Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS is a painless procedure that stimulates nerve cells in the part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation. TMS is recommended as a depression treatment for individuals who have not responded well to medication and therapy and prefer outpatient options with minimal side effects.
What to Expect at a TMS Treatment Session
This treatment takes place at CentraCare Plaza in St. Cloud. Your TMS technician will place a small coil on your head and magnetic pulses are sent to targeted areas of your brain. Treatments are daily over the course of 6-7 weeks.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
ECT is a safe and effective treatment for individuals experiencing severe depression, psychotic symptoms or those with a high suicide risk. Small electrical currents are passed through the brain to change brain chemistry. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, between 70-90% of individuals who receive ECT treatments report an improvement in their depression.
What to Expect at an ECT Treatment Session
ECT takes place at St. Cloud Hospital. ECT is provided while you’re under anesthesia, so you are asleep during the procedure. A brief electrical stimulus will trigger a seizure lasting 15-45 seconds. You can expect an average of 8-12 treatments over the course of a few weeks.
ECT vs. TMS
| Feature |
ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) |
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) |
|
How it works
|
Sends a small amount of electricity through the brain to cause a short, controlled seizure.
|
Uses a strong magnet to send gentle pulses that activate parts of the brain.
|
| Why it's used |
Helps people with very serious depression or other mental illnesses when medicine doesn’t help. |
Helps people with depression, especially when medicine hasn’t worked well. |
| During treatment |
The person is asleep under anesthesia and doesn’t feel anything. |
The person is awake and sits in a chair during treatment. |
| How long it takes |
About 5–10 minutes for the treatment (plus time to wake up). |
About 20–40 minutes per session.
|
| How often |
Usually 2–3 times a week for several weeks. |
Usually 5 times a week for several weeks. |
| Side effects |
Tiredness, confusion, or temporary memory loss.
|
Mild headache, scalp tingling, or facial muscle twitching.
|
| Recovery time |
Needs a short rest after each treatment. |
Can return to normal activities right away. |
| Effectiveness |
Very effective for severe depression and certain mental health problems. |
Effective for many people with depression, but usually milder cases. |
| Safety |
Done in a hospital with doctors and anesthesia. |
Done in a clinic, awake and alert, very safe. |
How do I get started with Neuromodulation at CentraCare?
Once you are referred to our program, you’ll be scheduled for an initial consultation with a psychiatric provider who will:
- Complete a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
- Review previous medication trials
- Develop a treatment plan
Your care team will include specially trained psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, physician associates and nurses.
MyChart