TMS Therapy in Saratoga Springs, NY

For more than two decades, Manuel Astruc, M.D. & Associates, has helped people suffering from depression and other mental health problems get back to feeling like themselves.

A common mood disorder, depression has become a public health crisis, impacting nearly one in 10 Americans, with many failing to find relief from standard treatment options. That means you or someone you care about could be struggling with and suffering from depression.

Fortunately, there’s a new choice in your search to feel better. TMS therapy is noninvasive, safe, and now available in Saratoga County.

What Is TMS and How Does It Work?

Magnets are surrounded by an active magnetic field that’s invisible but capable of generating electricity when the magnet is rapidly turned on and off or pulsed and brought close to an object that conducts electricity. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) accesses those magnetic fields through a specialized magnetic coil that stimulates nerve cells.

The brain constantly sends out electrical impulses. By targeting specific areas of the brain using magnetic impulses, it’s possible to change the way you feel. Activating those cells in the brain helps restore the natural balance of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin.

TMS is an FDA-approved treatment modality that allows us to target specific areas of the brain to provide you with effective relief from the symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders — all without medication or significant side effects.

Manuel Astruc, M.D., has helped thousands of people throughout his more than 25 years of practice in Saratoga County. Now, he brings a new option to the area as the only TMS provider in the county.

What to Expect with TMS Therapy in New York

We understand that considering new therapies may seem daunting. Our team of compassionate, experienced experts is here to answer any questions and help you find your way back to feeling energetic, creative, and confident.

We determine patients’ brain network activation patterns before, during, and after treatment to monitor how the brain is changing.

Consultation

The process begins with phone screening. When you call the office to inquire about TMS, we will discuss your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment history before scheduling an evaluation. This in-depth psychiatric assessment lasts about one hour.

We want to help lift the burden of depression. First, we need to take a little time to get to know you and determine if TMS will be a good match for you. During a TMS consultation, we will review your medical history, symptoms, and past and current treatments.

TMS has a proven response rate of 50% to 70% in patients who failed to respond to medications.

First Appointment: Mapping Location and Motor Threshold

Your first appointment will last a little longer than typical sessions because we need to calibrate the device. During the first treatment session, we will ask you to remove anything that might interfere with the magnet, such as jewelry.

From there, we will determine the best possible placement of the device, so it can send magnetic pulses to precise locations in the brain. The tool is like a helmet that contains magnetic coils.

As we proceed, we will work to determine the threshold of stimulation that works best for you. To accomplish this, we send multiple pulses to the device, using increasing intensity. Once your fingers or hand start twitching, we know the appropriate threshold and can begin treatment.

Ongoing TMS Treatment

Each TMS treatment lasts an average of 30 minutes, although individual sessions can range from 20 to 40 minutes. The magnetic pulses are delivered in short bursts with rest periods in between.

While receiving treatment, you may hear clicking or tapping, but we provide earplugs to help muffle the sounds. You may also feel a tapping sensation on your head that may be a bit uncomfortable; however, you should not feel any pain.

This noninvasive modality doesn’t cause seizures or require any electrodes or anesthesia. You will safely remain awake and alert throughout the process, and you can drive immediately afterward.

Ongoing Care

Many patients receive treatments five times per week for a period of three to nine weeks. A medical professional will be there with you throughout the process, joining forces to help create an ongoing plan to get you back to feeling better and staying that way.

What Is TMS Used For?

TMS has multiple uses in psychiatry. It is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, which is depression that hasn’t been helped with the use of one or more antidepressants.

TMS Treatment Options

TMS treatment is a new alternative to traditional treatments that targets key areas of the brain during noninvasive treatment sessions.

Is TMS Therapy Safe?

Although there is a slight risk of mild side effects, TMS has proven to be safe and effective. During the initial consultation, we will go over your history and symptoms to ensure you’re a good match for treatment. We will also determine if any precautions are necessary before or during treatment sessions.

Noninvasive

Unlike other brain stimulation treatments, TMS is completely noninvasive and pain-free.

FDA-Approved

When the FDA offers its stamp of approval, you can rest assured that the benefits outweigh the risks. Research supports TMS’s efficacy and safety.

Drug-Free

No medications, no medication-related side effects — all you get is relief from symptoms and a new path forward.

How Long Does TMS Treatment Last?

Manuel Astruc, M.D. & Associates, provides a personalized approach to treatment, with most patients prescribed daily treatments for three to nine weeks. For many people, results last for one year or longer.
Friends who have faced their mental illness

Relief Is Just a Phone Call Away

Frustrated that medication and psychotherapy isn’t helping your symptoms? We can help. Manuel Astruc, M.D. & Associates is the only TMS provider in Saratoga County.

Call our office today at 518-583-7410 to find out if TMS is right for you.