TMS Frequently Asked Questions

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) approval as a treatment for resistant depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). TMS has also demonstrated efficacy in treating anxiety, PTSD, migraines, substance disorders, chronic pain, nerve pain, dementia and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 

TMS is an excellent option if medication has not been effective or well tolerated due to side effects. TMS is most effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle. TMS demonstrates a 70% response rate in depression treatment. It is a cost-effective and revolutionary treatment that improves brain functioning and connectivity and stimulates neuroplasticity.  

• Safe
• Convenient
• Less side effects than most medications
• No personality changes or cognitive side effects
• Fast 
• Cost-effective
• TGA approved
• Medicare funded (conditions apply)
• Wide spread use and efficacy
• Observed benefits in chronic pain, tinnitus, substance use, cerebral palsy, dementia, PTSD, ADHD, ASD

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an exciting and revolutionary approach to treating psychiatric and neurological conditions without medication. TMS has a faster onset of action and a very low side effect profile compared to most medications. A typical course of TMS for depressions treatment includes 35 treatments. TMS is indicated where medications have failed, are only minimally effective or have caused unwanted side effects. TMS alters ‘faulty’ brain connections and activity, helping the brain to function better again. 

The principle behind TMS is that magnetic pulses focused on a specific brain region can be used to stimulate or inhibit brain cells. TMS applied at high frequency stimulates brain activity. TMS applied at low frequency reduces brain activity. By targeting abnormal activity (too high or too low) in certain brain regions associated with psychiatric and neurological conditions, TMS can be used to restore healthy levels of brain function. 

TMS also stimulates neuroplasticity which means it creates new nerve pathways and improves the functioning and connectivity of existing neurons and brain areas. TMS modifies and rebalances activity in the brain networks that have become altered causing presenting symptoms.

Major depressive disorder is the most common condition treated with TMS. Activity in the left frontal area of the brain, in a region called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, is reduced in patients with depression. High frequency TMS aimed at the left prefrontal cortex is used to return normal activity to that part of the brain and thereby eliminate or reduce the symptoms of depression. 

The safety and efficacy of TMS for treating depression has been established in several well controlled research studies including a study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health. Since 2008 over 20,000 patients have undergone TMS treatment. There are over 30 studies demonstrating the efficacy of TMS as treatment for depression in adults. 

TMS treatment for OCD utilises a low frequency stimulation to directly reduce activity in the area of the brain responsible for OCD symptoms. Response rates for OCD using TMS treatments are approximately 66%. TMS treatment for OCD uses a specialised coil known as a Double Cone Coil that has the ability to target deeper brain structures, such as those implicated in OCD neuropathology. 

Major depressive disorder (MDD) during pregnancy is a major concern. It is estimated that 13% of women suffer from depression during pregnancy. Pregnant females with MDD are less likely to seek prenatal care and are at higher risk of pregnancy-related complications (preterm birth, lower birth weight, and pre-eclampsia). The resulting maternal depression is known to have long-term impacts on maternal-infant bonding and child development.

Conclusions from reviews of the current literature indicated that both high- and low-frequency TMS can be used during all trimesters of pregnancy with a significant response in depressive symptom reduction. TMS offers a promising alternative to current treatment options for managing MDD during pregnancy, and no evidence suggests detrimental effects on the foetus. Certainty awaits large, standardised studies and long-term multi-centre trials. 

This is an advanced, novel treatment for the management of pain conditions by stimulating the target area with magnetic pulses. Peripheral TMS is a short and rapidly effective treatment to alleviate pain, by encouraging the body to promote natural healing. It can be used for a number of conditions, including neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal and spinal disorders: Cervical pain, frozen shoulder, chronic back pain, sciatica, spondylitis, sport injuries, rheumatoid/degenerative arthritis.

Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) entails electrically induced seizures given under an anaesthetic in hospital. However, TMS therapy is conducted in the clinic and it stimulates brain regions using brief magnetic pulses at an amplitude similar to that used in MRI systems. ECT may cause severe side effects, including memory loss, while TMS has no negative effects on memory, and is generally well-tolerated. 

Yes. TMS is a drug-free treatment that has less side effects than antidepressants. TMS is often effective when medications have failed. TMS can be stopped at any time with no withdrawal symptoms. 

Your presenting symptoms will start to improve and others might remark that you appear better. Your scores on standardised questionnaires of mood and anxiety will also demonstrate an improvement. 

• TMS causes minimal discomfort. 
• You remain awake and alert through the procedure.
• You can read, rest and relax or talk to the clinician throughout your treatment.
• You can resume activities directly following the treatment. 
• During the treatment you will hear a clicking noise and feel a tapping sensation on your scalp. 
• A clinician will always be with you.
• You can stop the treatment at any time.

• Clients can resume normal daily activities immediately following a treatment session.
• The most common side effect is a mild headache and scalp discomfort in the area of the treatment site. This typically occurs only in the first week of treatment. Any pain symptoms are generally relieved with a mild analgesic e.g. Panadol. 
• There is an exceptionally rare risk of a seizure. The risk of a seizure is in fact comparable to that of antidepressant medications.
• No long-term side effects have been identified. 
• TMS does not cause memory loss or personality changes. 
• TMS has fewer side effects than antidepressants.

Yes, unless advised otherwise, you should remain on your medication for the duration of the treatment. Medication is helpful to prevent relapse following the tapering and cessation of TMS. There are instances where medication can be reduced and ceased whilst undergoing TMS. Medications can also be switched whilst undergoing TMS and new options of treatment can be trialed. Any stopping of medication or changes to your current treatment need to be done in consultation with your treating doctor

Yes, your psychiatrist and/or GP remain responsible for your care. Our team will be responsible for administering and overseeing your TMS treatment. We will provide your doctor with regular written updates regarding your treatment. Your treating doctor remains your primary contact person, but you should always raise any concerns regarding your TMS treatment with one of our team members.