BayTMS

Specialties

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS) for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder.

TMS is a form of neuromodulation therapy which stimulates the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that is linked to depression, by delivering highly focused MRI-​strength magnetic pulses. TMS is non-​invasive and non-​systemic, meaning that, unlike medication, it does not circulate in the blood stream throughout the body. TMS Therapy utilizes a TMS coil which is applied to the scalp over the prefrontal cortex, and reaches about two to three centimeters into the brain directly beneath. It is believed that targeting these specific regions of the brain with magnetic pulses reactivates the neurons in those areas by depolarizing them, and triggers a cascade of neurochemical events, including the release of neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) to help normalize neurotransmitter function. Patients undergo treatment daily for 4 – 6 weeks, and remain awake and alert throughout treatment.

History

Established in 2009.

After TMS technology was FDA approved in 2008 for the treatment of depression, Co-​directors Dr. Rick Trautner and Dr. Bob Dolgoff were inspired to provide this alternative to antidepressant medications and ECT for Major Depressive Disorder. BayTMS Physicians are the first group to treat patients using TMS therapy in the East Bay. Over the years, we and our patients have found that TMS is safe and well tolerated; patients report very few side effects.

We now have five psychiatrists — Dr. Rick Trautner, Dr. Bob Dolgoff, Dr. Anneke Post, Dr. Lawrence Cohen, and Dr. Derek Schumm. We have continued to grow and have seen many patients successfully achieve remission from depression with TMS Therapy. We are contracted with a number of major insurance companies and will work hard to help you get insurance coverage.