Method and apparatus for providing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to a patient

A method for providing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to a patient, the method comprising:

• providing an apparatus comprising:
• a head mount for disposition on the head of the patient;
• and
• a plurality of magnet assemblies for releasable mounting on the head mount, wherein each of the magnet assemblies comprises a permanent magnet configured to selectively provide a rapidly changing magnetic field of 500-5000 Tesla/second, corresponding to a magnet movement speed of no less than 400 Hertz, capable of inducing electric currents in the brain of the patient so as to modify natural electrical activity of the brain of the patient,
• positioning the head mount on the head of the patient, and positioning a selected number of magnet assemblies on the head mount at selected locations;
• and
• selectively moving at least some of the magnet assemblies to provide the rapidly changing magnetic fields, wherein the permanent magnets are each operated to provide a magnetic field having certain spatial, strength, and temporal characteristics;
• wherein the number of magnet assemblies mounted on the head mount, their individual positioning on the head mount, and their selective provision of the rapidly changing magnetic fields is selected so as to custom tailor the spatial, strength, and temporal characteristics of the magnetic field for the patient, whereby to provide patient-specific TMS therapy, to assist in diagnosis or to map out brain function in neuroscience research.