rTMS Treatment in London
Ciconia Recovery · Harley Street, London
rTMS Treatment in London
A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment for treatment-resistant depression and other conditions — delivered without anaesthesia or sedation.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an evidence-based neuromodulation treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to influence the brain networks involved in mood, attention and emotional regulation. At Ciconia Recovery, we provide private rTMS as part of a carefully assessed, clinically guided approach — for people seeking alternatives or additions to medication and psychological therapy.
Unlike medication, rTMS acts directly on the brain networks involved in the condition being treated. It is non-invasive, does not require anaesthesia or sedation, and most people can return to their normal daily activities immediately after each session.
How rTMS Works
1. Targeted magnetic pulses
A coil is placed against the scalp over a precise brain area identified during your assessment, delivering pulses similar in strength to those used in an MRI scan.
2. Painless stimulation
The pulses pass painlessly through the skull and generate small electrical currents in brain tissue involved in mood, attention and emotional regulation.
3. Gradual, cumulative effect
Repeated stimulation across a course of treatment helps restore healthier patterns of brain activity — improvement usually builds session by session rather than immediately.
Conditions rTMS May Be Considered For
rTMS has been studied across a range of psychiatric and neurological conditions and may be considered for individuals seeking alternatives or additions to conventional treatment:
rTMS holds FDA clearance and NICE guidance specifically for depression, and FDA clearance for OCD (device-specific), migraine, and smoking cessation. Its use for ADHD, anxiety, PTSD and chronic pain is supported by emerging research but is not yet FDA-cleared or covered by NICE guidance; suitability for these conditions is assessed individually and discussed fully during consultation.
Depression
The most established use of rTMS, with strong clinical evidence showing meaningful improvement for many with persistent low mood.
Treatment-Resistant Depression
The strongest evidence base for rTMS: an FDA-cleared, NICE-recognised option for those who have not responded adequately to medication or therapy.
ADHD
Emerging research suggests rTMS may support attention, focus and impulse control; evidence is still developing and suitability is assessed individually.
OCD
FDA-cleared with one specific device; may be considered where intrusive thoughts and compulsions remain difficult to manage, following specialist review.
Anxiety Disorders
Early-stage evidence suggests rTMS may support emotional regulation and the management of persistent anxiety within a broader treatment plan.
PTSD
Research is ongoing, with some promising early findings for symptoms such as hypervigilance and intrusive memories; not yet formally approved for this use.
Chronic Pain
An area of active research within multidisciplinary pain management; evidence is still emerging on the role of rTMS in influencing pain-processing networks.
Why Choose rTMS
- No anaesthesia or sedation required
- Minimal disruption to daily life — most people resume activities immediately
- Personalised treatment protocols
- Suitable alongside medication and psychological therapy
- Supported by extensive clinical research
- Delivered by experienced clinicians
rTMS can often be integrated into a wider treatment plan — including medication management, psychological therapy and lifestyle interventions — allowing for a comprehensive, personalised approach to recovery.
Clinical Outcomes & The Treatment Process
Many people with depression experience meaningful improvement following a course of rTMS — see “How Effective Is rTMS?” below for response and remission figures. Your suitability and expected benefits are discussed fully during consultation.
1. Assessment
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with one of our clinicians.
2. Treatment Planning
A personalised protocol is developed based on your clinical presentation and treatment goals.
3. Treatment
Sessions are delivered in our Harley Street clinic.
4. Monitoring
Progress is monitored throughout using clinical reviews and validated outcome measures.
5. Follow-Up Care
After completing treatment, a review appointment evaluates outcomes and discusses any ongoing care.
How Effective Is rTMS?
Clinical research shows that rTMS can offer meaningful relief for many people with depression, particularly treatment-resistant depression — where standard medication or therapy alone hasn’t provided enough improvement.
~50–60%
of people with treatment-resistant depression respond meaningfully to a course of rTMS in clinical studies.
~30–40%
achieve full remission of symptoms, according to published clinical research.
These figures come from published clinical studies and are provided as general context, not a guarantee. Individual outcomes vary depending on factors such as diagnosis, treatment history and overall health, and your clinician will discuss what’s realistic for your specific situation during consultation.
What to Expect in a Session
1. Your first appointment
Around an hour — your clinician maps the precise treatment location and calibrates stimulation intensity for you individually.
2. During treatment
You sit in a reclined chair and hear clicking with light tapping on your scalp. No anaesthesia or recovery time is needed — talk, listen to music, or simply relax.
3. Session length
Individual sessions range from a few minutes to around 20 minutes, delivered several times a week over a number of weeks.
4. Afterwards
No downtime. Drive, return to work, or resume normal daily activities immediately after each session.
Risks & Considerations
rTMS has a well-established safety profile, and serious side effects are rare. As with any treatment, it’s important to be aware of what to expect.
Common, mild effects
- Scalp discomfort or tenderness at the treatment site
- Mild headache
- Tingling or twitching of facial muscles
- Lightheadedness
Rare but serious
- Seizure (uncommon)
- Mania, particularly in people with bipolar disorder
- Hearing loss if ear protection isn’t worn (protective earplugs are provided as standard)
Who it may not suit
- Metal implants or devices in or near the head (aneurysm clips, stents, cochlear implants)
- Pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices
- Personal or family history of seizures
- Pregnancy
- History of severe or frequent headaches
Side Effects at a Glance
A quick recap: rTMS is generally well tolerated, and serious complications are rare — see Risks & Considerations above for full detail.
Will I feel anything during or after treatment?
Some people notice mild scalp discomfort or a tapping sensation during the session, and a temporary headache afterwards. These effects are usually mild and tend to ease after the first few sessions.
Are serious side effects common?
No. Serious complications, such as seizures, are rare. Your clinician will screen for risk factors during your assessment to help ensure rTMS is a safe option for you — see Risks & Considerations above for more detail.
Will side effects stop me from going about my day?
Usually not. rTMS requires no anaesthesia or recovery time, and most people return to their normal activities straight after each session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rTMS safe?
rTMS is considered safe and well-tolerated when delivered by appropriately trained clinicians. Every patient is assessed beforehand to ensure suitability and minimise risk.
Is rTMS painful?
Most people find rTMS comfortable. Some notice a mild tapping sensation on the scalp during treatment, which typically settles as sessions continue.
Can I return to normal activities afterwards?
Yes. rTMS is non-invasive and requires no sedation, so most people return to their usual activities immediately after each session.
Can rTMS be used alongside medication or therapy?
Yes. rTMS can be integrated alongside medication and psychological therapy as part of a wider treatment plan.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required — you can arrange a consultation directly. We also welcome referrals from GPs and other healthcare professionals.
References
This page draws on the following clinical and regulatory sources:
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression. Interventional procedures guidance [IPG542]. Published 16 December 2015. View source
- Royal College of Psychiatrists. Statement on Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression. View source
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. TMS device clearances cover major depressive disorder, OCD (device-specific), migraine, and smoking cessation; clearance is specific to each device and its labelled use. View source
Book an rTMS Consultation in London
Contact our team to arrange a comprehensive assessment and discuss whether rTMS may be suitable for your symptoms, history and treatment goals.
Ciconia Recovery London is CQC-registered and rated Good.
