Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

The Weill Cornell Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College offers a new, safe and effective option for patients suffering from major depression whose symptoms persist despite prior treatment attempts with antidepressant medications.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is designed for adults, 18 years of age and older. TMS involves the administration of a small magnetic field over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, one of the areas implicated in depression. TMS therapy has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of depression in individuals who have not achieved satisfactory improvement despite the use of antidepressants. Using very short pulses of magnetic energy to alter the activity of nerve cells in the brain, TMS involves no radiation or electrical stimulation, and requires no anesthesia. Patients remain awake and alert during the procedure. The standard outpatient treatment typically lasts for 40 minutes, and is performed under the supervision of a psychiatrist. The number of sessions recommended is based on the individual patient's need and response to treatment. For most patients, treatment is administered daily, for four to six weeks.

Weill Cornell Medical College faculty from the Department of Psychiatry provide expert evaluation of patients and consistent monitoring throughout the course of treatment. Ben Zebley, M.D. and Marc Dubin M.D., Ph.D. oversee the TMS site located in Manhattan. To make an appointment or referral to the TMS Program, or to learn additional information, please call at 212-746-2246 or e-mail to TMSinfo@med.cornell.edu

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