For those considering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), it’s natural to have questions about what the experience is like. This non-invasive therapy is gaining popularity for its effectiveness in treating depression, OCD, and other mental health conditions. However, one common concern is, does TMS hurt?
We’ll discuss what TMS feels like, potential side effects, and how it compares to other treatments. By gaining an understanding of what to expect, you’ll feel more comfortable and informed as you consider whether TMS is the right choice for you.
TMS is used to treat a variety of mental health and neurological conditions. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved the following for TMS treatment:
While the above conditions are the only ones approved by the FDA, researchers continue to investigate TMS’s potential for treating other conditions. Providers may provide TMS treatment off-label for the following:
During TMS treatment, patients will feel a light tapping sensation on their head as the magnetic pulses are fired. Some describe the sensation as a series of pricks or pulses that may take a little time to get used to but are generally not uncomfortable. The tapping happens in quick bursts and then pauses. While it may feel unusual at first, most patients find the experience manageable and report that it becomes less noticeable over time.
Like any medical treatment, TMS may cause some side effects, though they are generally mild. Common TMS side effects include local pain or discomfort at the treatment site, headaches, muscle contractions, non-specific tingling, and occasional changes in hearing. Most of these effects are manageable and do not interfere with daily activities.
Side effects from TMS are typically short-lived and happen during or immediately after the treatment session. For instance, headaches often subside within a few hours. As your body adjusts to the magnetic stimulation over time, the intensity and frequency of side effects tend to decrease.
There are several strategies to help manage any discomfort you may feel during TMS treatment. These include:
If discomfort continues, communicate with your provider. Adjustments, such as repositioning the coil, lowering the intensity of magnetic pulses, or changing the treatment location, may improve your experience.
When considering treatments for mental health conditions, it’s important to know and understand your options. Here’s how TMS compares to other treatments, like medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
TMS is frequently used to treat treatment-resistant depression; however, antidepressants are considered a first-line treatment. Antidepressants help improve mood by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, that are responsible for how we feel. These include serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical, dopamine, which is linked to motivation and pleasure, and GABA, which helps calm the brain. However, antidepressants are known to cause adverse side effects like:
The trial-and-error process of finding the right medication can also be time-consuming and frustrating.
Unlike medications that alter brain chemistry throughout the entire body, TMS directly targets specific brain regions using magnetic pulses. These pulses change how brain cells communicate with each other and make their activity more effective. TMS also helps the brain adapt by strengthening the connections between brain cells, a process called synaptic plasticity. While it still adjusts the levels of serotonin and dopamine, it does so by focusing on specific areas rather than affecting the entire brain.
A study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that patients treated with TMS had significantly better outcomes than those taking medication. Response rates for TMS were 37.5% compared to 14.6% for medications, and remission rates were 27.1% versus 4.9%. Additionally, TMS responders saw greater improvements in symptoms like anxiety and anhedonia (loss of the ability to feel pleasure), while also reporting similar benefits in cognitive reactivity, rumination, and sleep problems.
Given these findings, TMS is being considered more often as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for patients who do not respond to medications or experience intolerable side effects.
ECT is another treatment that is used, especially in extreme treatment-resistant cases. It uses an electric current to induce a controlled seizure in the brain. Patients are under anesthesia and asleep during the procedure, and they wake up 5-10 minutes after it’s finished. They’re often able to resume their day-to-day activities within an hour.
This procedure differs greatly from TMS in that TMS does not require anesthesia, and patients can resume daily activities immediately after treatment. ECT is also more invasive and comes with its own set of side effects, which are not as mild as those experienced in TMS treatment. Common short-term side effects include:
Some patients may also experience short-term memory loss during the treatment period, which is usually temporary. In rare cases, longer-term memory loss may occur; however, permanent memory issues are uncommon.
TMS is changing the way we approach mental health treatment and is a safe, effective option for conditions like depression and OCD. While TMS may cause mild discomfort for some patients at first, side effects are usually temporary and manageable. This non-invasive therapy offers a promising alternative for individuals who haven’t found symptom relief with other treatments.
If you’re curious about whether TMS might be right for you, we’re here to help. Reach out to Cura Behavioral Health for a consultation and take control of your mental health today.
Determining if TMS therapy suits your mental health journey should involve consultation with a qualified professional. At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed treatment decisions.
Don’t let a mental health condition hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Cura Behavioral Health today. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
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Dr. Kevin Simonson, an esteemed Medical Director at Cura Behavioral Health, brings over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. A graduate from a top medical school, he specializes in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety, employing a patient-centered approach. His dedication to evidence-based care and his commitment to advancing mental health practices have made him a respected figure in the field. Dr. Simonson’s leadership ensures the highest standard of care for the community at Cura Behavioral Health.
