rTMS

Overview

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) uses magnetic pulses to alter the activity of the brain in areas which are altered in depression and other conditions. 

‘Standard’ rTMS, which comprises daily sessions for up to 6 weeks, is approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of depression.  

There are other ways of giving rTMS which differ from ‘Standard’ rTMS. We use an rTMS protocol called “accelerated intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation” (aiTBS).   This is an adaptation of an iTBS protocol which is licensed in the USA. The version of aiTBS which we use reduces the duration of treatment to 2 weeks compared to the 6 weeks that is typical of ‘Standard’ rTMS. It is not a licensed treatment protocol.  

To have this treatment for depression, you come to the Warneford Hospital 5 days a week, typically for two weeks. Each day, you will have 3 treatment sessions lasting 9 minutes each, at intervals of 30 minutes, delivered on the left side of your head.

You sit in a large chair.  A box containing a magnetic coil is put against your head which delivers the treatment pulses.  You will feel tapping or twitching.  The commonest side effects are headache and scalp pain. You are allowed to drive afterwards.  rTMS does not involve needles or taking medication.

After the course of treatment has finished, you may need to return for top-up sessions. The frequency of these top-ups differs across individuals and may range from weekly to monthly sessions.

For full information about the service and its pricing, click the link below for the rTMS Patient information leaflet:

rTMS – PIL v6.0