Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for Stroke Rehabilitation

What is Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)?

rTMS for Stroke Rehabilitation is a therapy that uses magnetic signals to stimulate specific areas of the brain. In stroke rehabilitation, rTMS is used to help improve brain function and support recovery of movement, speech, or other neurological functions.

Your doctor may recommend rTMS as part of your stroke rehabilitation to:

• Support recovery of motor function (e.g. weakness in the arm or leg)
• Improve speech or language difficulties
• Complement other rehabilitation therapies e.g. physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy

This list is non-exhaustive.

• Remove metallic accessories around the head (e.g. hairpins, earrings)
• Not required to fast
• Continue with your regular diet and medications (unless instructed differently by your doctor)
• Please inform your neurodiagnostic lab before the test if you have: 
  • An implanted device in your heart or abdomen (e.g. pacemaker) or brain (e.g. intracranial device, neurostimulator, clips, coils, or implanted hearing device)
  • A history of seizures or epilepsy

The test is done by a neurotechnologist and will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

• You will be seated comfortably in a chair
• A magnetic coil is placed gently against your scalp
• The device delivers repeated magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain 
• You may hear clicking sounds and feel a tapping sensation on your scalp
• In some cases, small sensors may be placed on the back of your hands or fingers to monitor muscle activity during the session.
• A course of treatment usually involves multiple sessions over several weeks
• You may resume your normal daily activities after each session 

Frequently Asked Questions about rTMS

Is the test safe?

Yes, rTMS is generally safe, it is:

• Non-invasive (no surgery or needles)
• Targeted to specific areas of the brain
• Widely used in neurological and rehabilitation settings
• A rare but serious side effect is a seizure. Your doctor will assess your suitability for treatment to minimise risks.
• The neurotechnologist will be with you throughout the process. If you feel unwell, please inform the neurotechnologist.

Can I use Medisave to pay for this test?

This test may be claimable under:

• Flexi-MediSave for Seniors; or
• Outpatient scans for diagnosis or treatment of a medical condition.

Please refer to the Ministry of Health's Outpatient Care page for the latest claim limits and eligibility criteria.

The information is correct as of July 2026 and subject to revisions without notice.

Please refer to this link for information regarding rTMS for treatment-resistant depression: https://www.singhealth.com.sg/tests-procedures/repetitive-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-rtms