Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Quick Facts About TMS
 ● Non-invasive – no surgery, needles, or anesthesia
● No downtime – return to normal activities immediately after sessions
● FDA-approved – safe and effective treatment for depression and other conditions
● Few side effects – most patients experience only mild scalp discomfort, if any
● Personalized protocols – tailored by Dr. Kotbi to each individual’s recovery needs

 Not everyone responds fully to traditional treatments like medication or talk therapy. For those living with depression and other conditions that remain resistant to standard care, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers new hope. 

TMS is a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. By “resetting” neural activity, TMS can reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being—without the need for surgery or anesthesia.

What Is TMS? 

TMS involves placing a specialized device against the scalp that delivers gentle, repetitive magnetic pulses to targeted regions of the brain. These pulses activate underperforming nerve cells in areas linked to mood, emotion, and cognitive functioning. Over a series of sessions, TMS helps “retrain” brain circuits, leading to lasting improvements in mental health. 

Unlike medications that circulate throughout the body, TMS is precisely targeted, which makes it a safe and effective option with fewer side effects. Most patients can resume daily activities immediately after treatment.

 The Benefits of TMS 

Patients often experience:
● Relief from depression symptoms even when medications have not worked
● Improved mood, energy, and motivation
● Better cognitive clarity and focus
● Reduced anxiety and stress
● Enhanced effectiveness of other therapies (when combined with counseling or medications)
● Minimal side effects compared to traditional treatments 

Many patients notice progress within just a few weeks of starting treatment, with benefits that can last well beyond the treatment course.

Our State-of-the-Art TMS Technology

At the Brain and Mind Healing Center, we are proud to use the newest, state-of-the-art MagVenture TMS system, equipped with the Atlas Neuro Navigation system. 

This advanced technology allows us to:
● Deliver highly precise stimulation tailored to each patient’s unique brain anatomy. Improve targeting accuracy for optimal results
● Enhance safety, comfort, and overall treatment experience
● Provide the latest FDA-cleared protocols for depression and other conditions 

With this cutting-edge system, patients benefit from a more individualized and effective treatment process, maximizing the potential for recovery.

What Conditions Can TMS Help With? 

TMS is most commonly used for treatment-resistant depression, but ongoing research and clinical use have shown benefits for:
● Anxiety disorders
● Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
● Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
● Certain neurological conditions (such as chronic pain or migraines)

Our Approach 

At the Brain and Mind Healing Center, Dr. Kotbi—a quintuple board-certified physician with over two decades of experience—offers expert evaluation and guidance to determine if TMS is the right treatment for you. As a distinguished educator and clinician, Dr. Kotbi provides a comprehensive care approach, combining expert diagnostic skills with personalized treatment planning for patients with complex co-morbidities. His expertise spans psychiatric, neurological, medical, and addiction disorders, allowing for compassionate and holistic care. This approach includes personalized evaluations, ongoing medication management, and second-opinion consultations, with collaborative behavioral support from licensed therapists when necessary.

Who Can Benefit? 

TMS may be recommended if you or a loved one:
● Struggle with depression that hasn’t improved with medication
● Cannot tolerate the side effects of psychiatric medications
● Experience ongoing anxiety, OCD, or PTSD symptoms
● Are seeking non-invasive alternatives to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) 

Frequently Asked Questions About TMS

1. Does TMS hurt?
No, TMS is generally well-tolerated. Some patients feel a light tapping sensation on the scalp during treatment, but this is usually mild and fades quickly. 

2. How long is each session?
Every patient first receives a comprehensive evaluation to determine if TMS is the right treatment for them. If you are a candidate, Dr. Kotbi will design a personalized protocol that best fits your path to recovery. With our state-of-the-art MagVenture TMS system equipped with the Atlas Neuro Navigation system, we can provide the latest FDA-cleared treatment options. A typical session may last 20–40 minutes , but with advanced protocols, sessions can be as short as 10 minutes, repeated up to three times a day, three times a week . Dr. Kotbi will select and adjust the treatment schedule most appropriate for your individual needs, ensuring safety, effectiveness, and the highest chance of lasting improvement. 

3. How many sessions will I need?
Most patients complete a course of 20–30 sessions over several weeks. Your exact treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs. 

4. When will I notice results?
Some patients feel better within 1–2 weeks, while others may notice improvements later in the treatment course. Progress builds gradually and can continue even after sessions are complete. 

5. Are there side effects?
TMS has very few side effects compared to medications. The most common is mild scalp discomfort or headache, which typically improves after the first few sessions.