Patients diagnosed with depression may benefit from a new procedure, introduced in Northwest Louisiana by Jason M. Broussard, D.O., at The Center for Mental Wellness in the WK Rehabilitation Institute.

Dr. Broussard performed the first transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) procedure in our region. Willis-Knighton is the only healthcare provider in North Louisiana that offers TMS. 

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers patients with depression the benefits of treatment without the side effects often associated with antidepressant medication. 

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a noninvasive procedure that uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. An electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp near the forehead and delivers a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the part of the brain involved in mood control and depression. 

Patients are awake and alert during the procedure, which is performed in office and is completed in about 40 minutes. Treatment is administered five days a week for about four to six weeks. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after treatment.

Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how one feels, thinks and acts. Symptoms include feeling sad, lack of interest or the lack of ability to feel pleasure in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite and sleep, increased fatigue, difficulty concentrating or making decisions and thoughts of death or suicide. 

To learn more about the transcranial magnetic stimulation, go online to www.thecenterformentalwellness.com.