What is rTMS?
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a brain stimulation therapy that helps individuals manage depression and anxiety-related issues. Since 1985, rTMS treatment involves focusing on specific brain areas and stimulating them with a magnet. rTMS treatment elicits desired effects in the brain that help with a wide range of mental health disorders, including depression, psychosis, anxiety, OCD, and more.
At Cadabams Hospitals, we have a stellar team of psychiatrists, specialists, therapists, psychologists, and registered mental health nurses who are experts in rTMS psychology and rTMS psychiatry. We offer quality rTMS treatment with successful outcomes.
How does rTMS work?
rTMS is a medicine-free treatment that a psychiatrist or a doctor suggests as an adjunct to the main therapy or when traditional therapies or antidepressant medications are unable to provide the expected relief for the individual.
rTMS is a popular procedure that is used to treat depression and is usually chosen after both medication and psychotherapy have failed. It’s also essential to explore antidepressant medications before moving on to rTMS therapy. Generally, patients choose rTMS treatment when they’ve used up all other options. rTMS is also for those patients who have a greater risk of seizures and may not support anesthesia.
The rTMS device produces a series of magnetic solid signals to the brain using electromagnetic coils. The coil passes the impulse to the brain nerves through the device when it’s placed on the forehead of the individual. Initially, the medical professional analyses the brain area that needs to be stimulated.
Then, the specific nerve cells in the brain are targeted and induced. As the rTMS therapy progresses, the brainwave regulations improve, thereby relieving the individual by reducing the symptoms.
Why is rTMS used?
rTMS is used to treat the following conditions:
- Enhanced Cognitive Function: Targets cognitive processes for improved mental clarity.
- Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Alleviates the impact of stressors on mental well-being.
- Emotional Regulation: Aids in managing and balancing emotional responses.
- Improved Sleep: Enhances sleep quality and promotes restorative rest.
- Trauma Recovery: Facilitates the healing process for individuals coping with PTSD.
Is rTMS effective?
rTMS therapy is effective against illnesses such as depression and anxiety. rTMS is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that has a greater effect on several mood-related issues and disorders. rTMS treatment helps to manage other neurological and psychological disorders, such as
What are the possible rTMS side effects and complications?
Loud clicks during rTMS require earplugs to protect your hearing. Even though hearing loss has not been reported, it is necessary to follow these safety precautions while availing the treatment.
Is rTMS safe?
Yes, rTMS is a completely safe treatment method. Furthermore, it doesn’t require any medications such as needles and anesthetics. rTMS induces only the pure magnetic impulse to enter the body. rTMS treatment comes with a few minor side effects (mentioned below). Other than that, rTMS has fewer side effects when compared to the other side effects that are associated with antidepressants and medications.
Who should avoid rTMS?
You should avoid rTMS if you:
- Have a history of seizures
- Have non-removable metal in your head or near the coil (10 cms)
Serious injury or death could occur if these concerns are overlooked.
rTMS Benefits
No sedation or anesthetic is required. Most times, when patients undergo a major procedure, it usually involves anesthesia or sedation, which can pose a life risk as well; sedation and anesthesia can cause loads of fear and anxiety.
Unlike sedation, which can have negative side effects like confusion, vomiting, cognitive dysfunction, and delirium, electroconvulsive therapy or rational emotive therapy does not need sedation or anesthesia; this will minimize a lot of the risks.
Few side effect s – rTMS has shown little to no side effects or safety risks. Only ten percent of patients have experienced some discomfort, such as mild headaches. There are rare cases where rTMS has caused a seizure. Hence, proper screening should be done before receiving rTMS therapy.
Quick onset – Almost 75% of patients will see a response with rTMS therapy in a clinical setting. This is defined as a drop in depression symptoms by half. Around 50% of patients who have received this rTMS treatment have experienced mild symptoms.
rTMS patients can see some improvements within the first two weeks of treatments, unlike some medications that take the body many weeks to adjust to the dosage.
No recovery period – Since rTMS does not need any anesthetic or sedation, there is no need for a recovery period after a session.
Cognitive improvements – Usually, depression can cause cognitive impairments, and patients will see an increase in cognitive functioning. Studies have shown that rational emotive therapy, in high frequencies, can improve attention, memory, and executive functioning, like decision-making and reasoning.
Other rTMS benefits include –
- Non-invasive
- Non-medicine treatment
- Effective with all mood-related issues
- Responsive treatment technique
What’s the duration of rTMS?
The treatment usually takes 30-60 minutes. These pulses activate neural networks and foster rapid regeneration of neurotransmitters along with new pathways.
How many sessions of rTMS will I need?
The frequency of the sessions should be at least 2 to 3 times a week. You can expect to get results within 8 to 12 sessions.
What do the experts say about rTMS?
“In my years at Cadabams, I’ve witnessed the profound impact of rTMS on patients who’ve struggled with depression for years. Seeing their smiles return, their energy rekindled, and their joy reawakened in everyday moments – that’s what makes this work so rewarding. While rTMS isn’t a miracle cure, it’s a powerful tool for hope and healing. I’m proud to be at the forefront of offering this life-changing treatment to our patients,” said Dr. Arun Kumar, a psychiatrist at Cadabams.
