Repetitive trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) works by applying magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain. The timing and duration of the pulses are adjusted to either stimulate or lower the activity level of the nerve cells in those areas, depending on what is being treated. rTMS is most often used to treat depression or anxiety, in people who have not been helped by medication.
If someone has tried two different antidepressant medications without results, a third medication has only a 20% chance or less of working. For these same people, rTMS works about 50% of the time.
rTMS is currently not covered by BC’s Medical Services Plan. In some situations, however, Worksafe BC or an extended health care plan may pay for the treatments.
To learn more about rTMS at MDABC, please read our rTMS Program Policy document or visit our rTMS Facebook page.
- If your doctor has recommended rTMS as a potential treatment for your depression, please have them submit a referral (using the form at the link below) to:
- Adult Psychiatric Clinic at MDABC
- Attn: Dr. Sheehan Chowdhury
- You do not need to be a patient of MDABC to be referred for this treatment.
- If you are a General Physician and would like to make a referral, click here.