rTMS
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
What is rTMS?
Is there evidence of success?
Growing body of Australian and international scientific evidence have proven that TMS is an effective treatment, especially for people who suffer from treatment resistant (people who have not responded for two anti-depressants) depression. TMS has also found to be effective for Generalised Anxiety Disorder, OCD, Eating Disorders and PTSD.
The safety and efficacy of the treatment has been endorsed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand Collage of Psychiatrists and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence in the UK.
Treatment with traditional rTMS is likely to offer complete remission (30%-40%) or symptomatic relief (response) to many people ( up to 50%-60%) who may have been suffering from depression for many years, having to compromise their skills, abilities, occupational and social activities.
With modern accelerated rTMS protocol, up to 80%, 8 out of 10 people have received symptomatic relief (response) under clinical trial conditions. At our clinic 8 out of 10 people received benefit from the treatment an 6 out of 10 people achieved response within 5 days of treatment.
Is it like ECT? Is it safe?
It has no connection to ECT. It is a “non-invasive” (does not require anaesthesia, injections, surgery, or medications) method of treatment which is administered in an outpatient setting. It uses modern, advance and safe technology, which has been tested for over 30 years.
It is a very safe procedure and is painless. The side effects of the treatment are tolerable, minor and are short lived. Your doctor will inform you of the side effects before starting the treatment.
Steps in the treatment process
Step One
Once you have been assessed by the doctor for the suitability and safety of treatment, he or she will explain how the rTMS machine works, what to expect, side effects of the treatment and the treatment protocol selected for you.
You will be requested to sign a consent form before the treatment start.
Step Two
Doctor will take measurements of your head to find out what is described as the Motor Threshold. This is the minimum amount of electromagnetic dose required to stimulate on of your neurones in the brain.
You will be able to see and feel the effectiveness of the electromagnetic pulse when your doctor tests for the above by making your right index finger flick. This happens when the coil is placed over the “motor cortex” (the area of the brain where nerves controlling muscle movements are packed together)
You will also realise that the stimulation does not cause any pain.
Step Three
On the day of the treatment, repetitive pulsatile electromagnetic stimulation (treatment dose) is then delivered, aiming at an area of the brain called “lateral prefrontal cortex” which we believe is a central area for “positive thinking and cognition”. It is one of the very advanced “top down” controlling part of the brain. By stimulating this part of the brain, the neuronal loops which support positive thinking are repetitively stimulated. The higher cognitive abilities too become reactivated, facilitating problem solving, planning and seeing the “bigger picture” with renewed hope.
How long should I receive treatment?
On the traditional way of delivering rTMS, each treatment session can last up to 20-30 minutes. You will receive a treatment delivered at a convenient time, every working day for 7 weeks.
The modern, accelerated rTMS protocol, delivers, 10 treatment sessions every day for 5 consecutive days, totalling 50 sessions. The treatments delivered are called Theta bursts at 50 htz, lasting for 9 minutes. You will have a 50 minute break in-between treatments. You will be offered a comfortable facilities to rest and relax during the breaks within the clinic premises. The treatments start at 7.30 in the morning and finishes by 4.30-5pm, each treatment day. We will help finding accommodation close to the clinic, if you are unable to travel daily.
What is offered at Best Brains and Minds Specialist Clinic?
At Best Brains and Minds Clinic we have one of the most advance rTMS delivering machines with Neuro Navigator facilities.
The clinic has over 3 years experiencing in delivering rTMS. We are the only clinic which offers, modern, accelerated rTMS in Australia.
We have a dedicated rTMS treatment unit with all modern facilities to offer you safety and comfortability.
All our staff members are trained and accredited to deliver rTMS effectively and safely. They are trained to support your emotional and physical wellbeing and answer any questions throughout the treatment.
How much does it cost?
From November 2021, the department of health has recognised rTMS as a valuable treatment option for appropriate patients in Australia. Medicare will “pay back” $152.45 for each treatment episode.
At Best Brains and Minds specialist clinic, we have capped the cost for each treatment at $155. This means the “out of pocket” cost for each treatment session is only $2.55, if you are eligible for Medicare Rebates. The total out of pocket cost for 35 sessions will be $89.25.
The total cost for 30 sessions on private basis will be $4650.
For the 5 day accelerated protocol, delivering 50 treatment sessions, the total out of pocket cost is $750, if you are eligible for Medicare Rebates.
The total cost for the 5 day accelerated protocol on private basis is $6180.
Whom should I contact to enquire and receive treatment?
If you feel that you have been suffering from depression without receiving adequate relief after being tried on two anti-depressants or more, please contact your psychiatrist or the GP to receive a referral for treatment with rTMS at our clinic.
You are also able to self refer, if you are happy to receive the treatment on a confidential and private basis.
We also offer rTMS treatment for people who suffer from Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Eating Disorders,PTSD and OCD. Please note that Medicare rebates, currently do not apply for the above conditions.
Treatment with rTMS have changed peoples lives, with long term gains and preventing relapse.
Please contact our reception on 0283165440 and express your interest. One of the knowledgeable and qualified health professionals will contact you as soon as possible.
