TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION (TMS)

A non-invasive treatment option for depression

WHAT WE DO

If you or someone you love is living with debilitating depression, WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute behavioral medicine experts are here to help.

YOU HAVE OPTIONS

When a patient does not see improvement through medication or cannot tolerate antidepressant therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-approved approach to managing depression. This option can be offered as an alternative or complementary treatment to those with depression.

 

Start with a Consultation

ABOUT MAGSTIM TMS THERAPY

Learn about repetitive TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) and how this non-invasive, outpatient procedure treats depression by activating areas of the brain.

NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been used in various ways in neuroscientific and clinical research for more than 30 years. Since 2010, TMS therapy has been recommended by the American Psychiatric Association as a treatment for adults with major depression who have failed to respond to at least one antidepressant.

TMS Therapy uses short pulses of magnetic energy to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. These magnetic pulses are delivered to the area in the brain responsible for emotional judgement and mood regulation.

Read the stories of real people who benefitted from TMS therapy.

About TMS therapy:

  • Brief, repetitive magnetic pulses to stimulate brain cells and help normalize brain activity.
  • The electromagnetic coil used is similar to the one used in an MRI.
  • TMS does not require medications, sedation, or anesthesia.
  • TMS is safe and has very few side effects.

What happens during TMS?

  • Treatment sessions take place at the RNI Innovation Center, on WVU Medicine’s main Morgantown campus.
  • Treatment sessions generally last 20 to 45 minutes.
  • Patients are seated in a special chair, and an electromagnetic coil is placed on the head.
  • Pulses activate nerve cells near the surface of the brain that communicate with nerves in deeper areas known to be affected by depression.

Does insurance cover TMS?

  • Most insurance covers TMS, but some might have specific criteria.
  • Our team will work with you and your insurance company to determine if TMS is an option.
  • Patients may self-pay, and costs are highly competitive when compared to other providers’ fees.

CLINIC INFORMATION

General information

We are located in the WVU Rockefeller Innovation Center (Adjacent to the WVU Cancer Institute) in Morgantown, West Virginia.

33 Medical Center Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506

Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm

Please call (304) 598-6127 with any questions or concerns.

 

Referrals and appointment requests

If you need to refer a patient or schedule an appointment, please call 855-WVU-CARE or send an email to [email protected].

 

Consultations

If you are a healthcare provider and would like to consult with one of our memory health experts, please call (304) 598-4809 to speak with our referral specialist. You may also call our Medical Access Referral System (MARS) at (800) 982-6277.

Our team of specialists