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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has gained FDA clearance as a safe and effective treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Anxious Depression. The groundbreaking protocol at the Ketamine Healing Clinic involves a unique combination of TMS and Ketamine, potentially amplifying the therapeutic benefits compared to individual treatments. Notably, this protocol is covered by insurance, with a fee of $25 for the Ketamine component (optional). But how does this innovative treatment precisely target these specific brain disorders?
TMS for Depression
Magnetic pulses target the key area of the brain responsible for Depression (the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), which multiple peer-reviewed studies have found to be an effective treatment for Depression. This does not cause pain and is well tolerated without the need for Anesthesia, unlike shock therapy (or ECT, electroconvulsive therapy). TMS has also been shown to activate dendrites on brain cells, which enhances the functional capacity of the brain. The same dendrite activation occurs with Ketamine. Thus, combining TMS with Ketamine can significantly decrease or eliminate depression and suicidal ideation.
Anxious Depression
TMS stimulates neurons in brain regions associated with anxious depression, including the DLPFC, through precise magnetic pulses. In multiple studies, TMS showed significant reductions in anxious depression symptoms. Combining TMS with Ketamine, a molecule known to reduce anxiety not only acutely but chronically, can significantly decrease the symptoms of anxiety.
Safety First
Research has found TMS to be free from substantial or lasting side effects. Individuals undergoing TMS treatment may experience mild discomfort, often described as a tapping sensation in the treatment area. Common side effects, including site pain, site discomfort, and jaw pain, tend to diminish after initial treatment sessions. These symptoms are less likely or absent when combined with Ketamine. The addition of Ketamine to this protocol will significantly decrease any discomfort from deep TMS.
TMS + Ketamine for Depression & Anxious Depression – Covered by Insurance
Find out if you qualify or call (424) 278-4241 to speak to someone
The Ketamine Healing Clinic employs a unique technology, integrated into a comfortable helmet, to administer magnetic pulses regulating neural activity in the brain. TMS + Ketamine sessions for depression at our clinic last approximately 20 minutes. A typical TMS treatment plan entails daily sessions spanning four weeks, followed by periodic maintenance sessions.
How it works: Settle into our comfortable recliner chair, where our staff will place the TMS helmet. Prior to starting, using a microscopic needle, a small amount of Ketamine will be delivered intramuscularly which lasts 20 minutes- the duration of the TMS treatment.
Cost: TMS is covered by Medicare and most private insurance carriers. The fee for the Ketamine portion of the protocol is $25. Prior authorization with your insurance carrier will be needed prior to starting.
Patients with the follow cannot receive TMS treatment:
- Aneurysm clips or coils
- Carotid or cerebral stents
- DBS electrodes
- Metallic devices implanted in the head
- Magnetically activated dental implants
- Cochlear, otologic implants
- CSF shunt
- Ferromagnetic ocular implants
- EEG electrodes
- Pellets, bullets, fragments less than 12 inches or 30 cm from coil
- Facial tattoos with metallic ink
TMS Expert: Dr. Robert Bota, MD
Dr. Robert Bota
MD MSG DFAPA
Dr. Robert Bota, MD is a board-certified Psychiatrist and a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Bota has a broad background in diagnosing and treating mental illness and major depressive disorder. His career has spanned both academic and private psychiatry practices. In his most recent position, he served as the director of the Medical Psychiatry Unit at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Bota has published over 60 articles and book chapters and has given over 100 presentations at national and international psychiatry conferences. In his pursuit of advanced, novel psychiatric treatments, Dr. Bota has studied transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at Harvard University and at the University of South Carolina. He started and led the first TMS program at UC Irvine and is now proud to lead the TMS programs in Costa Mesa, Riverside, and Los Angeles at the Ketamine Healing Clinic of Los Angeles.
See if you qualify or call (424) 278-4241 to speak to someone
