Who should not have rTMS?
We do not usually treat people with a diagnosis of epilepsy due to the risk of triggering a seizure. It is important that you tell us if you have ever had a seizure.
Because rTMS generates high magnetic fields, you cannot have rTMS treatment if you have any type of metal in or near your head, except for dental braces or fillings.
People who have any of the following should not receive rTMS:
- Facial tattoos with metallic or magnetic-sensitive ink (please discuss with us if in you are unsure)
- Aneurysm clips or coils
- Stents in the neck or brain
- Deep brain stimulators
- Electrodes to monitor brain activity
- Metallic implants in your ears and eyes
- Metal shards, shrapnel, or bullet fragments in or near the head
- Other metal devices or object implanted in or near the head.
Whilst cardiac pacemakers in the chest are a long way from the magnetic coil, the manufacturers of our rTMS machine say that it should not be used in people who have a cardiac pacemaker.
Page last reviewed: 7 February, 2024