Specialised Services at BetterPlace
What is TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe and non-invasive procedure that can help alleviate symptoms of certain mental health conditions by stimulating nerve cells in the brain using magnetic fields. Think of it like a series of gentle, targeted pulses that are used to regulate brain activity and provide relief from conditions like depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
What are the benefits of TMS treatment?
The main benefits of TMS treatment are: 1) It is non-invasive, 2) It doesn’t have any major side effects, 3) It can be customised to suit each patient’s needs and treatment plans, 4) It is well-tolerated, allowing most people to resume their normal activities immediately after a session, and 5) It allows for precise targeting of specific areas of the brain associated with the condition being treated.
What is the difference between TMS and rTMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) are both non-invasive procedures used to stimulate nerve cells in the brain using magnetic fields. The main difference is that while TMS is a general term that includes various magnetic stimulation techniques, rTMS involves delivering repeated pulses of magnetic stimulation over time.
Does TMS have FDA approval?
TMS has received FDA approval for treating major depression, OCD, migraines, anxious depression, and to help people stop smoking.
Compassionate care from trusted specialists
Experts at BetterPlace are highly trained mental health professionals who have treated over 50,000 patients with a range of conditions.
- Depression
- ADHD
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Anorexia
- Agoraphobia
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Bulimia nervosa
- Bipolar Disorder
- Personality Disorders
- Binge Eating
What makes BetterPlace 'better' for you?
We believe mental healthcare should never be one-size-fits-all. We have built an end-to-end care model that is evidence-based, and adapts to the needs of you and your loved ones.
Experienced TMS specialists
Our TMS professionals have received extensive training in this cutting-edge treatment modality. No matter the number of sessions, we ensure the highest standard of care throughout your journey.
Treatment customised for you
We offer tailored TMS treatment plans for every individual. This involves setting the optimal simulation parameters and session frequency based on your symptoms and how well you respond to the treatment.
State-of-the-art technology
We utilise state-of-the-art TMS equipment and techniques, staying ahead of advancements in neurostimulation technology to deliver the best possible results for all our patients.
Seamless integration with other treatments
We provide holistic and integrated care that combines TMS with other treatments such as therapy and medication to offer you complete and comprehensive mental health support to overcome your conditions.
Visiting BetterPlace? Here’s what to expect
Every person is different. And so is every care journey. But our process is consistent.
Initial Intake Session
A 45-minute introductory session with a clinical psychologist so we can get to know you better
Psychologist briefs Doctor
A 15-minute break while your psychologist discusses your detailed history with our in-house psychiatrist
Have a 1:1 with an Expert
Speak to a Psychiatrist or Psychologist - depending on what works for you - to get your personalised treatment plan
Begin your Treatment
Your care at BetterPlace begins with regular progress tracking and continuous support
Mental Health Partners to the prestigious National Heart Institute
Visit our Experts today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Before starting TMS treatment, you’ll undergo a thorough evaluation to determine if it’s the right treatment for you. This may include a physical exam, psychiatric evaluation, and possibly brain imaging studies.
TMS sessions typically last about 20 to 40 minutes and are performed in a comfortable outpatient setting. You’ll be seated in a chair, and the TMS technician will position the coil against your scalp. You may feel a tapping or clicking sensation on your forehead during the procedure, but it is not painful.
After each TMS session, you can usually resume your normal activities immediately. Some people experience mild scalp discomfort or headache, but these side effects typically resolve quickly.
No, TMS is typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home and resume your daily activities afterward. It’s convenient and doesn’t disrupt your routine.
Common side effects of TMS treatment include scalp discomfort, headache, tingling sensation or twitching of facial muscles, light-headedness during or after treatment, temporary changes in vision, mild nausea or stomach discomfort, and fatigue or drowsiness following a session. Most of these side effects are mild and typically resolve quickly.
While TMS treatment is generally safe, individuals who may not be suitable candidates include people with a history of seizure or epilepsy, pregnant women, people with implanted metallic devices in or near the head, or those with severe psychiatric conditions like acute psychosis, bipolar disorder with mania, or active substance abuse.
There is no one clear answer for that, since it varies based on the condition and its severity. However, studies have shown that maximal therapeutic effects of rTMS treatment occur by 26–28 sessions of stimulation.
TMS is usually well-tolerated and has a few side effects. The most common side effect, which is reported in about half of patients treated with TMS, is headaches. These are mild and generally diminish over the course of the treatment. Over-the-counter pain medication can be used to treat these headaches.
TMS is always administered by a trained TMS technician. The TMS technician will always be present to monitor the patient during the treatment. The patient can stop a treatment at any time by asking a staff member present.
TMS is used to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, and migraines when other treatments, like therapy and medication, haven’t worked well.
TMS works by modulating brain activity, helping to restore balance. While it doesn’t “rewire” the brain, it can help improve symptoms of various conditions. It’s more about gently nudging your brain back into its natural rhythm.
TMS is authorised by the FDA for adults 18-70 years of age, and is considered an “off-label” procedure for persons under 18 years.
TMS is unlikely to cause hair loss as it targets specific areas of the brain and doesn’t affect hair follicles.
