Antidepressants have been instrumental in transforming the lives of numerous people, creating significant improvements in their mental health and well-being. They work by artificially modulating brain chemicals like adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine. They are a powerful and frontline treatment for depression and other mental health conditions in the American healthcare system. But they are not a cure for mental health conditions, they are a tool. While antidepressant use has increased in America, so too has the rates of conditions like depression and anxiety. These medications are not a cure for mental health, they are a tool. And many tools exist for the treatment of mental wellness.

Antidepressants also have many (possible) side effects, ranging from mild to debilitating.

• Weight Gain

• Sexual Dysfunction/

• Libido Loss

• Nausea / GI Distress

• Sedation / Dizziness

• Dry Mouth

• Excessive Sweating

• Insomnia

It's important to examine the tools in your toolkit for mental wellness care. Mental health and wellness is a complex and multi-faceted field. Mental health therapy, exercise, sunlight, medication, TMS therapy, and many other daily habits or treatments all have their place in assisting mental health and wellness.

TMS therapy uses harmless magnetic fields to stimulate the brain. While this therapy has great potential, there are a few contraindications that overall disqualify a patient from undergoing rTMS therapy.

• Seizure or Epilepsy History: ​Those on anti-seizure medication or who have a history of seizures should not use this therapy.

• Electronic or Metal Implants:

  • rTMS therapy cannot be used on patients with implanted stents, defibrillators, pacemakers, cochlear implants, or deep brain and vagus nerve stimulators.

  • Patients with metal or electronic implants in the head or neck.

• Pregnancy

We encourage you to speak with Dr. Brown and your psychiatrist or other health professional involved in your care to decide best whether this treatment is right for you or a loved one. Schedule a free phone consultation or call our office at 704-752-8100.

Mental health conditions such as below are currently undergoing scientific analysis to understand whether rTMS can be of benefit. We encourage you to speak with your doctors involved in your care about TMS if you or a loved one have the following conditions:

• Schizophrenia

• Bipolar Disorder

ExoMind TMS is a type of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) technology. rTMS is an important technology for mental health and wellness today due to its minimal side effect profile compared to antidepressants, SSRI's, and other mental health medications. See our FAQ to learn about the various types of TMS.

The following side effects (may) occur as a result of ExoMind rTMS therapy:

• Minor Headache

• Scalp Discomfort

• Dizziness

• Face Tingles

• Brief Tinnitus (ear ringing)

• Brief Face Twitching

Our new mental wellness therapy, ExoMind is an rTMS device. Standing for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, rTMS is one type of TMS therapy and is the most prevalent in scientific research and clinical therapeutic settings.

Three primary types of TMS:

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS): "Repetitive" signifies a continuous stream or sequence of non-invasive and pain-free magnetic stimulations delivered to the brain via placement on the scalp. It has minimal side effects compared to other types like DBS and TBS.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Unlike the holistic nature of rTMS, DBS is an invasive treatment that involves surgically implanting electrodes in the brain and stimulating regions involved in mental wellbeing.

Theta Bust Stimulation (TBS): While both rTMS and TBS don't involve surgical implantations, TBS is a newer form of TMS not as widely used.

To get the most out of a TMS treatment, it's important to stay well-hydrated and maintain proper electrolyte balance the day before and after each full session. A consistent, healthy sleep schedule is equally essential--whether you're undergoing ExoMind, neurofeedback, or even learning, sleep is the foundation for neural rewiring. It strengthens the positive changes made while you're awake and plays a key role in your brain's ability to adapt and heal in the long-run. Lastly, please wear comfortable clothing and remove all metal jewelry above your neck.