Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

rTMS, or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses gentle magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is primarily used to treat severe depression, particularly when traditional treatments haven’t provided enough relief. The procedure targets specific, underactive areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation, sending short magnetic pulses to help restore healthy neural activity.

Because it requires no surgery or anesthesia, patients remain fully awake during the quick sessions and can immediately return to their normal daily activities.

An rTMS therapy session is quick and convenient, typically lasting between 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Because the treatment is non-invasive and requires no anesthesia, you can easily fit your appointments into a lunch break or a busy daily schedule. There is typically no downtime required afterward, meaning you are free to immediately drive yourself home or return to work or school. Our clinical team works efficiently to ensure your sessions are both comfortable and respectful of your time.

No, rTMS therapy is generally not considered painful, though most patients experience a unique tapping sensation on their scalp during the treatment. This tapping is often described as feeling similar to a woodpecker gently pecking or a finger tapping against the skin, which is sometimes accompanied by a light tingling.

While some individuals may notice mild discomfort or a slight headache during the first few sessions, these sensations typically fade quickly as your scalp gets used to the pulses. Our clinical team can easily adjust the settings or the positioning of the magnetic coil to ensure you remain entirely comfortable throughout every session.

A typical rTMS treatment course consists of daily sessions performed 5 days a week for approximately 4 to 6 weeks, totaling about 20 to 30 sessions. This consistent schedule is necessary to help your brain build strong, lasting neural pathways for mood regulation. Your interventional psychiatrist will continuously track your response and customize the exact number of sessions to best support your long-term recovery.

No, rTMS therapy does not require any anesthesia or sedation, meaning you will remain fully awake, alert, and conscious during the entire session. Because the treatment is completely non-invasive, most patients will not experience any grogginess or recovery time once the appointment is over. After completion of each session, patients generally feel comfortable driving themselves home or resume their normal daily activities.

Most patients are able to drive home immediately after an rTMS treatment session. Because the therapy does not require any anesthesia, sedation, or numbing medications, most patients will not experience grogginess, confusion, or recovery time required once the machine is turned off.

The most common side effects of rTMS are mild and temporary, usually limited to a light headache or some brief discomfort on the scalp where the pulses are delivered. These sensations typically occur only during the treatment session itself and tend to fade quickly after the first week as your body gets used to the therapy. rTMS does not cause systemic side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, or drowsiness. Our clinical team monitors you closely throughout each session and can easily adjust the settings to ensure your complete comfort.

Prior to treatment, the Interventional Psychiatrist will discuss potential side effects and you will be provided with a detailed patient information sheet with what to expect.

rTMS therapy is a publicly funded medical service covered by Manitoba Health for eligible Manitoba residents with an active provincial health card. To access this covered care, patients typically require a formal referral from a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or psychiatrist.
Because it is an insured provincial health benefit, you will not have to pay out-of-pocket for your treatment sessions at an approved facility.