FAQ

1. What is TMS? What does TMS mean?

TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is an FDA-approved medication-free treatment option. A large magnet is used to induce a current in very specific areas of the brain.

2. When is TMS used?

Typically TMS is used when medications are not enough or when patients cannot tolerate the side effects of medications. There is robust evidence for using TMS to treat depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD. There is emerging evidence for using TMS to treat chronic tinnitus, addictions, dementia and autism

3. Why does TMS work?

The brain is an electro-chemical organ. We manipulate chemicals in the brain with medication and electric currents through neuromodulation. TMS is one such neuromodulation method

4. How long is an TMS session?

There are different treatment protocols for various conditions. Treatment may be anywhere between 3 and 40 minutes long.

5. How many treatments do I need to see results?

A typical TMS course is 30-50 sessions. People may feel benefits after the first session; others may notice an improvement a month after treatment is completed.

6. What are the side effect of TMS?

The magic of medication is, that, unlike many medications, the side effects are minimal. Patients typically complain of transient headache, scalp tenderness and fatigue

7. Who administers TMS?

A psychiatrist determines the TMS script. The treatments are applied by well trained TMS techs.

8. Who is suitable for TMS?

At Rewire clinics, we treat patients from 16 years to 100 years.

9. When can TMS not be done?

There are no absolute contra indications to TMS, although patients are assessed for relative contra indications.

10. What is the difference between TMS and ECT treatments?

ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) is still the golden standard in treating severe mental illness. It is, however, more invasive, and patients need anaesthetics to have ECT.

TMS is considered pro-cognitive (no memory problems.) Patients are awake throughout the treatment and can drive afterwards.

11. Other than depression, what else can TMS treat?

TMS is FDA-approved for depression and refractory OCD. There is very positive data in the treatment of anxiety disorders and PTSD.

The response in the treatment of Tinnitus is variable, but well described.

12. Do I need a referral from a GP/Dr for TMS?

A psychiatrist needs to decide on your suitability for TMS. Your psychiatrist can refer you. If you self-refer, a Rewire psychiatrist will first do an interview with you to determine the best path forward.

13. Where can I find the nearest TMS Clinic? Is TMS available in South Africa?

Rewire TMS clinics are found in the Northern Suburbs (Claro Clinic, N1 City) and Southern Suburbs (Crescent Mediclinic, Claremont) of Cape Town.

In Gauteng, we are in Roodepoort (Cat’s corner, 39 Kroton Way, Weltevreden Park)

14. Do medical aids pay for TMS in South Africa?

Health Funders are starting to wake up to the potential of TMS. At the moment, we can motivate for it on Discovery’s executive and classic comprehensive plans. Rewire TMS clinics will help your psychiatrist in motivating for TMS.

15. How much does TMS cost in South Africa?

Most treatment protocols are in the range of R35 000 for the entire treatment protocol. That comes to about R700-1500 per session (depending on the treatment protocol).

Drug-free Alternative Depression Treatment

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