About rTMS Therapy

If you haven’t responded well to medication, find the side effects difficult, or prefer a drug-free option, rTMS therapy could be an ideal alternative. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in regulating mood and emotions.

Many people describe rTMS as life-changing – it helps ‘wake up’ underactive areas of the brain, supporting healthier communication between nerve cells and restoring balance over time. It’s commonly used to help treat a range of psychiatric and neurological conditions.

Evidence‐Based Therapy  

  • First approved in 2008, rTMS is an effective and evidence‐based treatment for psychiatric disorders, especially depression. 
  • rTMS therapy has been demonstrated to be safe, well‐tolerated and effective in numerous clinical trials and double‐blind studies. 
  • MRI imaging has shown rTMS increases blood flow to the area of the brain being stimulated, with subsequent therapeutic benefits.  
  • Close to 70% of patients receiving rTMS will feel some benefit and relief in depression symptoms.  
  • Most patients report feeling positive benefits some years after the initial treatment. Studies featuring patients with treatment‐resistant depression place response rates in the order of 50% and such patients experience a reduced burden of disease as a result.

rTMS Process

  • A psychiatrist or psychologist refers the patient for treatment. 
  • The patient will be further assessed by Ashburn psychiatrists to determine your suitability for rTMS.
  • If deemed suitable, rTMS therapy will be administered according to individual patient needs by an rTMS‐trained clinician.
  • Ashburn psychiatrist analyses rTMS treatment and manages follow‐up and ongoing patient treatment.

What an rTMS Session Involves

rTMS therapy is applied by a rTMS device with a stimulating coil. The patient sits reclined in a comfortable chair while the technician takes measurements of the patient’s head. A coil is then placed onto the patient’s head, and treatment is started. The session lasts 30 minutes. Patients can resume normal day‐to‐day activities immediately after treatment. 

Specialist Technology for Psychiatric and Neurological Care

We have sourced a top‐of‐the‐line magnetic stimulator machine to treat psychiatric and neurological disorders using transcranial and peripheral magnetic stimulation with new‐generation ergonomic coils.

rTMS FAQs

What is rTMS?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive, evidence-based therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It is most often used to treat depression and other psychiatric disorders.

What does rTMS treat?

rTMS is primarily used to treat depression, including treatment-resistant depression. It has been shown to help improve mood and overall mental well-being in patients who have not responded sufficiently to other therapies.

How does it work?

rTMS passes electromagnetic pulses through the skull to stimulate underactive regions of the brain. This helps to regulate brain activity, supporting improvements in symptoms of depression. MRI imaging has shown that rTMS increases blood flow to the area being treated.

Is it safe?

Yes, rTMS is considered safe and well-tolerated when provided under clinical supervision. Contraindications include epilepsy or certain implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers or aneurysm clips.

What does a session involve?

Patients sit comfortably while a trained clinician positions a coil on their head. The treatment typically lasts about 30 minutes, and patients can resume normal activities immediately afterwards.

Who delivers rTMS at Ashburn?

rTMS is provided by trained doctors or therapists under the supervision of an Ashburn psychiatrist. The psychiatrist assesses suitability, monitors progress, and manages follow-up care.

How often do sessions occur?

Treatment is usually given once every weekday over several weeks, depending on the individual treatment plan.