TMS Treatment

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a proven, FDA approved, non-drug treatment for depression. Promises is the only private clinic in Singapore to provide TMS Therapy services.

TMS Therapy involves the use of a highly focused pulsed magnetic field, similar in type and strength to those produced by an MRI machine. During sessions, the device delivers targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that are underactive in depression. It is a non-invasive treatment (non-invasive means there is no break in the skin or contact with any body cavity, e.g., a massage would be considered non-invasive).

NeuroStar TMS Therapy is an in-office treatment that takes 37 minutes, and is performed while the patient sits in a chair, alert and awake. The TMS Therapy is administered five days a week, for up to four to six weeks. There is no ‘downtime’ after the session – you will be free to walk, jog, or drive home. As a non-drug treatment, you will not have to deal with the unpleasant side effects of medication, either.

For a closer look at why TMS is safer than drug therapy for depression, head on over to our article.

Advantages of TMS Therapy over Drug Therapy:

• No adverse effect on cognition or sleep
• No weight gain
• No sexual dysfunction

A Typical TMS Experience:

During treatment, you will hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head. The most common side effect is mild discomfort at or near the treatment area during the session which can be tackled with aspirin, if needed. This discomfort is temporary, and usually occurs only during the first week of treatment.

There are no effects on alertness or cognition; patients being treated with NeuroStar TMS Therapy can drive themselves to and from their treatment sessions.

Blog Articles:

Dr Rajesh Jacob
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
MD (Psych), MBBS, FAMS