rTMS
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

What is rTMS?
rTMS is a modern, technologically advance, effective, and safe treatment for Depression.
Is there evidence of success?
Growing body of Australian and international scientific evidence have proven that it is effective treatment especially for people who suffer from treatment resistant (people who have not responded for two anti-depressants) depression.
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 rTMS is likely to offer complete remission (30%-40%) or symptomatic relief 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.
Is it like ECT?
Not at all. It is a “non-invasive” (does not require anaesthesia, injections, surgery, or medications) method of treatment which is administered in an outpatient setting. Therefore, the side effects of the treatment are minor and if at all are short lived. Your doctor will inform you of the side effects before starting the treatment.

How does it work?
Phase One
It works by stimulating brains cells (neurones) in regions of the brain through a small, focused, pulsatile electromagnetic field.
The electromagnetic field is generated by a coil (figure 8 coil) which is placed over the head in the region where stimulation is required.
Phase Two
You will be able to see and feel the effectiveness of the electromagnetic pulse when your doctor tests the minimum amount of electromagnetic dose required to make your left thumb twitch. This happens when the coil is placed over the “motor cortex” (the area of the brain where nerves controlling muscle movements are packed together)
Phase Three
The 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 lateral prefrontal cortex of the right side of the brain controls neuronal loops which are more negative, careful, and over checking. We avoid stimulating this area.
How long should I receive treatment?
Each treatment session can last up to 20-30 minutes. The current approved treatment protocol in Australia advocates a person to have up to 30-35 sessions of treatment, delivered every weekday.
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. We also have a Neuro Navigator machine which provides more accurate information to deliver the magnetic pulses to the correct area of the brain.
Although not essential, the use of neuro navigator can make the treatment target more accurate. To use the neuro navigator, an MRI scan of the brain is required. We will advice you if this is beneficial or necessary, considering the cost of getting an MRI scan.
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” $143.90 for each treatment episode.
At Best Brains and Minds specialist clinic, we have capped the cost for each treatment at $150. This means the “out of pocket” cost for each treatment session is only $6.10.
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, please contact your GP to discuss a referral for an assessment for rTMS at our clinic.
Appropriate treatment of depression and secondary anxiety symptoms make a ‘world of a difference” in people’s lives. “Everything in life gets better when your brain gets better”. Please do not delay.
Please contact our reception for further information.