TMS with Neuronavigation › Stroke recovery
After a stroke, every month of recovery counts.
After a stroke, the healthy hemisphere holds back the affected one. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) rebalances the two hemispheres so that rehabilitation exercises have more effect.
For the patient and family
What to bring to the neurological consultation:
Timing matters
After a stroke, the brain goes through a period when it reorganises more easily. TMS has the best effect when given during this period, together with active rehabilitation.
The first days
Acute phase
The patient is cared for in hospital. This is not the time for TMS.
The following weeks and months
Recovery period
The time with the best effect for hand and arm recovery, together with physiotherapy.
After the first months
Chronic phase
The effect of TMS on movement is best documented during the recovery period. In the chronic phase, the neurologist decides whether treatment is still worthwhile.
What we work on
Stimulation is applied to the motor cortex, and the effect comes together with physiotherapy.
On the healthy hemisphere
Stimulation of the motor cortex in the healthy hemisphere to rebalance the two hemispheres. The most studied protocol after stroke.
On the affected hemisphere
Stimulation of the motor cortex in the affected hemisphere, when the neurologist recommends it.
TMS and rehabilitation together
The TMS session
Prepares the brain to be more receptive.
Rehabilitation exercises
Physiotherapy, straight afterwards.
Measured progress
Reassessment by the neurologist.
What studies show
Level A
definite efficacy
Stimulation of the motor cortex in the healthy hemisphere has the highest level of recommendation in the European TMS guidelines.
Source: Lefaucheur et al., Clinical Neurophysiology, 2020 (European TMS guidelines)
+9.6
points on the arm function test
Combining TMS with robot-assisted rehabilitation brought the greatest improvement in arm function across 103 studies with 5,251 patients.
Source: Wang et al., Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2026
no. 1
in the ranking of combinations
In the same analysis, TMS plus rehabilitation ranked first among all the treatment combinations compared.
Source: Wang et al., Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2026
87
studies, 3,750 patients
TMS improved arm function and independence in daily activities after stroke, compared with placebo stimulation.
Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2023 (network meta-analysis)
A course of at least 20 sessions during the recovery period, together with physiotherapy.
Once
Consultation with the neurologist
The neurologist checks the type of stroke, medication and seizure risk.
First day
Motor threshold and target
We find the hand area from the motor response to stimulation.
At least 4 weeks
At least 20 sessions
5 a week, about 15–25 minutes each, followed by exercises.
Throughout
Reassessments
The neurologist reassesses movement, grip and independence.
What the neurologist checks at reassessment
In brief, with Dr Nadia Gorduza
Dr Nadia Gorduza explains how TMS prepares the brain for rehabilitation and why the timing of the start matters.
For the family
Stroke recovery is teamwork, and the family is an important part of it.
Ongoing research
The international clinical trials registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) lists 33 ongoing TMS studies in stroke recovery, many not yet published. Here are some of them:
Tiantan Hospital, Beijing · 584 patients · phase 3
Target chosen from the lesion map
The largest study so far in which the target is calculated on each patient’s MRI and reached by navigation.
16 centres, coordinated from the Netherlands · 454 patients
Arm recovery after stroke
The European B-STARS2 study tests Theta Burst on the healthy hemisphere, together with rehabilitation.
Tübingen University Hospital, Germany · 144 patients
Stimulation synchronised with brain waves
Stimulation is given at exactly the moment the brain is most receptive, read in real time on EEG.
Medical University of South Carolina · 96 patients
Depression and walking after stroke
Combines TMS with cardio training, such as treadmill walking, to treat depression and walking difficulties at the same time.
Launch prices
Launch prices. We usually use TMS Standard: the target is found from the hand’s motor response.
TMS Standard
250 lei / session
Optional, on the neurologist’s recommendation
The Neuronavigation option
With a 3D brain model, from 300 lei per session, or on your own MRI, from 360 lei per session. The MRI is done separately, at a centre of your choice.
See all options →Good to know
Yes, after a consultation with the neurologist, who checks the type and location of the stroke, your medication and seizure risk before setting the protocol.
No. TMS makes the brain more receptive, and the effect comes together with rehabilitation exercises.
The best results come during the active recovery period after a stroke. At the consultation, the neurologist tells you whether the timing is right.
Yes, please tell us. After a stroke, sensation can be reduced, so we carefully check the sensation of warmth under the coil at every session.
The first step is a consultation with the neurologist. Tap “Book now!” and choose your time directly on WhatsApp. Bring your medical records, your list of medications and your MRI, if you have one.
3 Aviator Jean Texier Street, 1st floor, apt. 2, Sector 1, Bucharest · Monday–Friday, 10:00–20:00
Results vary from patient to patient. The indication for TMS is set by the neurologist after a consultation. Sources: Lefaucheur et al., Clin Neurophysiol 2020 · Wang et al., Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2026 · Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2023 · ClinicalTrials.gov, November 2026 · Academy of Brain Stimulation, TMS Protocols 08/2026.
ID Therapy Brain & Longevity Clinic
