Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a modern, non-invasive, and safe method used for the treatment of certain psychiatric and neurological disorders. By using magnetic fields, it regulates the activity of specific areas of the brain. In this method, a magnetic coil is placed on the scalp, and magnetic pulses are delivered to the brain without the need for surgery or anesthesia, helping to correct or modulate the function of neural circuits.
The history of rTMS dates back to the 1980s, when magnetic stimulation was first used as a diagnostic tool in neurology. From the 1990s onward, research demonstrated that repetitive magnetic stimulation of the brain (rTMS) could produce lasting therapeutic effects. In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of rTMS for treatment-resistant depression, after which its applications expanded significantly.
Main applications of rTMS include:
• Major depressive disorder, especially treatment-resistant depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Chronic and neuropathic pain
• Migraine
• Tinnitus
• Post-stroke rehabilitation
• Certain neurological and movement disorders
• Some eating disorders such as anorexia, within supportive and emotional regulation protocols
Advantages of rTMS:
• Non-invasive and does not require anesthesia
• Very limited and temporary side effects (such as mild headache or a tapping sensation on the scalp)
• Patients can quickly return to daily activities
• Treatment can be precisely adjusted according to each patient’s needs
Each rTMS session usually lasts between 20 to 40 minutes, and the patient remains fully awake during treatment. The number of sessions depends on the type of disorder and the patient’s response to treatment, but generally ranges from 10 to 30 sessions.
Today, rTMS is recognized as one of the most advanced neuromodulation techniques and serves as a bridge between psychiatry and neuroscience. Rather than focusing solely on pharmacological treatment, it directly targets the function of brain networks and has opened a new horizon in the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Currently, the rTMS device is available at the Neuropsychiatry Clinic of Farabi Educational and Medical Center, under the supervision of Dr. Fariba Kakari (Neuropsychiatry Fellowship) and operated by Dr. Sara Ahmadi, providing specialized services to the citizens and patients of Kermanshah Province.
Service Hours:
Saturday to Wednesday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM