Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

Using new technology to treat neurological disorders.

What is rTMS?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a form of non-invasive neuromodulation. It is an established treatment option in psychiatry for a variety of conditions such as medication resistant depression (MRD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

rTMS treatments often require a prior modified non diagnostic MRI obtained at the private clinic MRI St. Joseph to enable us to use our neuronavigation system.

Treatment sessions usually last 40 to 50 minutes and are repeated daily 5 times a week for 4 to 6 weeks. Treatments cause scalp muscle contractions which are felt as a knocking on the head sensation. There are no known short or long term side effects, however some have reported a mild headache. Treatments are often followed by maintenance sessions, which occur at variable intervals.

How Does rTMS Work?

rTMS is a safe and non-invasive procedure that uses an electromagnet to generate small, focused, repetitive currents in the superficial layers of the brain. When these currents are delivered repeatedly over time, they help modulate the brain’s functional and structural connectivity, promoting neuroplasticity—the brain’s natural ability to reorganize and adapt.

In essence, rTMS leverages our inherent neuroplasticity to help the brain overcome neuronal injury or disease, opening the door to promising new avenues in neurological care.

At CNO

We offer rTMS treatments to people with a variety of conditions including medication resistant depression, PTSD, post stroke recovery, Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Glioblastoma Multiforme.

rTMS treatments at CNO are covered by some private insurance plans, but not by public health plans(RAMQ, OHIP). Ask your insurance provider if rTMS treatments are covered.

rTMS Research

CNO is also actively conducting clinical research using rTMS for conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).

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