top of page
Frequently asked questions about tTMS
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. If you don't find an answer to your question here, send it to us using the form at the bottom and we will get back to you with the answer.
-
Where can I have tTMS treatment?Treatment is available at our clinics in Welton and in Grimsby, UK. If you would like to discuss treatment plans, or if you want to understand more about how we can help you on your journey to feeling emotionally well, contact us for a no-obligation phone consultation.
-
How can I book treatment?If you would like to enquire about booking tTMS treatment, please contact us on 0114 360 8383 or email info@tranquality.com
-
How much does tTMS cost?A course of treatment has three payment stages; 1. A Mental Health Assessment (using a headset): £100 2. A Clinical Assessment by one of our clinical team: £300 3. tTMS treatment (up to 8 sessions): £1,500 Using targeted TMS, our clinical experience shows that 8 sessions (or less) successfully treats the majority of individuals. That means the total cost is £1,900. Contact us to find out more about how we can help you or to talk about payment options.
-
Is tTMS safe?TMS is fully accredited by The National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE). NICE report that ‘the evidence on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression shows no major safety concerns.’
-
What is tTMS for?tTMS is primarily treatment for depression and anxiety disorders. Most people suffering with depression also complain of anxiety. Separate anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. tTMS has not yet been shown to be effective in other mental health conditions.
-
Are there any side effects?Side effects are both uncommon and mild. Some patients experience tingling of the scalp, or a slight headache or stiff neck after treatment. Any side effects go away on their own in a short time or can be treated with simple analgesia such as paracetamol. It is important to point out that tTMS does not make depression and anxiety disorders any worse.
-
What is the duration of a course of treatment?A course of treatment is up to 8 sessions but it may vary with individual patient’s response to treatment. Sessions last between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
-
Are there limitations on what I can do before and after treatment?Much like having an eye test, you can continue with your day as normal after treatment.
-
Can I continue taking my medication?You should continue taking medication, including medication for mental health, as usual. There is no interaction with tTMS, and medication does not influence your pre-treatment Mental Health Assessment. Post treatment, we will enquire as to your wishes regarding your mental health medication and advise upon how it could be optimised. If tTMS has been less successful than hoped for, we will set out a stepwise series of medication strategies which should be of benefit, for implementation by your GP or mental health treating team.
-
Will I see benefit straight away?Some patients feel better after one or two sessions, others feel better further along the usual course of 10 sessions. Occasionally patients get better after the end of the course of tTMS and it is not uncommon for patients to experience a continual improvement over several weeks post completion.
-
How long does the effect last?Our experience is that usually patients who respond to TMS maintain their improvement indefinitely. Occasionally, patients have needed to return, usually after many months, for further treatment. All patients who have responded to their first course of TMS treatment have similarly benefitted from their second treatment.
-
Is there any chance tTMS won’t work?People do not respond to tTMS for two reasons. One is that the treatment has not succeeded in altering the brain's electrical patterns as intended. The other reason is that sometimes after many years of poor mental health, patients are understandably very apprehensive about what getting better means for them. It is important to realise that tTMS delivers the capacity to be well and there is an element of personal choice in how to approach treatment.
-
What happens if it doesn’t work?You will be followed up four weeks after your treatment by a senior mental health clinician under the guidance of Professor Mortimer, Consultant Psychiatrist. We will try to understand why the treatment did not have the benefit hoped for. We will recommend further therapy that might help, such as unused antidepressant options, lifestyle changes or suitable talking therapies.
-
I have bipolar disorder. Can I still have tTMS?Yes, bipolar depression is just the same as non-bipolar depression as far as tTMS is concerned. You will discuss with the clinician the best options for your treatment however, we normally suggest that you to continue on maintenance and mood stabilising medication during your treatment.
-
Will I be able to reduce or stop my antidepressant medication after I have tTMS?This will be discussed in the Post-treatment Review. The standard recommendation is to gradually reduce and stop antidepressant medication over several months, following the achievement of six months of good mental health. We will advise taking into account your case overall, particularly your personal wishes in this regard.
-
If I have pre-existing medical conditions can I have tTMS?tTMS is a treatment for stress, depression and anxiety disorders. Patients with a primary diagnosis of personality disorder, and patients with primary or comorbid substance or alcohol use disorders, may not be suitable for tTMS treatment. We currently believe that tTMS is of no proven benefit in these disorders. Patients with epilepsy should not have tTMS. Your pre-treatment analysis will determine whether you have any epileptic tendencies. The vast majority of our patients have none. Other issues which may interfere with having tTMS include the presence of orthopaedic metal near the head (including plates, screws and rods) and electronic devices such as cardiac pacemakers. Dental fillings are not a problem. In any case, we will assess your personal circumstances in the Initial Consultation and we will always consult your GP before treatment.
bottom of page