. While TMS may not work for everyone, its success rates have been promising, particularly for those who have not found relief through other treatments.
Is TMS Right for You?
TMS may be an ideal option for individuals who:
- Have not responded to traditional PTSD treatments.
- Prefer non-invasive and drug-free therapies.
- Experience side effects from medications or cannot take them due to medical conditions.
Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to determine if TMS is suitable for your specific needs. A thorough evaluation will help ensure that the treatment aligns with your medical history and mental health goals.
The Future of PTSD Treatment with TMS
As research continues to advance, the potential of TMS for treating PTSD and other mental health conditions grows increasingly evident. Innovative approaches, such as combining TMS with virtual reality exposure therapy or personalized brain mapping, are already being explored to enhance its effectiveness.
For many, TMS represents a new frontier in PTSD treatment, offering hope and healing where other options may have fallen short. By addressing the root causes of PTSD at a neurological level, TMS provides a pathway toward recovery and a better quality of life for those who have endured the lasting effects of trauma.
Call Our New Patient Coordinator for a Free Consultation.
Our New Patient Coordinator is here to answer all your questions so you can make the most informed decision.
She can explain our treatment options and protocols, fees, insurance, and more. She can also schedule you for a consultation with one of our doctors.
From there, we can determine if you may benefit from MeRT or TMS treatment, and you can decide if you would like to move forward.
We hope you will consider getting more information. You deserve to live a life free from PTSD symptoms — and we want to help you do just that!
