Migraine
Treatment
in Greeley, CO
At Mindset TMS, we use state-of-the-art methods to treat migraines and help patients feel great again. Migraines make it difficult to go about a daily routine. In addition to causing intense headaches, they can also induce nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. But recent medical breakthroughs mean effective treatments are now within reach.
Dr. Nicholle Peralta, our board-certified psychiatrist, has more than ten years of experience in the field. One area she specializes in is using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy to treat migraines. We want each person who comes through our doors to find relief from migraine symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life overall.
Migraine Treatment in Greeley, CO
At Mindset TMS, we use state-of-the-art methods to treat migraines and help patients feel great again. Migraines make it difficult to go about a daily routine. In addition to causing intense headaches, they can also induce nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. But recent medical breakthroughs mean effective treatments are now within reach.
Dr. Nicholle Peralta, our board-certified psychiatrist, has more than ten years of experience in the field. One area she specializes in is using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy to treat migraines. We want each person who comes through our doors to find relief from migraine symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life overall.
Table of Contents
What Is Migraine?
Migraine is a condition that affects the nervous system and causes excruciating headaches, making it difficult to live an everyday life. Patients suffering frequently experience pulsating discomfort on one side of their head. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and an extreme sensitivity to light and sound. There is no single cure for migraines. Still, traditional methods don’t address the underlying issue. The variety of treatments include medication, lifestyle adjustments, chiropractic care, and new therapies such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). The latter one is a non-invasive treatment using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This method can help decrease both how often patient have migraine attacks and their severity.
Types of Migraines
Migraine without Aura (Common Migraine)
This is the most common form migraine type. It presents as severe, pounding pain, usually on one side of the head. Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound often accompany the headache. Attacks can last for between 4 hours and three days. They may hinder sufferers from participating in daily activities.
Migraine with Aura (Classic Migraine)
A migraine with aura is like a regular migraine but with added symptoms beforehand. These can last for up to half an hour. They often include feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there (known as aura). For example, someone may see flashing lights or zigzag lines. Others may feel numbness or tingling in part of their body or have trouble speaking. If patients know a headache is coming because of these warning signs, they can prepare themselves better.
Chronic Migraine
These migraines are persistent, happening more than 15 days each month. The headaches last for at least 4 hours daily and are highly disabling. They can ruin a patient’s day and life altogether. This condition often needs special treatment and management techniques.
Hemiplegic Migraine
Hemiplegic migraines are uncommon but intense. They cause temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body—a symptom similar to a stroke. These attacks can continue for hours or even days. They also bring on other migraine signals, such as head pain, queasiness, and sensitivity to light and sound. Inherited factors often play a decisive role in developing this condition.
Retinal Migraine
When patients have a retinal migraine, they may suddenly lose vision in one eye or go completely blind for a short time. This condition is followed by a headache. The visual effects can be pretty alarming. But they are usually harmless, caused by blood vessels narrowing (constricting) or going into spasm in the back of the eye (retina). Retinal migraines necessitate rapid medical attention to dismiss other critical conditions.
Vestibular Migraine
Vestibular migraine is a condition that can cause dizziness or vertigo, with or without a headache. Other symptoms include problems with balance, sensitivity to motion or light, and visual disturbances. Because these symptoms can also be signs of other vestibular disorders, it can be challenging to diagnose and treat vestibular migraines.
Menstrual Migraine
Menstrual migraines tend to occur in women during their period and may be caused by hormonal fluctuations. These headaches can be particularly intense and may not respond well to regular migraine treatments. Thus, one way to avoid migraines during a period is by managing hormone levels.
What Is a TMS Therapy for Migraine Treatment?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes magnetic forces to stimulate parts of the brain that regulate pain. During the procedure, Dr. Peralta places an electromagnetic coil close to the patient’s forehead on their scalp. The coil emits magnetic pulses briefly into specific areas of the brain. This simple procedure can help ease symptoms of migraines and decrease their frequency.
TMS therapy works by changing how nerve cells in the brain work. This way, it helps reduce pain and improve brain function overall. The aim is to offer a treatment for migraine that doesn’t involve surgery or drugs, with few side effects and a good chance of success.
Therapy sessions are usually short. Patients can go back to what they were doing straight afterward. It may be especially useful for those who haven’t had great results from standard treatments for migraines. Or, it is an option for patients who would rather not take medication.
TMS Therapy
Procedure
Explained
Initial Consultation and Testing
During the initial appointment, Dr. Peralta performs a thorough assessment of the patient. This way, she ensures that a patient is a suitable candidate for TMS therapy. She goes over their medical history and discusses their migraine symptoms. Our specialist explains how TMS works and what the procedure will be like in great detail. She also gives an idea of how much the entire treatment plan is likely to cost.
After that, the patient has to undergo a thorough evaluation to check for any medical issues that might impact the TMS therapy. This could involve taking some blood tests or an EKG. Dr. Peralta looks at the results to make sure it is safe for them to have the therapy. Contraindications for TMS therapy include:
- History of seizures
- Metal implants in the head
- Severe heart disease
- Neurological disorders
Preparation and Positioning
During the therapy session’s day, patients sit on a comfortable chair. Dr. Peralta then puts an electromagnetic coil near their foreheads, right against their scalps. This coil targets only those parts of the brain that are linked to migraine symptoms. As the procedure is both painless and non-invasive, anesthesia is not administered.
