The newest Neuromodulation service in our province opened in the Northern Zone right here at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) modifies the way that neurons in the brain work through a series of magnetic pulses that either stimulate or inhibits activity to improve mood and reduce negative symptoms. rTMS is a non-invasive method of stimulating nerve cells in deep brain regions, which can produce significant therapeutic effects for persons experiencing treatment-resistant depression. Each treatment series is 3-5 weeks in length and there is always a psychiatrist and nurse involved in the client’s treatment.
Last fall, the CEHHC Neuromodulation clinic started offering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in addition to outpatient electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment services. Here at the CEHHC, we offer rTMS treatments five days a week and see six clients daily. The Bell Let’s Talk initiative donated funding for the treatment equipment, and a local donor provided the funding so we could renovate a room and purchase furnishing and décor to create a therapeutic and welcoming space for the treatment.
It has helped many clients in the community immensely, as they now have this treatment option available locally. In the past, client’s had to travel to other zones for treatment. This rTMS room has been a great addition to our Health Centre.
