Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It is mainly used for treatment-resistant depression and may also be used for certain anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other psychiatric or neurological conditions depending on specialist assessment.

What is the controversy with TMS?

The main concerns around TMS relate to differences in treatment response between patients, the need for multiple sessions, cost, and accessibility. However, TMS is considered a safe and evidence-based treatment when performed by qualified healthcare professionals.

Who should avoid TMS?

TMS may not be suitable for people with certain metal implants or devices in or near the head, a history of seizures, or medical conditions that require further assessment. A psychiatrist or neurologist should evaluate each patient before starting TMS therapy.

Why is TMS not more popular?

TMS is becoming more widely available, but factors such as the need for multiple clinic visits, varying availability, limited awareness, and differences in insurance coverage can affect its accessibility compared with traditional treatments.

What do neurologists think of TMS?

Many neurologists recognize TMS as a valuable non-invasive brain stimulation technique. It has been extensively studied and is considered an effective treatment option for certain psychiatric and neurological conditions, especially when other treatments have not provided sufficient improvement.

What can go wrong with TMS?

TMS is generally well tolerated, but possible side effects may include mild headache, scalp discomfort, facial muscle twitching, temporary dizziness, or discomfort during treatment. Rarely, seizures may occur, particularly in individuals with risk factors.

How much does one session of TMS cost?

The cost of one TMS session in Dubai typically ranges from AED 500 to AED 1,500 per session, depending on the clinic, type of TMS protocol, technology used, and specialist supervision. The total cost depends on the number of sessions required in the individual treatment plan.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in Dubai

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, what is it and how does it work?

Novomed is one of the leading medical centres in the region that offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which is a safe, well-tailored and non-invasive procedure. The medical device applies electrical pulses to the brain through a magnetic coil held over the head. An electric current is delivered to the coil by a stimulator, and the current flowering through loops in the coil generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field goes through the head (skull) to the brain where it produces an electrical stimulation of the brain. A specific pattern (waveform) of current is applied to the coil which is replicated in the brain; the right pattern can change brain function and be used to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), neuropathic pain and much more.

TMS works by not only modulating specific neurons but also by changing the activity in the entire neural network affected in the given disorder.

Once the network involved in a specific neurologic or psychiatric disorder is detected, the coil is appropriately positioned, and that specific network is targeted. So, once we identify a potential treatment target, we then need to know whether we must induce activity within that region if it is working less than it should or to reduce its activity if it is overactive.

Depending on the frequency of the stimulation, we can either cause neural firing and neural excitation or we can inhibit the activation of the neurons.

Typically, transcranial magnetic stimulation is used when other treatment methods have not been effective.

Current Uses of TMS

TMS is FDA approved for depression and Obsessive Compulsive disorder in individuals who failed at least one medication trial but there are several investigative uses and very strong and promising results of the use of other conditions that include:

Generalized anxiety disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Bipolar disorder
Pain resulting from infections and diseases of the nerves
Migraine
Negative symptoms in schizophrenia
Difficulties in cognitive abilities and memory
Emotional and reward-based deficits
Increasing the communicative capabilities of autistic spectrum disorder patients
Addiction to alcohol
Addiction to smoking
Auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia

TMS Procedure steps

Before TMS session, your doctor may request the following:

A physical examination, laboratory tests or other imaging tests
A psychological evaluation to discuss your psychiatric disorders

These procedures help to ensure that TMS is a safe and good option for you.

Contraindications:

Implants Controlled by Physiological Signals:

Patients who have implanted devices that are activated or controlled in any way by physiologic signals, irrespective of the distance from the treatment coil. This includes patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), as well as patients using wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCDs), even if the device is removed, due to the potentially unstable cardiac condition of such patients
Other implants of this category are VNS (VAGUS NERVE STIMULATORS), implanted medication pumps, intracardiac lines.

Other non-removable Metallic Objects near the coil:

Patients who have conductive, ferromagnetic, or other magnetic sensitive metals implanted in their head or within 30 cm of the treatment coil (ex-cochlear implants, implanted electrodes/stimulators, aneurysm clips or coils, stent, and bullet fragments).

