
Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone, and when medication or therapy hasn’t brought the relief you were hoping for, it’s easy to feel stuck.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers another option. This FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment doesn’t involve medication or surgery and is designed to work directly with the areas of the brain tied to mood.
What Is TMS?
TMS uses gentle, focused magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that tend to be underactive in people with depression — particularly regions involved in mood regulation and executive function.
Because it targets those specific neural circuits rather than the whole body, TMS doesn’t come with the same systemic side effects often associated with antidepressant medication.
There’s no anesthesia and no incisions; you’re awake and alert throughout treatment, and you can return to your normal routine right after each session.
TMS is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder and Treatment-Resistant Depression, and it has been studied and used for years.
Personalized Care, Built Around You
No two people experience depression in exactly the same way, so treatment shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all either.
At Brain Treatment Center Glenview, TMS treatment begins with a comprehensive clinical evaluation — and when appropriate, additional brain-based diagnostics — to better understand how depression is affecting your brain function.
That information helps your care team tailor your treatment plan and monitor your progress along the way.
What to Expect
TMS sessions typically take place several days a week over the course of several weeks, with each session lasting about 30–45 minutes. You’ll sit comfortably in a chair while a technician delivers the treatment; there’s nothing to recover from afterward, so most people head straight back to work, errands, or the rest of their day.
Is TMS Right for You?
If depression has been part of your life for a while, and antidepressants or therapy alone haven’t gotten you where you want to be, it may be worth exploring TMS.
Many patients report meaningful improvement in mood, energy, sleep, and focus. And some are able to reduce or discontinue medication under their doctor’s supervision.
Our New Patient Coordinator is here to answer your questions and help you understand whether TMS could be part of your path forward. Call 773-970-6700 to schedule a consultation or fill out the form below.
