Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for Depression at UH Cleveland Medical Center

University Hospitals offers repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive method of brain stimulation that uses electromagnetic induction to treat symptoms of depression.

Patients who have major depression and fail at least one adequate antidepressant treatment may benefit from rTMS. During rTMS treatment, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the patient’s scalp. The electromagnet delivers a pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the region of the brain involved in mood control and depression. This magnetic pulse can activate regions of the brain that have decreased activity in depression, which can ease depression symptoms and improve mood.