If you’re considering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy for depression, one of your first questions is likely: “Does it hurt?” It’s a completely natural concern when exploring any new medical treatment. The good news is that TMS therapy is well-tolerated by most patients, with minimal discomfort and few side effects compared to traditional depression treatments.
At Advantage TMS, we understand that knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety about starting treatment. This article addresses common questions about TMS discomfort and walks you through the potential side effects so you can make an informed decision about your mental health care.
TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. These magnetic fields are similar in strength to those used in MRI machines. During treatment, you’ll sit in a comfortable chair while a treatment coil is positioned against your scalp.
Most patients describe the sensation as a tapping or clicking feeling on the scalp. The magnetic pulses create a physical sensation that can feel unusual during your first few sessions, but it’s important to note that the treatment itself does not hurt in the traditional sense. You remain fully awake and alert throughout the entire 19-37 minute session, and no anesthesia or sedation is required.
The most frequently reported side effect during TMS therapy is scalp discomfort or sensitivity at the treatment site. This sensation typically occurs during the actual treatment session and is described by patients as:
This discomfort is generally mild to moderate and tends to decrease significantly after the first week of treatment. As your body becomes accustomed to the sensation, most patients find subsequent sessions increasingly comfortable. If needed, over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort, and your treatment provider can adjust the magnetic field strength to make sessions more comfortable.
Some patients experience mild headaches during or after TMS sessions, particularly in the early stages of treatment. These headaches are typically:
If you experience headaches, let your TMS coordinator know. Simple adjustments to your treatment protocol or taking an analgesic before your session can often resolve this issue completely.
One of the most significant advantages of TMS therapy is what it doesn’t cause. Unlike antidepressant medications, TMS is non-systemic, meaning it doesn’t circulate through your bloodstream and affect your entire body. This results in the absence of many side effects commonly associated with depression medications:
Many antidepressants can cause significant weight changes, which can be distressing and affect self-esteem. TMS therapy does not impact your metabolism or appetite in ways that lead to weight fluctuations.
Sexual side effects are among the most commonly reported issues with antidepressant medications and can significantly impact quality of life and relationships. TMS therapy does not cause these problems.
You can drive yourself to and from appointments and resume your normal activities immediately after each session. There’s no need to adjust your work schedule or daily routine.
Many medications cause stomach upset, nausea, or other gastrointestinal problems. TMS therapy has no effect on your digestive system.
Because TMS targets only specific brain regions and doesn’t enter your bloodstream, you won’t experience the many systemic side effects that medications can cause.
Clinical trials have systematically evaluated TMS therapy’s effects on memory and cognitive function. The results are clear: TMS therapy does not result in negative effects on memory or concentration. In fact, many patients report improved focus and mental clarity as their depression symptoms lift.
This stands in stark contrast to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which can cause short-term confusion and memory loss, with some patients experiencing long-term memory disruptions.
TMS therapy has been FDA-cleared since 2008, with hundreds of thousands of treatments performed worldwide. The long-term safety profile is excellent. In clinical trials involving over 10,000 active treatments, no seizures were observed, and no serious adverse effects were reported.
The magnetic energy used in a complete course of TMS therapy is actually a small fraction of what you’d receive during just one brain scan with an MRI. This technology has been used safely for decades in various medical applications.
When evaluating whether TMS therapy is right for you, it’s helpful to compare it to alternative treatments:
While medications work for many people, they can take weeks or months to show effects and often require trying multiple types to find the right fit. Side effects can be significant and may include weight gain, sexual problems, emotional blunting, and sleep disturbances. TMS offers targeted treatment without systemic side effects.
ECT requires general anesthesia, intentionally causes seizures, and is associated with memory loss and confusion. Patients need caregiver support and cannot drive themselves to appointments. TMS, by contrast, is non-invasive, requires no sedation, and allows you to maintain your normal schedule.
At Advantage TMS, we create a comfortable, supportive environment for your treatment. Our experienced team will:
Our office hours extend from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday, and 8 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday availability, making it easier to fit treatment into your schedule without disrupting work or family commitments.
While individual experiences vary, the vast majority of patients find TMS therapy to be a comfortable, manageable treatment option. The most common side effect—mild scalp discomfort—typically decreases after the first week and is far outweighed by the potential benefits of reduced depression symptoms.
Many patients at Advantage TMS report that the temporary discomfort is a small price to pay for the lasting relief from depression they experience. Unlike medications that require daily commitment and systemic side effects, TMS offers targeted treatment with minimal disruption to your life.
If you’re struggling with depression and traditional treatments haven’t worked, or if you’re concerned about medication side effects, TMS therapy may be an excellent option for you. At Advantage TMS, we accept most major insurance plans, including Tricare, Medicare, and all Blue Cross Blue Shield plans.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our team will answer all your questions, discuss whether TMS is right for your situation, and help you take the first step toward lasting relief from depression.
Don’t let concerns about discomfort hold you back from exploring a treatment that could change your life. Reach out to Advantage TMS and find out if TMS therapy is right for you.
Cleveland Clinic “Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)” 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17827-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-tms
American Psychiatric Association. “What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?” 2023. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ect
Our office is closed December 25th for Christmas and January 1st for New Years Day. If you have any questions or urgent requests, please email us at info@advantagementalhealth.com.
Please fill out the form if you have a patient interested in learning more about TMS treatment. We appreciate the referral and partnership.
Next Steps:
• Our TMS Coordinator will contact the patient to schedule a complimentary information session.
• If the patient decides to seek TMS treatment with Advantage TMS, we will communicate with you when necessary and the patient will continue to work with you while receiving treatment.
Questions?
• Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 727-600-8093 or info@advantagementalhealth.com
