Patients often ask me if there is a method that can affect brain function without involving drugs or invasive procedures. One of the answers I am happy to offer them is transcranial magnetic stimulation — a method known by the acronym TMS, which has been gaining increasing importance in modern neurology and psychiatry over the past twenty years.
What is transcranial magnetic stimulation?
TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that uses short magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. A device is placed on the surface of the head, and a magnetic field passes through the skull and acts on neurons — nerve cells in the target area. Depending on the settings, the stimulation can increase or decrease the activity of a particular part of the brain.
The procedure is painless, does not require anesthesia and usually lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. The patient sits in a comfortable chair, is awake and can continue with daily activities immediately after the treatment. It is this simplicity and safety that makes TMS a particularly interesting method in integrative medicine , where we are looking for approaches that support natural recovery mechanisms.
In which conditions is it used?
In my practice, I see patients with a variety of conditions for which TMS can be a valuable adjunct to conventional therapy. The most common indications include chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain that is poorly responsive to conventional analgesics, migraine, and chronic tension-type headache.
Significant results have also been achieved in the treatment of depression — especially in patients who have not improved sufficiently with antidepressants. In this context, we are talking about repetitive TMS (rTMS), which is applied in a series of treatments, usually over two to four weeks. In addition, studies show promising results in tinnitus (ringing in the ears), rehabilitation after stroke, and some anxiety disorders.
How TMS affects the brain
The magnetic pulses generated by TMS induce changes in the electrical activity of neurons. When we stimulate a specific area of the brain with repetitive pulses, so-called neuroplastic changes occur — the brain gradually adjusts its activity. Low-frequency stimulation usually calms overactive areas, while high-frequency increases the activity of underactive regions.
It is this ability to modulate brain activity that makes TMS a useful tool in neurorehabilitation . For example, in patients after a stroke, we can stimulate the damaged side of the brain and thus promote the recovery of lost functions.
What to expect during treatment
Before the first treatment, I perform a detailed neurological examination to assess whether TMS is suitable for your condition. It is important to rule out certain contraindications, such as metal implants in the head or uncontrolled epilepsy.
During the procedure itself, you may feel a slight tapping or pulsing at the site of stimulation — this is a normal sensation that most patients describe as quite tolerable. Some patients notice improvement after the first few treatments, while others need a full cycle for the effect to fully develop. I recommend patience and regularity — as with most therapeutic procedures, consistency is key.
TMS as part of an integrated approach
I believe that TMS works best when it is part of a broader treatment plan. In my practice, I combine it with nutritional therapy, acupuncture, and lifestyle counseling. For example, for patients with chronic pain, I recommend keeping a pain diary in addition to TMS — recording when the pain occurs, how long it lasts, and what preceded the exacerbation. Such a diary helps us to more accurately target therapy and monitor progress.
It is important to emphasize that TMS is not a replacement for conventional therapy, but a valuable complement to it. Each patient is unique and deserves an individual approach — which is why a thorough assessment before starting treatment is as important as the procedure itself.
If you are interested in whether transcranial magnetic stimulation can help with your problems, feel free to contact us for a consultation — a conversation is always the first step towards a better understanding of your condition and the options available to you.