What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in depression. Unlike medications, which act systemically, TMS delivers targeted magnetic stimulation to specific brain regions. TMS targets the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex – a brain region that research has shown is underactive in people with depression.
Here's what the treatment involves:
Targeted Brain Stimulation: TMS delivers magnetic pulses to specific brain regions known to be involved in mood regulation, particularly the prefrontal cortex which plays a crucial role in depression. It's precise, not systemic.
Non-Invasive Approach: The magnetic field passes through the skull without requiring surgery, anaesthesia, or any invasive procedures. You remain fully awake and alert throughout each session – many people read, listen to music, or simply relax.
Cumulative Effect: Rather than working instantly like medication entering your bloodstream, TMS creates gradual changes in brain function over multiple sessions. This is why treatment requires multiple sessions over several weeks – your brain is essentially learning new patterns.
Evidence-Based Treatment: TMS has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and has substantial research supporting its use for treatment-resistant depression. This isn't experimental or fringe, it's recognised, regulated, and backed by evidence.
TMS is structurally different from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which uses electrical current. This means your body experiences a fundamentally different type of intervention, and TMS doesn't carry many of the side effects associated with ECT.
Numerous studies over the past 15 years have established TMS as a safe and evidence-based option for treating depression that hasn't responded to medication. We use comprehensive psychiatric assessment to determine whether TMS is appropriate for your specific situation.
Are You Suffering From Treatment-Resistant Depression?
When depression persists despite repeated treatment attempts, it can be distressing and difficult to manage. The symptoms continue to impact your life whilst other effective treatment options (ones you may not even know exist) remain unexplored.
Perhaps your doctor has continued adjusting medications or increasing doses. This helps some people, but it may have left you still struggling with inadequate relief or trading depression symptoms for difficult side effects.
You might have been told to "give it more time" or been offered yet another medication trial, when alternative treatment approaches may be considered following further assessment.
Maybe you've even heard "we've tried everything available". It is important to be aware that when standard treatments haven't worked, there are alternative evidence-based options like TMS that many people – including some healthcare providers – don't realise exist. Ongoing symptoms may warrant further review and discussion of additional treatment options with a psychiatrist.
At Dr. Husayn Aly's practice, we provide comprehensive psychiatric assessment to understand which patients might benefit from TMS, and we develop individualised treatment plans based on comprehensive psychiatric assessment within a safe hospital setting.
TMS vs Traditional ECT
There are important differences between these treatments.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) uses electrical current passed through the brain to induce a controlled seizure for therapeutic effect. Both can help treatment-resistant depression, but they work very differently.
TMS is delivered whilst you're fully awake and alert in an outpatient setting. You can drive yourself to and from appointments and return immediately to work or normal activities afterwards. ECT requires general anaesthesia and muscle relaxants, with recovery time needed after each session.
Here's why this distinction matters: not everyone with treatment-resistant depression needs or wants ECT. A comprehensive approach assesses whether TMS might be appropriate given its different side effect profile and the fact that it doesn't require anaesthesia.
TMS delivered in an accredited hospital setting provides the safety and comprehensive psychiatric support that ensures optimal care throughout your treatment journey.
How Is TMS Administered?
Daily Outpatient Sessions
TMS is typically delivered through outpatient sessions over approximately 4-6 weeks. Each session lasts approximately 20-40 minutes. You sit in a comfortable chair whilst an electromagnetic coil positioned against your scalp delivers focused magnetic pulses.
This delivery method has practical features that may be suitable for some patients. You remain fully conscious throughout treatment and can resume normal activities immediately afterwards. No anaesthesia, no recovery time, no arranging for someone to drive you home.
The sensation during treatment varies from person to person. Most describe it as a tapping feeling on the scalp. Some find it mildly uncomfortable initially, though this typically improves after the first few sessions as you adjust to the sensation.
An individualised approach is essential. It's important to work with a qualified psychiatrist experienced in TMS who understands the best treatment protocol for your unique situation – not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Once we complete proper assessment, we craft a precise TMS treatment plan delivered in a safe hospital environment so you can work toward improved mood and functioning – particularly where other treatments have not led to sufficient improvement.
Hospital-Based Treatment
TMS delivered in an accredited hospital setting provides important advantages that matter for your safety and care. You have access to comprehensive medical resources, properly maintained equipment, and full psychiatric support throughout your treatment journey.
The advantage of hospital-based TMS is the safety, accreditation standards, and access to medical professionals if anything comes up during your treatment.
Receiving TMS as part of comprehensive psychiatric care means your treatment isn't isolated from the rest of your mental health needs. Your psychiatrist can manage your medications, address any concerns that arise, and provide ongoing support – rather than leaving you to navigate things alone.
Once we complete proper assessment, we craft a precise TMS treatment plan so you can work toward recovery – especially if you've felt unheard by the medical system and genuinely don't know what to try next.
Next Steps and Initial Assessment
If you're based in New South Wales – and you're wondering whether TMS might be the right path for you – you can book an initial psychiatric assessment. If you're ready to get started, please call the clinic on 02 9100 0022 to book your initial visit.
We provide TMS therapy at Hirondelle Private Hospital and Brisbane Waters Private Hospital with comprehensive psychiatric support throughout your treatment journey.
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Locations
To better serve our patients and provide accessible, comprehensive care, Dr. Aly consults from Hirondelle Private Hospital and Brisbane Waters Private Hospital. These facilities are staffed with experienced professionals and equipped with the resources needed to deliver the highest standard of mental health services.
Chatswood
CENTRAL COAST
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