Broadmeadow
East Maitland
Killarney Vale
Toronto

Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 5:00

By appointment only

1300 219 796

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation diagram

What is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a proven treatment for Treatment Resistant Major Depressive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Generalised Anxiety Disorder as well as Chronic Pain and Tinnitus. There is also emerging evidence that it assists with Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Depression and chronic neurological conditions like Parkinson’s Disease. The treatment has very low side-effects as it isn’t a chemical treatment.

How does TMS work?

The TMS machine creates a powerful magnetic field through a coil which is placed next to the head at a carefully marked point (usually the dorso-lateral pre-frontal cortex).

The field penetrated about 1.5cm into the cerebral cortex and tends to make brain-cells communicate better. Other than some mild scalp discomfort and occasional headaches there are no real side effects.

Who can have TMS?

The only people not suited for TMS are patients with a history of epileptic seizures or this with intracranial metal for example cerebrovascular shunts or conductive metal plates. During TMS patients are conscious and tend to have therapy with our trained mental health nurses or psychologists.

What is the Process?

An initial treatment course is 30 sessions and usually by 20 sessions a participant will be able to tell whether the treatment is helpful. Following the initial 30 sessions there is usually progression to maintenance TMS which can be weekly to monthly. We provide initial outcome measures (DASS21, GAD-7, PCL-5 and others) and then progress outcome measure to measure and demonstrate the treatment effect for you and your referring doctor. We will also put this data on graphs to make explanation easier.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation session

Side effects compared

TMS is a localised treatment which only effects a small area of the brain, therefore it can be an effective treatment without any major side effects. Here’s how TMS’s side effects compares against other common treatments.

Above Image: Depressive Symptoms

TMS

Temporary headaches/scalp discomfort

Tiredness

Antidepressants

Insomnia

Weight Gain

Dry Mouth

Blurred Vision

Fatigue

GI Distress

Sexual Dysfunction

Nausea

ECT

Muscle Soreness

Nausea

Confusion

Headache

Memory Loss