What is RTMS? 10 benefits and side effects of treating depression with rTMS

Daria Radmanesh Psychology last Update: 3 hours ago Published: 3 hours ago No question

Pending review by Darmankade medical team

In recent years, many people due to daily pressures, Job stress and lifestyle changes make some people experience mental disorders such as depression and seek specialized treatment. The field of mental health has made significant progress and new treatment methods have been introduced. One of the non-invasive treatment methods is transcranial magnetic stimulation or rTMS, which stimulates nerve cells in the brain. This method is used to treat a wide range of neurological and mental diseases and is more effective than traditional treatment methods such as drug therapy. Join us in this article from Darmankade Health Magazine to introduce you more to the RTMS device.

The device What is rtms?
use of rTMS device
treatment of depression with rTMS
- results of doing rtms on treatment Depression
How does the rTMS device work?
Who can use the rTMS device?
Who is not suitable for RTMS therapy?
How effective is RTMS?
How long is the treatment time with the rtms device?
What are the benefits of rtms?
complications of the rtms device
Necessary preparation for treatment With rTMS device
necessary care after rTMS
What is the cost of rTMS treatment?
guide to see a doctor
Frequently asked questions

What is the rtms device?

rTMS or Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, also known as rTMS, is a non-invasive treatment method that It is used to improve some mental disorders such as treatment-resistant depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Treatment with rTMS device does not require anesthesia and hospitalization.

In this method, a special coil is placed on the patient's scalp and with the help of a magnetic device, electrical pulses are sent to stimulate certain areas of the brain. The magnetic field and electric pulses change the neural activity of the brain and by stimulating the neurons, they help to improve the symptoms of mental disorders.

The use of the rTMS device

The rTMS device is mostly used to treat treatment-resistant depression, that is, when other treatment methods such as drug therapy and psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt) are not effective, it is used. Other mental disorders that a neurologist may use rTMS to treat include: anxiety, anxiety href="https://www.darmankade.com/blog/bipolar-mood-episode-triggers/">bipolar disorder

schizophrenia

fear attacks (panic)

reduce migraine headaches

Fibromyalgia

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Improving performance in movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease

Brain injuries such as stroke

Reducing symptoms of peripheral nerve disorders

Alzheimer and improving memory

Improving cognitive function

Quitting smoking

Epilepsy

Tinnitus

Facial paralysis

“The FDA approved rTMS to treat severe depression when other treatments (like medications and psychotherapy) haven’t achieved enough effect.”
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved rTMS for the treatment of severe depression when other treatments (such as drugs and psychotherapy) have not been effective enough.

Treatment of depression with rTMS

The left prefrontal cortex region plays an important role in emotion processing and mood regulation. In treating depression with rTMS, the doctor targets this area of the brain to stimulate and increase neural activity. Stimulating and increasing neural activity in the left prefrontal cortex can lead to the reactivation of silent areas in the brain of depressed people and have effects such as improving mood and reducing depression symptoms.

Results of performing rtms on the treatment of depression

Research shows that treatment with the rtms device helps to increase the activity of neurons and strengthen synaptic communication in parts of the brain that are inactive during depression. And it improves mood. This magnetic stimulation plays an important role in the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine and thus has a positive effect on improving mood and treating depression symptoms. Some studies have shown that about 50% of patients with treatment-resistant depression have improved with rTMS and their quality of life has increased.

How does the rTMS device work?

The rTMS device includes a special coil to pass an electric current and create a magnetic field. When the device is activated, it produces short, controlled electrical pulses. These pulses pass through the skull without causing pain and reach the nerve cells in a certain part of the brain. Magnetic pulses are sent repeatedly for greater effect. Stimulations caused by magnetic waves cause changes in the function and structure of neurons and can have therapeutic effects.

rTMS treatment lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. During the treatment, you may feel a tap on your scalp under the coil and hear a loud, click-like sound. This sound is caused by the turning on and off of the electromagnetic coil to send magnetic pulses, and its intensity can be as loud as an MRI scan.

To treat your depression, try the non-invasive RTMS method!

To consult about this method, make an appointment with your doctor now The best neurologist Tehran Neurology online visit

Who can use the rTMS device?

rTMS is a treatment for major depressive disorder. This method helps to treat depression that has not responded to medication and other approaches. It can also be effective for patients with bipolar disorder who experience episodes of major depression. Currently, some specialists use rTMS therapy to treat auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia. Remember, rTMS for patients with other mental disorders can only be used as part of research or clinical trials.

Who is not suitable for rTMS treatment?

You are not a good candidate for rTMS treatment if you have the following conditions and conditions:

Pregnant
Metal or implanted medical devices
Beings Heart failure or heart abnormalities
Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator device
History of stroke
Cerebral aneurysm or metals inside the brain
Implanted vagus nerve stimulators or deep brain stimulators
History of brain surgery
Implanted electrical devices such as drug pumps
Severe mental disorders
Electrodes to monitor brain activity
Cochlear implants for hearing
Epilepsy and seizures
Brain tumors

How effective is rTMS?

