What is rTMS?
rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a non-invasive medical therapy that uses recurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat depression (FDA approved) and other neuropsychiatric disorders. rTMS is a brain stimulation technique based on the production of short magnetic fields using an insulated coil placed over the scalp. These magnetic fields are of the same type as those used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging. Magnetic pulses produce a weak electrical current in the brain that activates neuronal circuits. This treatment has been shown to be a safe and well tolerated procedure that can be effective in patients with depression or other neuropsychiatric disorders.

Procedure
The rTMS treatment includes a number of treatments. For each rTMS session, you should be in a specially designed room in the clinic and sit in the treatment chair. Before starting the rTMS process, you will be asked to remove any metallic or magnetically sensitive items (eg jewelry, keys, credit cards). Because rTMS produces a click sound with every pulse, you will have earplugs for your comfort and safety. rTMS DOES NOT require anesthesia , so you will be awake and alert during the whole process.
A member of the TMS treatment team will first place your head in the head support system. Then, the magnetic coil will be positioned gently over the side of your head. The TMS staff member will then adjust the TMS device by providing a series of pulses until it gives just enough energy to make contractions in your hand. The amount of energy required to make a twist in your hand is called the “motor threshold.” Everyone has a different threshold and the treatments are done at an energy level that is just above the individual limit of ” MT ”. During the process, you will hear a click and you will feel a sensation on the scalp.
Thereafter, the magnetic coil will move to one side of your head, in a region of the brain that scientists believe may be responsible for causing depression or other neuropsychiatric disorders. You will receive the treatment as a series of “pulses”, with a period of “rest” between each series of pulses. Treatment sessions are usually 3-40 minutes.
Trained staff will monitor you throughout the treatment. He will be able to stop the process at any time.

Number of therapies
The exact number of treatments you receive can not be predicted in advance. The number of treatments you receive will depend on your condition and your response to the psychiatric treatment and medical judgment. The rTMS treatments are usually administered five times a week, but the frequency of the treatments may vary depending on your needs. Typically, patients responding to rTMS experience the results from the fourth to sixth week of treatment. However, some patients may experience results in less time, while others may take longer.


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Risks
As with any medical treatment, rTMS involves the risk of side effects. However, it is generally well tolerated and only a small percentage of patients discontinue therapy due to undesirable side effects.

Advantages of rTMS in relation to medication:
rTMS is a treatment option in cases where medication has NOT helped the patient adequately.
It is also a treatment option where in some cases the person DOES NOT want to receive medication.
Also, rTMS is superior to a standard medication in that it DOES NOT cause any side effects as below for example:

• Weight gain
• Sexual Disorders
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Sedation
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth