TMS Specialty
Depression Treatment at Hagan Health
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a technology that is similar to MRI scans. Simply put, electricity generates a magnetic field that passes through the skull to leave a mild electrical stimulation in the brain. TMS works better than medication for several psychiatric disorders. TMS has been a growing technology since its discovery 30 years ago. It was approved for the treatment of depression in 2007, and since then it has also been approved for the treatment of anxious depression, OCD, and smoking addiction. Other conditions such as PTSD and anxiety are being treated as well. At Hagan Health, we have both Brainsway and Neurostar TMS technologies with which to treat psychiatric disorders. In Dr. Hagan’s first career as a neurosurgeon, some of his experience was mapping the surface of the brain to localize important areas such as speech and movement. Using “awake anesthesia” and with the brain exposed surgically, patients would be partially anesthetized but awake enough to speak and otherwise participate in the mapping of the brain. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Hagan has 20 years of experience helping with medication management and psychotherapy. Currently, Dr. Hagan is utilizing his vast knowledge and experience to understand the brain and the mind, and to help people to be happy again with TMS treatment. Many of the patients we treat are already our own patients or new patients seeking treatment. We welcome others to come and talk with us about TMS, and for those who are being referred by their therapist, psychiatrist, or mental health nurse practitioner, we encourage those patients to continue seeing their providers while we collaborate with them in a multi-disciplinary team approach.
The numbers reflecting the success of TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) suggest that TMS is perhaps the best treatment for depression. Nationally, when patients who have not responded to medication are treated with TMS, over 80% will improve significantly, while 60% will achieve remission. That means TMS works better than medication.

Nationally, 60% will achieve remission from TMS Treatment.

Nationally, over 80% will improve significantly from TMS Treatment.

Treatment involves sitting in a comfortable chair for a 20-minute treatment, which is painless except for occasional early scalp soreness. A treater will be with you throughout every treatment..
Afterward, patients get up and leave, drive themselves and otherwise continue with their schedule for the day. There are no side effects except for rare exceptions. The usual protocol is for 30 sessions on weekdays for 6 weeks followed by a three-week taper. Insurance tends to pay for the treatment.

Is TMS an option for me?
Please take a few minutes to view the links below to see if you are a candidate for TMS. Please ask us if TMS is an option for you or for someone you care about.