Transcranial magnetic stimulation in psychiatry and neurology

Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation have any effect?

Various institutions have recently begun using a new medical technique. It involves placing a magnetic coil (which generates a magnetic field) on a patient’s skull. The aim is to use this magnetic field to influence processes in the brain. This technique is known as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS.
The technique is used to ameliorate certain psychiatric symptoms. Research is also under way to determine whether it could be used to treat various neurological diseases. TMS is also a useful tool in brain research.
Is it a practical addition to the existing arsenal of interventions? This is the topic of this horizon scanning/early warning report. It was drafted by a Health Council standing committee which specialises in the evaluation of innovative medical treatments.