Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
When depression or other mood symptoms do not respond fully to medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes, it can feel discouraging and isolating. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an advanced, noninvasive treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. For many people, it offers a new path forward when traditional approaches have not provided enough relief.
At Impact Medical in Heber City, UT, TMS is offered within a thoughtful, physician led setting. Medical Director Ben Fogg, MD, MS, who completed both his medical degree and a master’s in bioengineering at the University of Utah, works alongside a collaborative team of board certified physicians to integrate TMS into a broader mental health and brain health plan. Your symptoms, goals, medical history, and daily life are all considered so that treatment feels safe, clear, and personalized.
What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a noninvasive procedure that uses a focused magnetic field to stimulate nerve cells in specific regions of the brain. During a session, a treatment coil is placed gently against the scalp, and brief pulses are delivered in a controlled pattern. These pulses are designed to influence activity in networks involved in mood, motivation, and emotional regulation.
TMS does not require anesthesia, and patients remain awake and able to talk throughout the session. Most people are able to return to normal activities immediately afterward. Treatment is typically delivered over several weeks in a series of sessions, with the exact schedule tailored to the protocol recommended for your condition.
How TMS Works and What to Expect
Before starting TMS, your physician will complete a detailed evaluation that includes your mental health history, current medications, medical conditions, and previous treatments. This helps determine whether TMS is appropriate and which protocol may be the best fit. Safety factors, such as any history of seizures or implanted medical devices, are reviewed carefully.
During treatment, sessions are scheduled regularly, often on most weekdays over several weeks. At each visit, you will be seated comfortably while the coil is positioned and the device is adjusted to your individual motor threshold. You may feel tapping sensations on the scalp and hear clicking sounds from the machine. Many patients choose to listen to music or simply relax during treatment. Side effects are usually mild and may include temporary scalp discomfort or headache.
Conditions and Symptoms TMS May Help Address
TMS is best known as a treatment option for people with major depressive disorder who have not had adequate improvement with medications and therapy. Some individuals also explore TMS in the context of other mood and anxiety related conditions under the guidance of a qualified clinician. In many cases, TMS is considered as part of care when symptoms such as the following persist despite standard treatment:
- Ongoing low mood, loss of interest, or lack of motivation
- Treatment resistant depression with only partial response to medication
- Difficulty functioning at work, school, or in relationships due to mood symptoms
Your physician will talk with you about the current evidence, potential benefits, and limitations of TMS so expectations are realistic and aligned with your situation.
Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Right for You?
TMS may be considered if you have a diagnosis of depression or a related mood condition, have tried one or more medications or therapies without enough relief, and do not have medical factors that clearly rule out this type of treatment. It can be especially helpful if side effects from medications have been difficult to tolerate or if you prefer a noninvasive, non systemic option.
A consultation at Impact Medical is the first step. Your physician will review your history, answer questions, and help you compare TMS with other available approaches so you can make an informed choice that feels right for you.
Why Choose Impact Medical for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
Impact Medical offers TMS within a highly trained, multidisciplinary physician team that understands how brain health, mood, and physical health intersect. Medical Director Ben Fogg, MD, MS, draws on his background in bioengineering, genetics, and performance medicine to integrate TMS with broader strategies for sleep, metabolism, and lifestyle. Erika Noonan, MD, FAAFP, NCMP, is a board certified family physician with fellowship training in Geriatrics and Integrative Medicine and certification through the Menopause Society, bringing expertise in hormone related mood changes and cognitive health.
Board certified family medicine physician Benz Pimsakul, MD, has strong clinical interests in mental health, preventive care, and lifestyle optimization, helping patients turn recommendations into practical routines that support recovery. Ryan Cooley, MD, a board certified Cardiac Electrophysiologist with extensive experience in cardiovascular and metabolic medicine, contributes insight when autonomic or cardiometabolic issues overlap with mood symptoms or treatment decisions. Rounding out the team, Leslie McNaughtan, MD, a board certified family medicine physician with a focused interest in women’s health and integrative primary care, helps ensure that TMS and related care are tailored to each patient’s life stage and personal priorities.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Mood Support in Heber City, UT
Transcranial magnetic stimulation at Impact Medical is designed to offer a careful, evidence informed option for people seeking additional support with depression and related mood conditions. To learn more about whether TMS might be appropriate for you, contact Impact Medical in Heber City, UT at (435) 200-5000 to schedule a consultation.
