4 Advantages of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for VA

4 Advantages of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for VA

Veteran mental health services are crucial to help our returning veterans recover from their combat experiences and mental health issues related to their military service. Several troubling statistics show that many vets are suffering from mental disorders and not receiving adequate treatment.

According to the RAND Corporation, out of the soldiers returning from deployment, over 20% have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and at least 15% experience depression. Depression torments veterans so much that the US Department of Veterans Affairs has reported that approximately 20 veterans commit suicide each day.

Here at BrainStim TMS, we believe our vets deserve the very best care. That is why we support the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy to treat mental disorders in veterans. TMS has shown remarkable results in clinical trials to relieve depressive symptoms and achieve remission from depression.

 

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a treatment method for depression and other debilitating psychological disorders. It works to re-balance brain chemicals without reliance on medication.

TMS has been around since 1985, but only in more recent years has it become a more common way to approach treatment-resistant depression. Through extensive research and clinical data, many people see the benefits of TMS more frequently.

Advantages of TMS for Veterans 

TMS treatments for VA are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat depression. While TMS is typically used to treat depression, there are more benefits that it can help Veterans who have PTSD and TBI.

You are reading 4 Advantages of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for VA

 

Noninvasive, No Surgery or Sedation

A significant advantage of TMS therapy is that it is a non-invasive procedure, and it does not involve sedation or surgery of any kind. Numerous studies have stated that TMS’s positive effects can last well after the usual treatment phase of a few weeks. Side effects are generally minor and may include headaches, tingling, and lightheadedness, usually immediately after treatment. The machine is relatively quiet, making it safer to use around those with PTSD.

 

 

Depression – 4 Advantages of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for VA

Depression can interfere with a veteran’s ability to work, sleep, eat, interact with others, and enjoy everyday activities. It also has long-term effects that make it hard to readjust and function in civilian life.

Depression includes feeling hopeless, losing interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. It can also exhibit physical problems, such as headaches, fatigue, stomach problems, and pain.

 

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is an ailment that occurs in many veterans after experiencing disturbing events.

People with PTSD relive these traumatic experiences in their minds. PTSD can be triggered by seeing a traffic accident, watching a news report, or even hearing loud noises. Symptoms of PTSD also include avoiding reminders of traumatic experiences, losing interest in relationships and activities, and feeling on edge. There is even research showing that those with PTSD will also develop depression.

TMS therapy has become a viable option for treating the depressive symptoms of PTSD in vets.

Watch Veterans on Symptoms of PTSD on YouTube

 

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as “a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury.” Soldiers are at risk of brain injury from explosions experienced during combat or training exercises.

While many TBIs are considered mild, these cases can involve serious long-term effects on areas such as memory, mood, and focus. Physical symptoms may include headaches, vision, and hearing problems.

TMS can be used to treat mood swings, depression, anxiety, and even some pain associated with TBI in vets.

You are reading 4 Advantages of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for VA

 

 

4 Advantages of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for VAMore Treatment Options 

Veterans suffer from a higher rate of depression than the rest of the population and don’t see results with standard treatments. Being unable to respond to depression treatment can severely impact on the life of someone who has served in the military, as they may have experienced more psychological trauma than the average person. This means that veterans need alternative treatment options for depression and other mental disorders, like TMS.

BrainStimTMS USA uses state-of-the-art technology to help our vets. This includes all three FDA-cleared treatments, 3, 19, and 37-minute treatment sessions. 75% of our patients see a significant decrease in symptoms after receiving treatment, and 45% reach remission.

 

If you are interested in finding out more about our TMS program for Vets, we invite you to contact us for a consultation. You can also visit the BrainStimTMS Blog page or frequently asked questions page for more information.