TMS Therapy in Seomyeon, Busan
TMS therapy (transcranial magnetic stimulation, 경두개자기자극술) uses magnetic pulses from a coil placed on the scalp to stimulate brain areas involved in mood regulation. In Seomyeon, Busan, psychiatry clinics offering TMS mainly use it for depression that has not responded well to medication, with sessions of roughly 20–40 minutes on weekdays over several weeks. If you are in crisis in Korea, call 119 or 109.
Independent patient guide · Medically informative, not a substitute for a doctor's advice · Last reviewed:
If you need help right now
TMS is a course of treatment over weeks and is not used in emergencies. If you are thinking about suicide, please call 109, Korea's 24-hour suicide prevention and mental health crisis line, or 119, or go to an emergency department.
What is TMS therapy?
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment. An electromagnetic coil placed against the head creates brief magnetic pulses that induce small electrical currents in targeted brain regions, usually the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is less active in depression. Over repeated sessions, this can help restore mood-regulating circuits. It does not involve surgery, anesthesia or seizures, unlike electroconvulsive therapy.
Who is it for?
- Adults with depression who have not improved enough with one or more antidepressants
- People who cannot tolerate medication side effects
- Some people who prefer a non-medication option alongside therapy
TMS is generally not suitable for people with metal implants in or near the head (other than dental fillings), certain implanted devices, or a history of seizures without careful evaluation.
What happens at the clinic
- Psychiatric assessment: diagnosis, treatment history, current medicines and safety screening for metal, implants and seizure risk.
- Motor threshold: at the first session, the doctor finds the right intensity by stimulating the area that moves your hand.
- Treatment sessions: you sit in a chair, the coil is positioned, and pulses are delivered as clicking and tapping sensations; you can talk or rest.
- Schedule: usually weekdays for several weeks, with mood questionnaires to track progress.
- After each session: you can return to work or drive.
Treatment outlook
Many people with treatment-resistant depression experience meaningful improvement, and some reach remission. Benefits often appear after two to four weeks. TMS is usually combined with ongoing medication and therapy. Some people benefit from maintenance or repeat courses if symptoms return.
Risks and side effects
Common effects are scalp discomfort, tingling, facial twitching during sessions and mild headaches, which tend to ease over the course. Earplugs protect hearing from the clicking. Seizures are a rare but serious risk, which screening helps minimise.
Choosing a clinic for TMS in Seomyeon
- Confirm TMS is prescribed and supervised by a psychiatrist after a full assessment.
- Ask which protocol is used, the number of sessions planned and how progress is measured.
- Ask how TMS will be combined with your current medication and therapy.
- Ask about safety screening and what happens if side effects occur.
- Ask whether sessions fit around your work schedule.
Logistics
Because TMS involves frequent visits, a convenient location matters. Seomyeon sits at the Line 1 and Line 2 interchange.
Key facts
- Main use: major depression, especially when medication has not helped enough
- Other uses: studied or used for OCD and other conditions in some settings
- Session time: about 20–40 minutes; shorter protocols exist
- Course: commonly daily on weekdays for about 4–6 weeks
- Anesthesia: none; you stay awake and can go home afterward
- Common side effects: scalp discomfort, headache
- Crisis help: call 119 or 109 (suicide prevention line) any time
Frequently asked questions
Does TMS therapy hurt?
Most people feel tapping on the scalp and hear clicking sounds. Some have mild scalp discomfort or headache, which usually lessens over the first sessions.
How is TMS different from ECT?
TMS uses magnetic pulses without anesthesia and does not cause seizures. ECT uses electrical stimulation under general anesthesia to induce a controlled seizure. They are used in different situations.
How many TMS sessions will I need?
A typical course involves daily weekday sessions for about four to six weeks. Some newer protocols are shorter. Your psychiatrist will tailor the plan.
Can I keep taking antidepressants during TMS?
Usually yes. TMS is often combined with medication and therapy. Your psychiatrist will review medicines that might affect seizure risk.
Who should not have TMS?
People with metal implants near the head, certain implanted devices or seizure history need careful evaluation and may not be suitable. Your psychiatrist will screen for these.
Medical disclaimer: Seomyeon.Clinic is an independent information directory. Content is for general education and does not replace a consultation with a licensed physician. Suitability, risks, results and costs vary by person and clinic. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.