Regular Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

rTMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, particularly in areas associated with mood regulation. It's effective for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and is typically administered in daily sessions over several weeks.

How it works:

• A coil placed near the scalp generates brief magnetic pulses.
• These pulses pass through the skull and induce electrical currents in the brain.
• The stimulation targets specific areas of the brain, usually the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which is associated with mood regulation.

Treatment Protocol:

• Sessions usually last 20-40 minutes.
• Typically, treatments are given five times per week for 4-6 weeks.
• Patients remain awake and alert during the procedure.
   

Effectiveness:

• rTMS has been shown to reduce symptoms in people with major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly those who have not responded to medication.
• It has a favorable safety profile, with the most common side effects being mild headaches and scalp discomfort.