What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurological disorder that affects the brain networks responsible for self-regulation and executive function. Children and adults with ADHD struggle with issues such as attention and concentration, planning activities, goal-directed behaviors, and self-control or emotional regulation.
The source of ADHD is dysfunctional brain activity or altered brainwaves. As a result, children with ADHD aren’t purposefully misbehaving; they’re overwhelmed because their brains can’t process all the information properly.
What symptoms develop due to ADHD?
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, but for many children, the challenges and symptoms continue throughout their adult life. ADHD symptoms are placed into two categories, inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Some patients with ADHD only have symptoms of inattention without hyperactivity, while others struggle with symptoms from both categories.
Examples of inattention include:
- Not paying attention to details
- Making careless mistakes
- Struggling to organize tasks
- Losing important items
- Forgetting to do chores or homework
Examples of hyperactivity and impulsivity include:
- Fidgeting when seated
- Being unable to wait for one’s turn
- Talking excessively
- Interrupting conversations and activities
- Running, climbing, or other activities when they’re inappropriate
Children and adults are diagnosed with ADHD when their symptoms are frequent or severe enough to interfere with socializing, forming friendships, and having success at school or work.
What is TMS?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved treatment that uses magnetic pulses to improve electrical activity in the brain. TMS targets underactive neurons associated with mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. As TMS normalizes brain activity, symptoms improve.
What is PrTMS®?
PrTMS® uses the same principle as TMS but produces better results by personalizing treatment. By comparison, TMS is a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t allow adjustments based on a patient’s individual needs.
These are the key components of PrTMS® that allow the MindSet experts to customize treatment:
Brainwave analysis
The team at MindSet begins by analyzing brainwaves using their innovative PeakLogic ComfortScan™ EEG. In less than five minutes, the electroencephalogram (EEG) reveals an accurate image of the electrical activity in the brain, showing brain arrhythmias or disrupted brainwaves.
Patient questionnaire
The second step includes a questionnaire about current symptoms. This allows the team to get a complete picture of the challenges each patient is facing, which in turn helps pinpoint the areas of the brain associated with the symptoms.
Data evaluated by PeakLogic Software
The information from the brain scan and questionnaire is analyzed by their innovative software, and the results are used to create personalized treatment. Based on the data, the PrTMS® therapy is delivered at the precise intensity needed to correct brainwave disruptions and restore normal electrical activity.
Ongoing brainwave evaluation
Throughout PrTMS® treatment, patients will get regular EEG scans. In addition to seeing real results, these ongoing scans allow the MindSet team to fine-tune the intensity of the magnetic stimulation. This ongoing evaluation allows patients to achieve optimal results with lower intensity PrTMS®.
What should I expect during PrTMS® treatment?
During your treatment, you’ll relax in a comfortable chair while the TMS device is placed near your head and directed at the targeted areas in your brain. The patient will be in a relaxing environment. The nurse/technician will administer the treatment according to the recommended protocol and doctor’s discretion.
The patient will hear and feel a light tapping sensation. For the initial course of treatment, you should plan to come in five days a week for 6-8 weeks.
Most patients report little side effects after treatment however, a slight drop in glucose may occur resulting in a mild headache. To remedy this, MindSet patients are advised to have a snack containing sugar which is available in our waiting area. Patients are able to drive themselves home when the treatment session is finished.
Some patients report feeling a difference within just a few days. However, the majority of patients experience symptom improvement over their first few weeks of PrTMS® treatment.
