Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

Patients who are adequately educated about the procedure and make an informed decision to consent to therapy, especially if earlier treatment methods (such as various medicines and psychiatric treatments) have failed to give symptom improvement.

When other types of therapy have failed to show treatment resistance, rTMS is used to treat mental health issues, such as anxiety. Although rTMS doesn’t always cause remission, it can reduce the severity of your symptoms. That means you’ll enjoy a better quality of life.

• The FDA approved rTMS for OCD.
• The FDA approved rTMS for treatment-resistant depression.
• Research suggests that rTMS could trigger slow sleep waves. As a result, patients may experience a better night’s rest.
• Specialists have started using rTMS treatment for addiction disorders, mainly when people develop depressed moods with withdrawal symptoms.
• According to research, rTMS can effectively improve the cognitive abilities of patients with early to moderate stages of Alzheimer’s Dementia. However, the positive effects of rTMS may persist for only up to few weeks.

According to available data, the risks associated with rTMS therapy for children are minimal and typically comparable to adults.

On the day of your treatment, feel free to bring headphones and your favourite music to listen to throughout the session, as well as a bottle of water. Also, you can watch your favourite TV program during the treatment.

Since rTMS does not need sedation or anaesthetic, there is no need to fast. Remove any accessories that are magnetic or respond to magnetism.

The staff can provide you with earplugs to use throughout the treatment.

A psychiatrist with experience in rTMS conducts a complete and thorough mental examination of each patient before the initial session.

Before therapy can begin, your psychiatrist must establish the best position for the magnets on your head and the right amount of magnetic energy for you. Your initial mapping session generally last about 20-30 minutes. A credentialled and trained technician who has a mental health background  usually perform all follow up treatments

Treatment sessions range in length from 19 minutes for most cases. Patients are given rTMS 3–5 days per week for 4–6 weeks. The number of sessions may vary based on an individual’s reaction to therapy.

The TMS coil slightly touches the patient’s scalp. As a result, patients report a tapping feeling on the scalp. In addition, during therapy, some patients experience mild twitching around the eyes and/or facial muscles. However, these side effects are only present for the length of the therapy.

Compared to conventional antidepressants, which typically take six weeks to show effects, most patients report positive mood changes with rTMS as early as the first week of treatment.

The results vary from patient to patient. Some patients’ remission may last a year or longer, and some may receive four to six weekly maintenance treatments.

When you experience positive emotions, you will return to your normal personality. Generally, when patients are happy with their emotions, they function better.

Memory impairment is not caused by rTMS. In general, patients’ ability to think improves simultaneously with improved role functioning.

Some patients experience a headache following rTMS, which is usually relieved by two Panadol pills. Other common side effects include discomfort on the scalp at the location of stimulation, facial muscular tingling, spasms or twitching and light-headedness.

You are free to leave after the rTMS session. You can drive and return to work following the treatment. If you are prone to headaches, you may want to arrange for someone to drive you.