Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does TMS therapy work for depression?

    TMS uses FDA-approved magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive brain regions linked to depression. Treatment involves 36 sessions over 4-6 weeks with personalized coil placement and energy settings tailored to each patient. At Shore TMS, we adjust protocols based on individual response to optimize outcomes.
  • What's Spravato treatment and who is it for?

    Spravato is a nasal esketamine therapy for Major Depressive Disorder patients who haven't responded to traditional antidepressants. It's administered under medical supervision following a structured treatment schedule. This medication-assisted approach offers an alternative for treatment-resistant cases in Eatontown, NJ and surrounding areas.
  • How long does a full TMS therapy program take?

    A complete TMS therapy program spans 4-6 weeks with 36 total sessions. Sessions are typically scheduled on weekdays, allowing patients to maintain work and daily routines. At Shore TMS, we design treatment schedules that balance therapeutic effectiveness with patient convenience.
  • What makes someone treatment-resistant to depression medications?

    Treatment resistance typically means a patient hasn't achieved adequate relief after trying two or more antidepressants at therapeutic doses. This affects many individuals with Major Depressive Disorder. Shore TMS specializes in innovative therapies like TMS and Spravato specifically designed for these medication-resistant cases.
  • Can you do TMS therapy remotely or at home?

    No, TMS therapy requires in-office visits for safe administration with specialized magnetic stimulation equipment. Each session involves precise coil placement and monitoring by trained staff. However, Shore TMS offers telehealth appointments for psychiatric evaluations, consultations, and follow-up care to reduce travel needs.
  • What happens during a Spravato treatment session?

    Spravato is self-administered as a nasal spray under direct medical supervision in our clinic. Patients remain on-site for monitoring after administration following FDA safety protocols. The structured approach ensures patient safety while delivering effective treatment for medication-resistant depression.
  • Do you need a psychiatric evaluation before starting TMS?

    Yes, a thorough psychiatric evaluation is essential to assess patient history and determine if TMS or Spravato is appropriate. At Shore TMS, Dr. Wolff conducts comprehensive evaluations to develop tailored treatment recommendations that optimize outcomes for each individual patient.
  • What's the difference between TMS and Spravato for depression?

    TMS uses magnetic brain stimulation delivered over 36 sessions, while Spravato is a supervised nasal medication therapy. Both target treatment-resistant depression but work through different mechanisms. Shore TMS evaluates each patient individually to determine which approach or combination offers the best potential outcome.
  • How do you know if TMS is working?

    Most patients begin noticing mood improvements after 2-3 weeks of consistent TMS sessions, with continued progress throughout the full course. At Shore TMS, we monitor response patterns and adjust personalized coil placement and energy settings as needed to maximize therapeutic benefit.
  • Is depression treatment personalized or the same for everyone?

    Treatment is highly personalized based on individual patient history, symptoms, and prior medication responses. Shore TMS develops comprehensive care plans tailored to each person, adjusting TMS coil placement, energy levels, or medication protocols to achieve optimal outcomes for treatment-resistant cases.