What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression?

TMS is used to treat depression and can be offered when patients have not responded to antidepressant medication, prefer to try an alternative to medication, or cannot tolerate antidepressant medications due to side effects. It is important that a thorough psychiatric evaluation is undertaken for each patient to determine if TMS is a suitable treatment

Using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to treat depression

This drug-free method of treating depression is effective, scientif ically proven, safe and TGA approved.A large body of research conducted worldwide and Australia indicates that TMS has antidepressant effects. It is understood that TMS works by modifying and rebalancing activity across brain networks, which has become altered in depression. TMS is now an approved treatment for depression in countries including Australia, the United States, Canada, Israel and the United Kingdom.

What are the benefits of TMS therapy?

- Research and clinical trials worldwide have reported it to be an effective treatment for depression and OCD
- TMS is a non-invasive treatment, which requires no sedation
- It is an outpatient treatment, and well tolerated by majority of people
- Daily activities can be resumed immediately after each session (e.g driving)

What are the side effects?

Generally, TMS has few side effects that might be experienced during the procedure only. These include headache, scalp discomfort and facial muscle twitching. These side effects are mild and generally resolve soon after a treatment session. Most patients f ind side effects reduce in intensity and frequency as the course of TMS progresses. Also, the TMS machine at our centre allows stimulation at lower intensity in the initial phases to help patients acclimatise to any side effects.

What are the risks?

The main risk associated with TMS is its potential to cause seizure. In clinical practice, very few seizures have occurred. TMS delivered within published guidelines to individuals without risk factors appears to cause fewer than 1 seizure per 60,000 sessions.The initial appointment with the psychiatrist identif ies risk factors like an underlying epilepsy or concurrent brain condition that could increase the risk of seizure.

What happens during a session?

You will be awake through the whole session. A staff member will be with you to guide you through the treatment process. If you have any concerns during the treatment, the treatment can be stopped immediately.

A session involves lying in a comfortable recliner chair and wearing either ear muffs or plugs for hearing protection. A small magnetic coil is then precisely placed on your forehead, touching your scalp. When the treatment starts you may hear a soft clicking noise and feel a tapping sensation on your scalp. The treatment will take 20-30 minutes and then you should be able to resume your normal activities including driving home after the session.

Risks and Potential Side Effects of TMS

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is widely regarded as safe and well-tolerated. However, some side effects may occur. Common side effects include:

- Scalp discomfort
- Headache
- Pain at the treatment site
- Tingling sensations
- Facial muscle spasms or twitching
- Lightheadedness

These side effects are generally mild to moderate and usually subside shortly after treatment. Rare but more serious side effects may include fainting, seizures, emotional highs (mania), and hearing loss if proper ear protection is not used during sessions. Seizures are extremely rare, with studies indicating that most antidepressants pose a higher seizure risk compared to TMS.

Research suggests the risk of seizure during TMS treatment is approximately 1 in 50,000 to 60,000 sessions for individuals without seizure risk factors, such as epilepsy or brain lesions (Rossi et al., 2009; Lerner et al., 2019). Ensuring safety involves a comprehensive pre-treatment evaluation and ongoing monitoring throughout the therapy process to minimize risks.

Patients and healthcare providers must engage in thorough discussions about potential risks and benefits to ensure that TMS therapy is both effective and administered safely.For additional information, including questions like "Can TMS cause permanent damage?" refer to our detailed article for further insights into this treatment.

How long does Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation take to work?

A course of 20 to 30 sessions given over consecutive weekdays is recommended for therapeutic results. Some patients may notice changes after several days

Will it work for me?

A thorough psychiatric assessment and physical examination need to be done before treatment is commenced. After assessment our psychiatrist can discuss the individual factors that may affect the likelihood of benef it for you. If you do respond to TMS it may take days to weeks to have a good response to treatment.

What is involved?

Treatment is provided on a fee for service basis. Before the f irst session an additional test is done to establish the right magnetic f ield dose for effective treatment. This takes about 30 minutes. Medicare rebates are now available for TMS for Depression Treatment. To f ind out more about out of pocket costs please contact us at tms@thempc.com.au

Do I need a referral for the Melbourne Psychiatry Centre?

A valid Referral from a psychiatrist or your GP is required to make an initial appointment with our TMS psychiatrist.

Should your GP wish to discuss the treatment with our psychiatrist please call on 03 91938502

How to Get Referred for TMS Therapy

Your GP can refer you to us for TMS therapy. Once we receive the referral, a team member will contact you to schedule your first appointment.

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