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Our Treatments

rTMS & tDCS — how they work.

Non-invasive brain stimulation technologies, applied with precision and overseen by psychiatrists at every step.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

What is rTMS?

rTMS uses a magnetic coil placed near the scalp to deliver focused, repetitive pulses to specific regions of the brain. These pulses modulate neural activity — increasing or decreasing the excitability of targeted circuits depending on the frequency and pattern used.
At BrainAid Clinics, we combine rTMS with neuronavigation — using each patient’s MRI to map and target the exact brain region, in real time, every session. This goes far beyond the scalp-estimation approach used in standard rTMS.
rTMS is non-invasive, does not require anaesthesia, and has no systemic side effects. Patients are awake throughout and can drive and work as normal.
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Clinician Referral

Medicare Coverage — MBS 14217

rTMS is Medicare-listed for treatment-resistant depression. Eligibility requires failure of ≥2 adequate antidepressant trials and a valid referral from a GP or specialist. DVA Gold Card holders may also access funded treatment. All other indications are self-funded or covered by DVA/WorkCover where applicable.

What to Expect

  • Initial psychiatrist-led assessment
  • MRI-based brain mapping via neuronavigation
  • Personalised protocol determined by your psychiatrist
  • Sessions are awake, non-invasive, no sedation
  • TMF program runs alongside treatment
  • Discharge summary provided to your referrer

Common Side Effects

Mild scalp discomfort or headache during or after sessions. Rare: syncope, skin irritation. Serious adverse events (e.g. seizure) are extremely rare when contraindications are appropriately screened. No systemic effects.

Screening

Contraindications for rTMS.

Absolute Contraindications

  • Metallic implants in or near the head (cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, metal plates)
  • Implanted electronic devices (pacemakers, deep brain stimulators)
  • Active seizure disorder or history of unprovoked seizure
  • Ferromagnetic foreign bodies in the skull or brain

Relative Contraindications (discuss with team)

  • Pregnancy
  • History of epilepsy — risk-benefit assessment required
  • Recent head injury or intracranial lesion
  • Active alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal
  • Significant unstable medical comorbidity

Common Questions

rTMS FAQs.

Most patients experience only mild tapping or tingling sensations on the scalp during treatment. Some report a mild headache after the first few sessions, which typically resolves as treatment progresses. No sedation is required and it is well-tolerated by most patients.
Your treating psychiatrist will determine your individualised course of treatment. The frequency and total number of sessions depends on your diagnosis, response, and clinical judgment — it is not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Yes. Neuronavigation requires a structural MRI to generate your individualised brain map. Our team will coordinate this with you prior to commencing treatment. The MRI is also used to screen for contraindications such as intracranial lesions or ferromagnetic implants.
In most cases, yes. Your psychiatrist will review your current medications prior to treatment and advise on any adjustments. rTMS can be used alongside pharmacotherapy and is often more effective when combined.
rTMS for treatment-resistant depression is listed under MBS Item 14217. To be eligible, you must have failed at least two adequate antidepressant trials and have a valid referral. DVA Gold Card holders may access treatment through DVA funding. All other conditions are self-funded or covered case-by-case.

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Conditions

What we treat and why.

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Why We’re Different

Neuronavigation vs standard rTMS.

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TMF Program

Thought, Movement, Food.

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Make a Referral

For clinicians — forms and info.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

What is tDCS?

tDCS delivers a low-level, constant electrical current (typically 1–2mA) through electrodes placed on the scalp. Unlike rTMS, it does not directly induce neuronal firing — instead, it modulates the resting membrane potential of neurons, making them either more or less likely to fire.
At BrainAid Clinics, tDCS is offered as an investigational treatment under full psychiatrist oversight. It is not TGA-approved for any indication in Australia and is used off-label with full informed consent.
One significant advantage of tDCS is its portability. Home-based treatment protocols are available, allowing patients to use a clinician-programmed device at home with ongoing clinical monitoring.
Important: tDCS is not TGA-approved for any indication in Australia. It is offered as an investigational modality under psychiatrist oversight and full informed consent. It should not be considered a replacement for TGA-approved treatments.

Key Advantages

  • Portable — home-based sessions available
  • Painless and very well-tolerated
  • No sedation required
  • Can be combined with rTMS
  • Suitable for patients with lower tolerance for rTMS sensations

Common Side Effects

Mild tingling, itching, or redness under electrodes. Rare: headache, skin irritation. Serious adverse events are extremely rare at clinical doses.

Funding

tDCS is not Medicare-listed. It is self-funded. Pricing is discussed at the time of clinical assessment.

Common Questions

tDCS FAQs.

rTMS uses strong magnetic pulses to directly induce action potentials in neurons — it is a more powerful, clinic-based treatment. tDCS uses very gentle electrical current to nudge neuronal excitability without directly triggering firing. tDCS is softer, more portable, and can be used at home, but is generally considered investigational in Australia.
Yes. BrainAid Clinics offers home-based tDCS using a clinician-programmed device. The parameters are set by your treating team, and you receive full instructions and ongoing remote monitoring. Unsupervised or self-prescribed tDCS is strongly discouraged.
No. tDCS has no Medicare listing in Australia and is entirely self-funded. It is offered under an investigational framework with full informed consent.

Explore More

🧬

Conditions

What we treat and why.

🎯

Why We’re Different

Neuronavigation vs standard rTMS.

🌿

TMF Program

Thought, Movement, Food.

📋

Make a Referral

For clinicians — forms and info.

Get in touch with us.

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What brings you here?

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Medicare details

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Complete below only if applicable. Our team will assist with eligibility at consultation.

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