What is rTMS?
rTMS stands for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and it involves using magnetic pulses to gently stimulate certain areas of your brain. The goal is to improve how these brain regions are functioning, which can help with mood, thoughts, and emotions.
The process is completely non-invasive, meaning it doesn’t require surgery or anything that breaks the skin. It’s similar to getting an MRI, but instead of using magnetic fields to take images, rTMS uses them to stimulate specific parts of the brain.
How does rTMS work?
During an rTMS session, you’ll sit in a comfortable chair while a small magnetic coil is placed against your scalp, usually over the part of the brain that controls mood and emotion (often the prefrontal cortex). The coil delivers targeted magnetic pulses to that area, which then helps to “wake up” or “reboot” the brain cells involved in regulating mood.
The pulses are brief and usually feel like a tapping or light tapping sensation on your scalp. You’ll be awake and alert throughout the procedure, and you can even talk or listen to music during it.
What conditions does rTMS treat?
rTMS is most commonly used to treat depression, particularly for people who haven’t found relief from other treatments like medication or therapy. It has also been studied and used for other conditions, such as anxiety, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
What does the treatment feel like?
The experience is usually well-tolerated. You might feel some mild discomfort at the site where the coil touches your scalp, like a tapping sensation or slight muscle twitching in the face. Most people don’t experience pain, but the feeling can vary from person to person. Each session typically lasts about 30-40 minutes, and you can return to your normal activities right after, with no downtime required.
How long do the effects take, and how many sessions will I need?
The full benefits of rTMS typically develop over time, with sessions happening several times a week (usually 5 times per week) for 4 to 6 weeks. Some people notice improvements in their mood or energy levels within the first couple of weeks, but it often takes the full course of treatment for the maximum effect. After the initial treatment period, some people may continue with periodic “maintenance” sessions.
Is rTMS safe?
rTMS is generally considered safe, and most people experience few side effects. The most common side effects are mild, such as a headache or scalp discomfort, but these usually go away shortly after the session. In very rare cases, there may be a risk of more serious side effects, like seizures, but these are extremely uncommon and are closely monitored during treatment.
Is rTMS right for me?
rTMS is not for everyone. It’s typically considered for people who have tried other treatments, like antidepressant medications or therapy, without enough improvement. Your healthcare provider will help decide whether rTMS is the right option for you, based on your individual symptoms, treatment history, and any other medical considerations.
In Summary: rTMS is a treatment option that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate certain areas of the brain that control mood. It’s a safe, non-invasive procedure that can be very effective for people with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions. While it takes a few weeks of regular sessions to see the best results, it offers a promising alternative when other treatments haven’t worked.
If you’re interested in learning more or think rTMS might be a good fit for your treatment plan, we can discuss it further and go over any questions or concerns you might have.
How long and how many appointments are there?
Sessions are an average of 20-40 minutes long. The recommended treatment plan for this service is 36 sessions total.