Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a series of repetitive, brief and highly focused magnetic pulses, used to stimulate brain cells. TMS is an effective, non-invasive, outpatient treatment with few known adverse effects. TMS is currently used in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and is usually prescribed when anti-depressants have failed.

When a nerve cell ‘fires’, an electrical impulse travels along its length. It communicates with other nerve cells by releasing neuro-transmitters, which create an electrical impulse in other cells. In depressed patients, the electrical activity in certain areas of the brain have been shown to be reduced. TMS uses a focused electromagnetic coil, to rapidly pulse a magnetic field to the targeted area of the brain. The magnetic pulses induce an electrical current in the brain, stimulating the nerve cells, increasing the brain activity to normal levels.

Medication like anti-depressants are systemic, which means that the medication is absorbed into the blood stream which can cause numerous side effects. TMS is typically prescribed when anti-depressants have failed or the side effects are intolerable; this may be called treatment resistant depression, or TRD.¹ Other treatments for TRD include Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT), which works by applying a brief electrical pulse to the brain that medically induces a seizure. ECT is performed in a hospital and you will be anaesthetised and restrained during the procedure. ECT can be associated with numerous side effects. TMS is a gentle, non-systemic, outpatient procedure with has few known associated side effects. Patients can return to their daily activities after treatment. 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12706951

TMS is a safe and well-tolerated treatment with few known adverse effects. Clinical trials show that the most common side effects are mild to moderate scalp discomfort and mild headaches, both of which are short-term.² 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22689344

TMS therapy is appropriate for adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode. This means that if you have been diagnosed with MDD and medication is not working, or the side effects are intolerable, you should ask your doctor about TMS. TMS is not recommended for people with the following metal or implanted medical devices: Stents Aneurysm clips or coils Implanted vagus nerve or deep brain stimulators Electrodes for monitoring brain activity Cochlear implants for hearing Implanted stimulators Magnetic implants Bullet fragments Implanted electrical devices including medication pumps and pacemakers

While both TMS and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) are effective in the treatment of depression, there are many differences in safety and tolerability. Both are designed to treat depression through the application of energy into the brain, but the similarities quickly dissolve. ECT is a much more intensive and invasive procedure than is TMS Therapy. ECT is designed to create seizures and requires hospitalization and anaesthetics. The side effects from ECT are much more intense and occur in more instances. they include memory loss, nausea, insomnia and drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, anxiety . TMS depression treatments are an outpatient procedures with little side-effects.