Educational reference
Treatment overview
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation uses magnetic pulses delivered through a coil placed against the scalp to stimulate a specific brain region. It does not require anaesthetic, and the person remains awake and can leave immediately afterwards.
Treatment is given in sessions over several weeks, each typically lasting from a few minutes to around forty depending on the protocol. Common side effects are scalp discomfort and headache during or shortly after sessions. Seizure is a recognised but rare risk, which is why screening excludes some people, including those with certain implants or a history of seizures.
It is used primarily in depression that has not responded adequately to other treatments, and is generally offered after those have been tried rather than as a first step.
Availability varies considerably between health systems. Whether it is appropriate, and which protocol, is decided with a specialist service.