Tinnitus, insomnia, migraine, brain fog, and autonomic symptoms can overlap. Yonsei DANA ENT Clinic evaluates the ear and vestibular function, sleep, autonomic function, headache, and whole-body symptoms together, and reviews whether rTMS is suitable.
rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) does not pass electric current directly through the body. Instead, it uses a magnetic field formed outside the scalp to modulate nerve activity in the cerebral cortex.
What matters is not "which symptom the rTMS device is used for" but "which brain network is stimulated, and toward what goal". Even for the same symptom, the approach can differ when the causes and coexisting conditions differ.
Hearing tests and evaluation of ear conditions come first. After checking for treatable causes such as sudden hearing loss, Ménière's disease, or middle ear disease, we look at remaining tinnitus together with sleep, anxiety, and concentration problems.
We check not only difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or early waking, but also whether nighttime tinnitus, headache, autonomic overactivity, or mood symptoms are disturbing your sleep.
We evaluate headache frequency and pattern, the possibility of vestibular migraine, neck and shoulder tension, and sleep and autonomic status together.
We do not look only at poor concentration; we check accompanying features such as fatigue, PEM, sleep, increased heart rate on standing, headache, and changes in smell and taste.
We check when the symptoms started, whether they came on suddenly, and whether they are related to sleep, stress, infection, or hearing changes.
We select tests that fit your symptoms, such as hearing and vestibular evaluation for tinnitus and dizziness, and autonomic evaluation for brain fog and orthostatic symptoms.
We decide whether to proceed and the stimulation strategy, considering your symptom goals, coexisting conditions, contraindications, and previous treatments.
We do not apply the same number of sessions and intensity to every patient; we adjust the plan while checking your early response and tolerability.
Tinnitus is not always an isolated symptom; it can occur together with hearing loss, sudden hearing loss, Ménière's disease, Eustachian tube problems, jaw or neck problems, or sleep disorders. That is why identifying the cause comes before deciding on rTMS.
It is a non-invasive neuromodulation method that delivers repetitive magnetic stimulation from outside the scalp to modulate nerve activity in specific brain regions.
No. We first check that there is no ear condition that needs treatment first, such as hearing loss or sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and then review whether rTMS is suitable.
We do not decide based on symptoms alone. We look at accompanying issues such as sleep, migraine, mood symptoms, autonomic function, and the possibility of Long COVID or ME/CFS before judging suitability.
It depends on the target symptoms, the protocol, and your early response. Rather than suggesting a fixed number without evaluation, it is appropriate to make an initial plan and adjust it according to your progress.
No. Responses differ from person to person, and the level of evidence varies by symptom. Results cannot be guaranteed, and an accurate diagnosis and review of indications are important.
During stimulation you may feel tapping on the scalp or local discomfort. The degree of discomfort depends on the stimulation intensity and the individual.
Metal or electronic medical devices in the body and seizure risk must be checked in advance. Whether it can actually be performed is judged through your history and consultation.
Do not look only at whether a clinic has an rTMS device; check whether it also evaluates the cause of your symptoms.
If your hearing has changed suddenly, a hearing test and ruling out sudden hearing loss come before rTMS.
Causes that disturb sleep, such as nighttime tinnitus, migraine, anxiety, and autonomic overactivity, also need to be checked.
It is important to look separately at accompanying conditions such as Long COVID, PEM, POTS, and sleep problems.
3F Lemeilleur Jongno Town, 19 Jongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Jongno 1-ga)
2 min walk from Jonggak Stn (Line 1) Exit 1 · Gwanghwamun Stn (Line 5) Exit 4
Mon–Fri 09:00 – 18:00
Saturday: by advance reservation for functional medicine patients
Last registration · morning 12:30 / afternoon 17:30
Closed on Sundays and public holidays