What is TMS?

TMS: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

TMS, which stands for “Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation,” is a painless, drug-free, noninvasive medical treatment. TMS is used to treat a variety of physical and mental health conditions. TMS devices are placed outside the body. TMS devices create magnetic pulses that stimulate nerve cells in the brain so that they function better.

How can TMS help with so many different symptoms?

The brain controls the body. When the brain functions better, the rest of the body functions better, too. For this reason, TMS can help heal physical symptoms, as well as mental symptoms.

History of TMS and FDA approvals

TMS is not new. The first TMS device was developed in 1985 by English medical physicist Anthony Barker, PhD. For 39 years, TMS has been thoroughly tested by researchers throughout the world. 

TMS has been shown to be safe. TMS has been shown to be effective for a wide range of symptoms. Through the years, researchers have found more and more uses for TMS.

TMS is FDA-approved for 7 indications

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

    (2008)

  • Cortical mapping

    Identifying and locating functional areas in the cerebral cortex, to plan a procedure (2009)

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

    (2017)

  • Migraine headaches

    (2017)

  • Smoking cessation

    (2020)

  • Anxiety comorbid (co-occurring) with Major Depressive Disorder

    (2021)

  • Chronic pain in peripheral nerves

    (2023)

Book An Appointment

What is TMS like for the patient?

The positive effects of TMS are long-lasting. A course of TMS treatment consists of a limited number of sessions. The number and frequency of sessions depends on your individual needs. After completing your course of TMS treatment, you may need no further TMS; or you may need only an occasional “tune up.” 

TMS is an entirely different technology from “electroconvulsive therapy,” also known as ECT or “shock therapy.” ECT is rough on the patient. TMS is gentle. During TMS treatments, the patient is awake and alert, and there is no pain. After each TMS treatment, the patient can immediately resume normal activities, including driving. 

TMS helps heal your brain. TMS helps you become the best, healthiest version of yourself. TMS does not detect or influence your personality, thoughts, beliefs, or values.

Why does Dr. Makar believe in TMS?

Dr. Gad Makar, M.D., our Medical Director, has 26 years’ experience as a double-board-certified neuropsychiatrist. He is highly skilled in psychopharmacology, and has taught other doctors how to prescribe medications for neuropsychiatric needs. However, from studying research results, and from observing treatment outcomes in his practice, he came to believe in TMS.

Dr. Makar appreciated that TMS gives lasting healing, without the side effects that medications often cause. Twelve years ago, Dr. Makar made the bold decision to dedicate his entire practice to TMS.

Conditions We Treat

Using TMS, Dr. Makar has successfully treated a broad range of neuropsychiatric disorders. He has achieved excellent results with: 

  • Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD)

  • ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

  • PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Concussion

  • Brain surgery recovery

  • Stroke recovery

  • Essential tremor

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Long COVID

  • Autonomic neuropathy

  • Sleep disorders (insomnia, narcolepsy, etc.)

  • Depression (Major Depressive Disorder, MDD, including treatment-resistant depression)

  • Anxiety

  • OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

  • Smoking cessation

  • Alcoholism 

  • Addictions

  • Dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Memory Issues

  • Chronic pain, especially lower back pain

  • And more…

A full range of cutting-edge TMS therapies

Dr. Makar is dedicated to giving his patients the most advanced TMS treatments. He reads the latest TMS research daily, and applies it in his practice. He tailors his care to each individual patient. For these reasons, he has invested in a full range of cutting-edge TMS technologies.

He has 6 TMS machines of 3 different types:

This collection of TMS machines is extraordinary. Most TMS clinics have only one TMS machine.

Extraordinary customization

Why is it important for patients that Dr. Makar has invested in so many TMS machines? Dr. Makar tailors his treatments to each individual patient, using the TMS machine(s) that will give optimal healing. For patients with complex medical needs, he sometimes does hybrid treatments, using 2 or more different TMS machines. 

Dr. Makar works collaboratively with each patient to formulate their goal for their treatment, their vision of what they wish to achieve. He creates a customized treatment plan to accomplish the patient’s goal. 

Meet Dr. Makar’s TMS Machines

MagVenture

The MagVenture is a versatile machine that treats many conditions. Among its strengths are:

  • Express TMS: powerful, long-lasting healing from very short treatment sessions—only 3 minutes each. Express TMS is also known as “theta burst stimulation.”

  • SAINT protocol: Developed at Stanford, this is a safe, effective treatment for depression that yields lasting results in only 5 days of treatments (10 treatments per day). SAINT stands for “Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy.” 

  • TMS for lower back pain: This is an exciting new field. It was FDA-approved just last year, in 2023. For lower back pain, the magnetic stimulation is applied directly to the back, not to the head.

NeuroStar

NeuroStar machines are especially effective for treatment-resistant depression. They help patients for whom antidepressant medications did not give much relief.

BrainsWay

BrainsWay provides “Deep TMS.” The magnetic pulses penetrate deep into the brain, including the deeper brain regions that control the body. For that reason, “Deep TMS” is very effective for disorders that affect the entire body, such as Essential Tremor, Parkinson’s Disease, and Autonomic Neuropathy.

The BrainsWay machine has 2 helmets that deliver magnetic pulses. The blue helmet is for treating depression and related conditions. The yellow helmet is for treating OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and related conditions.

Dr. Makar’s patient testimony during treatment with the BrainsWay "Deep TMS" machine:

For 12 Years…

Dr. Makar has dedicated himself to offering the best, cutting-edge TMS technology for each of his patients. Using MagVenture, NeuroStar, and BrainsWay TMS machines, he has achieved consistently excellent results.

The newest step in his ongoing dedication to excellence is to offer the option of MeRT, a highly customized form of TMS that is ideal for some of his patients.

Need relief?

State-of-the-art Treatment

In-office or near you!

Treatment is offered in person, or at a location convenient to you.

Serving clients from Round Rock and the greater Austin area.