If you are interested in transcranial magnetic stimulation, you may be wondering about safety, side effects, and what it is really like. Often, patients choose TMS as a treatment alternative if medication has been insufficient or produced unwanted side effects. Learning about the safety and side effects of TMS therapy can help empower you to take a more informed step towards a treatment plan for your mental health.
In our Pittsburgh practice, we offer a patient-centered approach to our TMS treatments. Education, patient comfort, and carefully monitored symptoms ensure you know what to expect during and after the procedure. TMS is an insured and outpatient procedure that is incorporated into your daily schedule.
TMS procedures have been well researched and are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of specific psychological disorders, including those cases of major depression that are unresponsive to medications. Unlike other depression treatments using medications, TMS does not use systemic medications. It does not travel in your bloodstream, affecting other parts of the body.
This completely noninvasive psychiatric treatment uses magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of the brain that regulate mood. The treatments are performed on the awake and seated individual, and there is immediate resumption of usual activities following treatment. To most people, this feature makes TMS treatments comforting in terms of safety and long-term tolerability.
Before you begin treatment, an evaluation will be performed in order to determine whether TMS therapy is right for you. Your treatment will be based on your diagnosis, symptomatology, and medical history to help prevent any risks associated with treatment and to improve tolerance to therapy.
Common side effects of TMS treatment are generally mild to moderate and often resolve as your body adjusts to the treatment. The most frequently reported side effect of this treatment is temporary discomfort in the areas of the scalp or a headache experienced either during treatment or shortly after. This is often described as tapping or tingling in the areas being treated.
Some individuals may also have twitching in the facial muscles, which ceases when the treatment ends. Fatigue may occur, especially in the first weeks of treatment, but it is temporary. Such effects are closely monitored, and the treatment environment can also be adjusted to promote more comfort.
Severe side effects are uncommon. Your treatment team can evaluate the potential risks with you ahead of time and will be available to answer any concerns you have during treatment. This type of support is an important part of good treatment outcomes.
Every appointment for TMS treatment happens in an orderly, predictable manner. The treatment session usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on your individually tailored treatment protocol. You are conscious during the treatment session and are free to talk to your doctor if you need to.
After your appointment, you are free to drive yourself home, return to work, or resume your other duties. There will be no limitations on your activities for the vast majority of patients. Since TMS therapy is insured by most carriers, we are able to provide benefit verification and scheduling services to make the process stress-free.
All through your TMS treatment plan, we regularly check in to monitor symptom shifts, side effects, as well as progress. In doing so, your journey is assured to stay safe, supportive, and on track according to your objectives.
Being aware of the safety and side effects of TMS therapy is the key to making the decision of whether this treatment is right for you. TMS therapy is a noninvasive treatment that is medication-free and easy to manage. If you are ready to learn more about the safety of TMS treatment, contact us today. We are here to answer your questions, check your insurance, and assist you in moving forward with a clear mind.
