Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is the only FDA-approved, non-invasive neuromodulatory treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Nicotine Addiction. It uses strong electromagnetic fields, roughly the strength of an MRI, to precisely target and alter brain activity, offering an effective treatment for psychiatric illnesses.
The treatment is ideal for people with mental health issues who do not respond well to medication, or conventional therapy or have experienced side effects to medication.
Being a non-invasive and drug-free treatment, rTMS does not require any surgery, anaesthesia, or medication. Patients remain fully awake during the procedure and might feel gentle taps on their scalp.
Studies suggest that rTMS can have long-lasting effects on your health and many patients have also sustained improvement after the treatment ended.
The treatment is safe with minimal side effects as compared to traditional medications. Most people going for rTMS feel a light tapping on the scalp and do not experience any adverse side effects.
Numerous studies have shown that rTMS shows significant improvements in depressive symptoms, especially in the cases of Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).
rTMS provides various psychological and physical benefits. It promotes brain plasticity, which encourages neuronal connections and improves brain activity, improving daily functioning and quality of life. People often report enhanced emotional resilience, improved sleep quality, and better overall well-being. Additionally, rTMS can help with chronic pain and other physical conditions, improving the general quality of life.
Research shows that rTMS enhances cognitive function, including memory, attention, and daily functioning. This TMS treatment can be especially valuable for persons whose mental health conditions have impaired their cognitive functioning.
rTMS is more accessible and convenient as it can be performed in outpatient settings. Each session lasts up to a maximum of 30 minutes and you typically attend a few sessions multiple times a week.
rTMS is generally safe and has little or no side effects. Like any other medical treatment, TMS treatment may come with some potential side effects listed below:
Most people describe a feeling of light, gentle taps on their heads. Common side effects include drowsiness, lightheadedness, scalp discomfort, tingling, spasms, and twitching of facial muscles.
Rare complications include seizures, which only happen in patients with pre-existing conditions where seizures are a symptom. Hypomania or mania is mostly seen in patients who have Bipolar Disorder.
rTMS is used for treating TRD, OCD, and substance addictions, especially in cases where conventional treatment options such as medication and therapy have failed or if the person receiving treatment has shown severe side effects to the medication. rTMS has fewer side effects and offers long-term benefits if you are not responding well to medication or therapy.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas in the brain, primarily the prefrontal cortex which plays a key role in mood regulation. These magnetic waves either stimulate or inhibit neuronal activity in the brain, resulting in mood and behaviour changes. High-frequency rTMS (10 Hz or more) typically boosts brain activity, while low-frequency rTMS (1 Hz or less) reduces it. This stimulation promotes brain plasticity, helping the brain form new neuronal connections and improve functioning.
Major Depressive Disorder
rTMS is often used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), particularly in persons who have not responded well to traditional treatments such as medication and psychotherapy. Studies have shown that TMS for depression can lead to significant reductions in depressive symptoms.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety Disorders such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), can be effectively addressed with rTMS, by stimulating areas of the brain that regulate your fear and anxiety responses.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is another condition that can benefit from rTMS. rTMS alters your brain’s response to trauma-related memories and emotions, helping you process your experiences and reduce symptoms such as flashbacks, panic attacks, hyperstimulation, etc.
Neurological Conditions
rTMS is currently under research for the treatment of various neurological conditions such as chronic pain, migraine, Schizophrenia, and even strokes. TMS therapy can enhance your motor function and relieve symptoms associated with these conditions.
Undergoing repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), substance addiction and other conditions can be a transformative experience for you. It’s essential to know what to expect during your sessions.
During an rTMS session, you will be seated comfortably in a treatment chair while a device is placed on your head that delivers magnetic pulses to your brain. The procedure is completely non-invasive and non-pharmacological. Sessions are scheduled multiple times a week and each session lasts up to 30 minutes. Patients describe the feeling as light gentle taps on their scalp. Your progress will be monitored by trained mental health professionals who will keep track of every symptom, new or old.
After the TMS treatment, you can immediately resume your daily life without the need for recovery time as there will be no significant side effects. Over time you may notice an improvement in cognitive functioning, energy levels, and overall well-being. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider will help assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Choosing the right provider for rTMS therapy is crucial for achieving effective results in your treatment of Depression. At BetterPlace Health, we are committed to delivering safe, effective, and personalised rTMS services tailored to your unique needs.
Qualified and Experienced Staff: Look for clinics with trained and certified professionals who specialise in TMS therapy. Their expertise can greatly influence the effectiveness of your treatment.
Comprehensive Evaluation Process: A reputable clinic should conduct thorough assessments before starting treatment. This process helps in tailoring the TMS therapy to your specific condition and needs.
Safety and Cleanliness: Ensure the clinic adheres to strict safety and hygiene standards. A clean and safe environment is crucial for any medical treatment.
Patient Support Services: Consider clinics that offer ongoing support throughout your treatment journey, including regular follow-ups to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Research the clinic’s reputation by reading reviews and testimonials from people who have sought their services. Positive experiences can be a good indicator of the clinic’s quality of care.
Accessibility and Convenience: Check the clinic’s location, operating hours, and flexibility in scheduling appointments to ensure they fit your lifestyle.
Technology and Equipment: Inquire about the technology used in TMS therapy. Advanced equipment can enhance the treatment experience and outcomes for you.
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Experts at BetterPlace are highly trained rTMS professionals who have treated over 50,000 patients with a range of conditions.
Each rTMS treatment is tailored to you, with stimulation settings and session frequency adjusted based on your symptoms and how you respond to the therapy.
rTMS offers a safe, non-invasive alternative to treat depression and other mental health conditions, especially when traditional treatments have not shown results.
We use the latest advancements in TMS equipment and techniques such as the accelerated protocol to ensure maximum precision and effectiveness in targeting the areas of your brain that need stimulation.
Our rTMS treatments are part of a comprehensive care plan, seamlessly combining with therapy, lifestyle interventions, and medication (if needed) for a complete end-to-end mental health solution.
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TMS refers to the broader use of magnetic fields to stimulate brain activity, where a magnetic coil is placed on the scalp and pulses of different frequencies are applied to the brain. rTMS is a type of TMS treatment where magnetic pulses are continuously applied to the brain in short bursts to either inhibit or stimulate the neuronal connections in the brain.
TMS is often a single-pulse or diagnostic tool, while rTMS involves repetitive stimulation for therapeutic purposes. rTMS is more commonly associated with mental health treatments such as TRD, OCD, and substance addictions.
rTMS is generally a safe treatment and has minimal side effects in comparison to traditional medication. Patients often describe the experience as light gentle taps on their scalp. Some side effects include lightheadedness, drowsiness, scalp discomfort, tingling, etc.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a neuromodulatory treatment for conditions such as Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and substance addiction. It targets the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and either inhibits or stimulates neuronal activity by using magnetic waves.
The frequency of rTMS treatment depends on your treatment plan which is personalised to suit your needs. Generally, a few sessions a week are prescribed but this could be different based on your requirements.
rTMS as a treatment for Anxiety Disorders and PTSD is still being researched. However, early studies show promising results, especially for persons with comorbid Depression and Anxiety. Ongoing research suggests rTMS could be a viable treatment option for Anxiety and PTSD.