About Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Key Highlights
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Non-invasive and does not require anesthesia or sedation.FDA-approved for treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).Minimal systemic side effects compared to medication.Outpatient procedure with no recovery time needed post-session.Targeted stimulation of specific brain regions implicated in mood regulation.Offers an alternative for patients who have not benefited from traditional antidepressants./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), particularly treatment-resistant depression.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
- Anxiety disorders (off-label, but commonly used).
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (off-label use).
- Certain chronic pain syndromes (off-label use).
- As an adjunct therapy when medication alone is insufficient or not tolerated.
How to prepare
- Initial comprehensive psychiatric evaluation by the psychologist to confirm diagnosis and suitability.
- Disclosure of all current medications, especially any that lower seizure threshold.
- Removal of all metallic objects from the head and neck area (e.g., jewelry, hairpins).
- Informing the clinician of any history of seizures, head injury, or metal implants in the head.
- No need to fast; patients can eat and drink normally before the session.
- Discussion of the treatment plan, including the number of sessions and expected outcomes.
Risks & possible complications
- Mild to moderate scalp discomfort or headache during or after treatment, usually temporary.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness immediately following a session.
- Rare risk of seizure (less than 0.1% incidence).
- Potential for facial twitching or tingling during the procedure.
- Very rare risk of hearing changes if ear protection is not used due to the loud clicking sound of the coil.
- Possible temporary worsening of anxiety or agitation.
Recovery & hospital stay
- No specific recovery period; patients can resume normal activities, including driving, immediately after each session.
- Any mild headache or scalp discomfort typically resolves within a few hours and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Regular attendance for the full course of daily sessions (typically 5 days a week for 4-6 weeks) is crucial for optimal results.
- Follow-up appointments with the psychologist to monitor progress and mood changes.
- Integration with ongoing psychotherapy (talk therapy) is often recommended for comprehensive care.
- A maintenance protocol may be suggested after the initial course if needed.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 0 days (per session); full therapeutic effect may take 2-4 weeks into the treatment course
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering transcranial magnetic stimulation in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with psychology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform transcranial magnetic stimulation. MediFyr helps you compare psychologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for transcranial magnetic stimulation compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 120 Thousand – 300 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient procedure) | ~ 0 days (per session); full therapeutic effect may take 2-4 weeks into the treatment course | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 420 Thousand – 1.05 Million | 0 days (outpatient procedure) | ~ 0 days (per session); full therapeutic effect may take 2-4 weeks into the treatment course | Know More |
Patient Name: Aadya Kumar. Age: 42...
Patient Name: Aadya Kumar. Age: 42. Background: A high-achieving software architect and mother of two, Aadya had always managed stress, but a perfect storm of workplace restructuring and caring for her aging parents plunged her into a severe, persistent depression. Symptoms/History: For over 18 months, she experienced profound anhedonia, crushing fatigue, and intrusive thoughts of worthlessness. Two different SSRIs caused significant weight gain and emotional blunting without relieving her core symptoms, leaving her feeling like a 'ghost' in her own life. Doctor Recommendation: Her psychologist, Dr. Mehta, noting her medication resistance and the functional impairment it was causing her family and career, recommended Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a targeted, non-systemic intervention. Treatment Experience: Aadya committed to the 6-week protocol, finding the clinic visits a structured ritual. The tapping sensation on her scalp was odd but manageable. She used the 20-minute daily sessions to practice mindfulness, a small act of reclaiming control. Post-Procedure Outcome: By week 4, Aadya noticed the 'fog' beginning to lift. She felt a flicker of joy hearing her daughter's laugh. Within two months of finishing, her energy returned, she re-engaged with work projects, and could be present with her family. Emotional Journey: Before TMS, she felt broken and beyond repair, a burden to those she loved. After, she described feeling 'recalibrated', not artificially happy, but fundamentally *herself* again, with access to her resilience and capable of facing life's challenges.
Psychologists for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Explore experienced psychologists who regularly perform transcranial magnetic stimulation and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 10 Years Experience
- Psychologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 10 Years Experience
- Psychologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 16 Years Experience
- Psychologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 10 Years Experience
- Psychologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Psychologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 14 Years Experience
- Psychologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- Years Experience
- Psychologist