Magnetic Stimulation
The TMS device utilizes magnetic energy to administer brief bursts of energy to specific brain areas. These electrical signals stimulate nerves. This way, they help control brain chemical levels called neurotransmitters, which can ease migraine pain. Each treatment lasts about 20 to 40 minutes. Patients might feel a tapping sensation on their heads during the treatment. But it shouldn’t cause major discomfort.
Monitoring and Adjustments
As part of the treatment, Dr Peralta keeps a close eye on how well the patient is doing. If necessary, she tweaks the therapy settings to get the best results from it. Typically, patients have daily sessions five days out of seven to over four to six weeks. By sticking to this regime, it is possible to enjoy long-term relief from migraines.
Follow-Up and Maintenance
After finishing the first phase of TMS therapy, some patients may need occasional supervision sessions in order to maintain its benefits. To assess how well the patient is responding to the treatment and whether any adjustments are necessary, Dr Peralta schedules follow-up appointments. The aim is to provide lasting relief from migraines and enhance patients’ overall quality of life.
The Therapy Sessions
Candidates for
TMS Therapy
TMS therapy is an excellent option for those who have migraines because it works really well and is not invasive. Here are key points that make the patient a suitable candidate:
Chronic Migraine Sufferers
Patients suffering from frequent migraines that last more than 15 days are ideal candidates. Since traditional treatments are not an option for them, TMS therapy may be an alternative solution.
Medication-Resistant Patients
Sometimes, those suffering from migraine can’t take any medications to relieve their symptoms. That is why TMS therapy has a significant benefit. It is non-invasive and has no side effects as drugs have.
Non-Surgical Preference
Many migraine patients are scared about any surgical procedures or severe drug treatments. So, again, TMS therapy is an option here. The method does not include any incisions, anesthesia, or downtime.
Individuals with Minimal Contraindications
If patients have a history of seizures, severe heart disease, neurological disorders, or have metal implants in their head, they may be unsuitable. That is why Dr. Peralta conducts a complete medical evaluation beforehand.
Those Seeking Drug-Free Treatment
Again, TMS therapy can be an excellent option for those who don’t want to take drugs because of the side effects or personal choice. For them, TMS therapy can seem like an attractive option.
Benefits of TMS Therapy for Migraine Treatment
Non-Invasive and Painless
TMS therapy does not require surgery, incisions, or anesthesia. It can be performed without causing significant discomfort to patients, as in the case of care in any chiropractic clinic. The electromagnetic pulses delivered during TMS sessions are painless. Most patients feel only a mild tapping sensation on the scalp. Then, they feel a short-term relief. This makes TMS an attractive option for those seeking a gentle and non-disruptive treatment for migraines.
Drug-Free Treatment
With its drug-free approach to migraine management, TMS therapy provides a viable option for those who cannot handle medication side effects. Besides, it is an excellent choice for patients who have not experienced positive results with drugs. Interestingly, studies show that taking medications constantly can develop dependencies. This way, TMS therapy has a more natural, holistic approach to migraine management.
High Success Rate
Many patients discover that TMS therapy is quite effective at lessening how often and how bad migraines are. They discover their symptoms improve a great deal, and some find complete relief. By targeting only the parts of the brain that deal with pain regulation, this treatment type can do its job precisely and competently. The fact that TMS may be applicable for ongoing migraine management is exciting.
Minimal Side Effects
One advantage of TMS therapy is that it has very few side effects. While medications often cause people to feel sick or dizzy, for example, the majority of individuals experience only mild and temporary discomforts from TMS therapy side effects. These might include headaches or feeling like their scalp is slightly sore right after treatment. However, these issues tend to last only a short time.
Quick and Convenient Sessions
TMS therapy sessions only last 20 to 40 minutes. So, it is easy to fit them into a patient’s day without a major interruption. Better yet, there is no downtime after the session. They can go right back to what they were doing. That makes it convenient to stick with a treatment plan and get the best results.
Cost of TMS Therapy in Greeley
The average cost of TMS therapy in Greeley, CO, ranges from $100 to $500 per session. This price includes the consultation with our specialist and the procedure itself. Factors that can impact the overall fee include how many sessions are needed, the particulars of a patient’s case, and any extra evaluations or treatments required. Usually encompassing 20-30 appointments, an entire course might run anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000. For an individualized price quote, book an appointment with Dr. Peralta.
Mindset TMS Is the Best Destination for TMS Therapy in Greeley
Mindset TMS offers outstanding migraine relief through top-quality TMS therapy. Dr. Nicholle Peralta MD, our board-certified psychiatrist, has more than ten years of experience and always provides personalized treatment that works. Our modern facility combines patient-centered care with the latest technology in a cozy and inviting setting. We are proud of our successful track record and commitment to providing top-notch service. When it comes to medication- and stress-free treatment for migraines, Mindset TMS is the ultimate choice.