Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic StimulationA doctor places an electromagnetic coil against a patient’s forehead near the area of the brain thatregulates mood. The coil then passes magnetic pulses to a targeted part of the brain. This induces anelectrical current in specific nerve cells. The procedure contrasts to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), inwhich an electrical current is delivered throughout the brain.

A typical rTMS session usually lasts a little under an hour. A doctor delivers magnetic stimulation atset intervals throughout the session. Depending on a patient’s condition and the discretion of thedoctor, the length, intensity, and time between intervals may vary to produce the best results.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a fairly new form of treatment. Doctors are stillstudying its effects. But, scientists believe the magnetic stimulation can reset brain wave frequencies tonormal levels and improve symptoms of depression.

Who It’s For

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is usually recommended only after medication andpsychotherapies fail to work. Doctors suggest at least one round of prescription antidepressants incombination with psychotherapy before exploring the possibility of rTMS.

The most qualified candidates for rTMS are depression patients who have not had success with othermethods. Also, in these patients, other brain stimulation therapies might be too dangerous. Patientswho are not in good enough health to undergo a procedure such as ECT might be better candidates forrTMS.

Patients with any sort of implanted medical device, such as a pacemaker, are typically not eligible forthe treatment. If you have a history of epilepsy, you also may need to explore other options. As is thecase with most brain stimulation therapies, pregnant women, children, and elderly people might not becandidates for rTMS.

Possible Side Effects or Complications

Clinical trials on the effectiveness of rTMS have shown mixed results. Because rTMS is one of thenewer forms of brain stimulation therapy, long-term studies are not available yet. Although rTMS isconsidered to be the least invasive kind of brain stimulation therapy, it still poses risks. Possible sideeffects include:

a slight tapping or knocking sensation as the magnetic pulses are passed through boneheadachescalp irritation or discomforttwitching in facial or neck muscles

seizurehearing lossnauseavision problemsmania

Serious side effects such as seizure and hearing loss are rare. But, it’s best to talk to your doctor ifyou’re concerned about the risks of rTMS.

What the Experts Say

In a 2008 study published in Experimental Neurology, Dr. Mark George and Dr. Frank Padberg notethat rTMS may be a promising option for patients with depression.

“Repetitive TMS treatment might have a therapeutic benefit not only for major depression, but also fordepression associated with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and stroke.”

George and Padberg also say that rTMS may be a better option than other forms of brain stimulationtherapy. This is because it has a lower rate of adverse effects. And, the treatment does not negativelyinteract with medications commonly taken for depression.