What is repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)?

TMS Therapy is a non-systemic and non-invasive form of neuromodulation, which stimulates nerve cells in an area of the brain that is linked to depression, by delivering highly focused MRI-strength magnetic pulses. During treatment, repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), magnetic pulses are being delivered by a TMS device to stimulate nerve cells in the part of the brain controlling the mood. Our treatment protocol with the new machine is 19 minutes daily for 5 days for 6 weeks.

Indications for use:

“Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have failed to receive satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode.”TMS Therapy is CE approved for:“Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from two prior antidepressant medications, at or above the minimum dose and duration in the current episode.

Why rTMS – Excellent response and remission

rTMS is an effective and non-invasive alternative for the large number of patients not responding to medication or who cannot tolerate the side effects of medication. rTMS does not require anesthesia- and is not to be confused with ECT (electro convulsive therapy). Clinical trials and experience from clinics offering this treatment show excellent results in terms of response and remission rate. The TMS Therapy delivers non-invasive magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the part of the brain controlling the mood. The rapid change in the magnetic field induces a current, and if the current induced is of sufficient amplitude and duration, it will activate neurons.

Research shows the rTMS leads to increase in blood flow, increase in glucose metabolism and increases the level of neurotransmitters (dopamine and glutamate) in stimulated regions of the brain. It is known that people suffering from depression have a reduced blood flow, glucose metabolism and generalized activity in the part of the brain that contributes to mood. Repeated stimulation of this area can have an anti-depressant effect on people suffering from major depression. A large meta-analysis comparing rTMS to sham treatment showed a mean effect size of rTMS in depression which is high compared to mean effect sizes for the pharmacotherapy between 17-46%. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial finds that 61% of patients respond to rTMS therapy with a significant reduction in HAM-D score over the 4-6 treatment time.Often patients suffering from major depression obtain no relief, or inadequate relief, from antidepressants. In many cases, drug therapies induce side effects that result in non-compliance.