rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy is a state-of-the-art, non-invasive treatment that harnesses the power of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This innovative approach involves placing an electromagnetic coil against your scalp, which delivers painless magnetic pulses to specific brain regions responsible for mood regulation, pain perception, addiction, and motor control.

rTMS therapy is an excellent option for those who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments or have experienced intolerable side effects. This non-invasive, medication-free approach has demonstrated strong evidence for effectively treating a wide range of conditions, including major depressive disorder, anxiety, chronic pain, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar disorder. Moreover, rTMS shows promising results in addressing addiction and various neurological conditions such as post-concussion syndrome, restless leg syndrome (RLS), early Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke recovery.

For detailed insights on the effectiveness of rTMS therapy for different conditions, please see our Treatments page.

Not at all!

rTMS is often confused with shock therapy, but they are entirely different. Unlike shock therapy, which involves electrical currents and can be quite invasive, rTMS uses magnetic fields to gently stimulate specific areas of the brain.

Imagine a gentle tap on the shoulder versus a full-body jolt. rTMS is the gentle tap – it’s non-invasive, painless, and requires no anesthesia or sedation. During an rTMS session, you can relax in a comfortable chair while a magnetic coil placed near your head delivers precise pulses to targeted brain regions. The process is non-invasive and painless, allowing you to return to your daily activities immediately after each session.

So, rest assured, rTMS is not shock therapy. It’s a modern, safe, and effective way to treat conditions like depression without the intense side effects associated with traditional shock therapy.

Minimal.

Most people tolerate rTMS exceptionally well, experiencing few if any significant side effects. Typically, any side effects are mild to moderate and tend to improve shortly after each session, becoming even less frequent over time. Common side effects might include:

• Headache
• Scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation
• Tingling, spasms, or twitching of facial muscles
• Lightheadedness

Very rarely, more serious side effects can occur, such as:

• Risk of seizure during treatment (a theoretical risk of 1 in 1000)
• Risk of mania in patients with bipolar disorder

Overall, rTMS is a safe and well-tolerated treatment option, providing significant benefits with minimal discomfort.

The duration of rTMS therapy is designed to be flexible and tailored to your unique needs. Treatment sessions can vary from short, intermittent theta bursts that last just a few minutes to longer sessions that can take up to 25 minutes.

Typically, a standard course of rTMS therapy spans 4 to 6 weeks, with daily sessions that fit seamlessly into your routine. However, the total duration can vary based on the condition being treated and your individual response to the therapy. Some patients may need only one week of treatment, while others might benefit from a longer course.

For those seeking a quicker option, an accelerated one-week course is also available. This intensive schedule involves multiple sessions per day and is designed to provide faster results for those who need it.

In addition to the initial treatment course, we also offer maintenance therapy to help sustain your progress and prevent relapse. These sessions are scheduled less frequently and are tailored to your ongoing needs.