Wearable/Removable Medical Devices, Conductive Objects and Other Devices:

All wearable/removable medical devices, other devices, or conductive objects (including personal items) that may be affected by the magnetic field should be removed from the patient area before treatment to prevent possible injury to the wearer or damage to the device. Examples of these types of products include wearable monitors, bone growth stimulators, earrings and other jewellery, hearing aids, eyeglasses, cell phones, and MP3 players.

During the treatment session

You will sit in what looks like a dentist chair then the coil will be placed on your scalp first to determine location and appropriate intensity based on your Motor Threshold. You will stay awake and alert during the session; you can listen to music, play on your mobile or talk to the specialist as long as your head remains still. You might feel a clicking noise and tapping sensation on your scalp under the coil which does not require any sort of anaesthetic.

The initial treatment course is roughly five days of therapy per week for six weeks. After that, there is a taper period where you only do two fewer treatments per week for 2 or 3 additional weeks based on the outcome.

The duration of the session is about 20 – 40 minutes depending on the used protocol.

You don’t need someone to accompany you to the treatment session or take you home and you can go back to work and resume your usual activities right after the session with no complications or problems.

What to Expect After TMS Treatment?

After Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment, many patients notice gradual improvements in their symptoms rather than immediate changes. The experience can vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual’s response.

Common outcomes after TMS treatment include:

Improved mood: Patients undergoing TMS for depression may experience reduced feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emotional distress.
Better energy and motivation: Many people report improved daily functioning, increased interest in activities, and better concentration.
Reduced anxiety symptoms: Some patients may experience relief from excessive worry, tension, or stress-related symptoms.
Gradual improvement over time: Benefits often build throughout the treatment course and may continue improving for weeks after completing sessions.
Minimal downtime: Most patients can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.

Some people may experience temporary side effects such as mild scalp discomfort, headache, or facial muscle twitching during or shortly after sessions. These effects are usually mild and resolve on their own.

The healthcare provider will monitor your progress throughout the treatment and adjust the plan if needed to achieve the best possible outcome.

Side Effects of TMS

The targeted nature of the treatment means there are few side effects, which may include: Headache – Hearing issues, which can be prevented by using earplugs – Tingling or twitching of facial muscles – Scalp discomfort. Our specialists can prevent such side effects through individualized doses based on the cortical excitability and the motor threshold.

Symptoms are monitored regularly: we ask the patients to provide us with weekly reports to see how they are doing, and we provide them with several different questionnaires to determine their progress during the treatment. The Pattern of response varies between patients: some people respond to treatment and notice improvements within the first week, while others may start to respond at the very end of the treatment course. For most people, effects last from 6 months to 1 year at least: studies showed that most people maintained the improvements although intermittent session may be needed as per consultant advice.

Cost of TMS Treatment in Dubai

The cost of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) treatment in Dubai typically ranges from AED 500 to AED 1,500 per session, depending on the type of TMS used, the treatment protocol, the clinic, and the specialist’s expertise.

Since TMS is usually provided as a course of treatment, the total cost may range from approximately AED 10,000 to AED 30,000+ depending on the number of sessions required.

Factors that influence the cost include:

Number of TMS sessions needed (often 20–30 sessions for many treatment plans)
Type of TMS technology used (such as standard rTMS or advanced protocols)
Condition being treated (depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, etc.)
Psychiatrist consultation and treatment monitoring
Individual response to therapy

Why Choose Novomed for TMS Therapy in Dubai?

Novomed provides TMS therapy in Dubai with a patient-centered approach, combining advanced technology with expert psychiatric care. Our experienced mental health specialists conduct a thorough assessment to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. With a focus on safety, comfort, and evidence-based care, Novomed supports patients throughout their TMS journey to help improve mental wellbeing and quality of life.

Book Your TMS Therapy Consultation at Novomed

Take the first step toward better mental health with TMS therapy at Novomed. Schedule your consultation with our experienced specialists to discuss your symptoms, assess your suitability for treatment, and receive a personalized care plan tailored to your needs. Book your consultation today and begin your journey toward improved wellbeing.