About Us
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an effective treatment for depression.
What is rTMS?
rTMS is a noninvasive neuromodulation treatment technique that directly stimulates specific brain circuits known to be involved in depression.
This is done by producing a brief, painless magnetic field applied directly over the scalp to modulate brain activity. When delivered repeatedly over time, this treatment can change the activity of brain circuits through a process called neuroplasticity.
What do we treat?
As part of our research studies, we offer rTMS consultations for people with difficult-to-treat depression and bipolar depression who have not responded to, or no longer respond to, traditional therapies such as medication and psychotherapy or to those who have experienced adverse side effects with most medication types.
What to expect?
For a typical rTMS treatment course at The Royal, the client will come to the clinic once/daily for 4 to 6 weeks on weekdays, for about 20-30 minutes.
During each treatment session, the client will remain seated while a technician positions the coil over the carefully mapped region of their head. Once positioned, the technician will deliver a series of magnetic pulses over a few minutes. Afterward, the client can continue with their daily activities.
Our Neuromodulation Research Clinic is the first of its kind in the Ottawa region, allowing access to this Health Canada approved treatment for hard-to-treat depression, otherwise only available in private clinics.
Sam Laprade highlighted the work from our research clinic at her TV show An Hour to Give, including an interview with Dr. Sara Tremblay, Dr. Lisa McMurray and one of our clients who shares her experience with rTMS treatment.