Studies show that rTMS treatment is useful for 50 to 60% of people with treatment-resistant depression. has been About 30% of these people had a complete recovery and their symptoms were completely resolved. Of course, it should be noted that like most depression treatments, the effects of RTMS are not permanent and the symptoms may return after about a year. However, in most cases, RTMS treatment sessions are about 30 to 60 minutes and 5 times a week, which usually last 4 to 6 weeks. Of course, this period of time may be shorter or longer depending on the individual's response to treatment.

What are the benefits of rTMS?

The success of rTMS treatment depends to some extent on the expertise and skill of the doctor and the number of treatment sessions.

The most important advantage of RTMS treatment is that it is a non-invasive method and is performed without surgery, anesthesia and chemical injection. Its other advantages include the following:

It is effective for treatment-resistant depression.
It has few side effects and they are usually mild and short-term.
It is considered an outpatient treatment method and patients do not need hospitalization.
It is affordable; Because it has a shorter treatment period than drug treatment.
It does not cause dependence and addiction.

Rtms device side effects

Repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation is a safe and effective treatment that usually does not cause serious side effects. But some people (about 50%) have headaches during or after the first session of treatment with the rTMS device. These headaches are usually mild and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. Feeling pain is usually not a side effect of rTMS; However, some people may experience mild discomfort such as tingling or cramping in their facial muscles.

In the table below, you can learn about other possible risks and complications of this treatment method:

Possible side effects of the rTMS deviceDescriptionHearing problems A small percentage of people said that they had hearing problems after the rTMS session despite using earplugs. Of course, this is a temporary side effect. Worsening of Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Some people have reported that rTMS stimulation has worsened the manic episode symptoms of Bipolar Disorder. Some people feel dizzy during or immediately after rTMS treatment. Dizziness usually disappears quickly after treatment. If it persists, it is better to consult a doctor to investigate the cause of vertigo. seizure This side effect occurs rarely. However, if you have a history of convulsions or suffer from a specific disease that exposes the patient to convulsions, the doctor usually does not recommend rTMS. Table of complications of treatment with rTMS device

Required preparation for treatment with rTMS device

RTMS usually does not require complex preparation or difficult procedures. Following a few simple tips can help the treatment session go better.

Treatment with rTMS should be done under the supervision of a neurologist.

Before performing rTMS, it is better for the patient to discuss with the online neurologist about all medications, history of neurological and convulsive diseases, presence of metal implants or other medical equipment in his body, such as heart batteries, aneurysm clips, and hearing implants. Because the presence of some medical equipment in the head or neck can cause problems in the process of using the rTMS device. It is also possible for the doctor to perform a brain tape test before starting the rTMS sessions to accurately check brain activity.

“Some people cannot have rTMS because they have metal in their head that can’t be removed. Braces and dental fillings are okay.”
Some people cannot do rTMS; Because they have a metal in their head that cannot be removed. Braces and dental fillings are okay.
Quoted from the site: webmd

Care after rTMS

Care after rTMS treatment is very simple. Unlike other medical treatments, this method does not require rest and a long recovery period, and in most cases, the patient can return to daily activities such as driving, working or studying immediately after the treatment session. However, you may feel some pressure, heaviness, or a mild headache where the coils are placed on the scalp. Observing the following care points will help speed up the recovery of these mild side effects and prevent possible risks:

Rest for 30 to 60 minutes after the treatment session.
Avoid physical activity and heavy sports on the day of the treatment.
Be sure to start heavy physical activity after consulting your doctor.
Have a healthy and balanced diet.
Amount of water Drink enough and keep the body hydrated.
It is normal to have a small amount of redness and swelling at the place where the coil is placed on the scalp, but be sure to inform the doctor if severe skin irritation occurs.
Take the supplements prescribed by the doctor according to the recommended instructions.
Get enough sleep (7 to 9 hours) and be sure to inform the doctor if you have sleep disorders.

What is the cost of rTMS treatment?

The cost of rTMS treatment depends on various factors such as the number of treatment sessions, the type of disorder and treatment protocol, the expertise and skill of the doctor, the location and geographic location of the clinic. Also, if the patient needs maintenance sessions after the main course of treatment, a separate fee will be calculated. Although the cost of treatment with rtms device may vary in specialized centers based on the mentioned features, it is generally more affordable than other methods. Using magnetic pulses, this technique regulates the activity of a specific area in the brain and can help to improve some mental disorders that do not respond to drug treatment or psychotherapy. Non-invasiveness, no need for anesthesia, few side effects and no recovery period are among the most important advantages of this method.

In this article from Dermankade magazine, we introduced you to the use, advantages, side effects and treatment methods of rTMS. If you have more questions in this field, you can visit the website darmankade and consult the best specialist doctors such as an experienced neurologist. Also, the clinic has provided you with the possibility of receiving an online appointment for face-to-face consultation or online counseling by phone, text and video.

Frequently asked questions

What does Rtms stand for?

RTMS stands for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, which is known by the abbreviation rTMS.

Is treatment with the rTMS device dangerous?

No. This technique is a non-invasive and safe treatment method for the treatment of some mental disorders, including major depression, which is performed without the need for surgery and anesthesia, and has very mild and short-term side effects.

How long is rTMS treatment?

This method is considered a permanent treatment technique. Of course, stabilization and maintenance periods are needed for it to last longer.

Sources: webmd | healthline

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