How to Minimize the Side Effects of TMS Therapy

Patients dealing with major depressive disorder should consider transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, especially if they have been dealing with the side effects of taking antidepressants. Aside from those unwanted side effects, many patients also fail to get relief from using antidepressants, according to Patient Preference and Adherence. The side effects of TMS are minimal, but if you are concerned, this article covers the steps to take to reduce any side effects that occur after the treatment.

What is TMS therapy?

TMS involves using magnetic coils to stimulate specific brain regions that are affected by depression. People who suffer from depression can experience symptoms such as apathy, feelings of loneliness, and intense sadness due to malfunctioning brain regions. TMS treatment involves placing a magnetic coil on a patient's head (typically the forehead). Depression symptoms may be alleviated as a result of the magnetic pulses emitted by this coil. It is common for people with treatment-resistant depression to undergo multiple TMS therapy sessions before noticing significant improvements in their symptoms.

How safe is TMS?

People often mistake TMS therapy for an ancient treatment that has risks to the brain. TMS therapy is not only non-invasive and painless, but the FDA has also approved it as a treatment for depression. However, people with metal in or around their skulls may not be able to safely benefit from this kind of therapy for their treatment-resistant depression. It is also good to know that examples of body metals that could preclude a person from obtaining TMS treatment include shrapnel or bullet fragments, ear implants, aneurysm clips, medical implants that contain metal, and magnetic or magnetic-sensitive ink tattoos.

Patients must disclose any relevant medical information to the TMS provider, as failing to do so might have life-threatening consequences. All that said, those who do not have metal implants around their heads are usually eligible for TMS treatment, including patients with pacemakers.

Minimizing the side effects of TMS

Most clinical studies have shown that patients usually tolerate TMS therapy well, with few or no side effects. Since sedation is not necessary, there are no risks related to anesthesia. It is rare for patients to discontinue their TMS treatment due to the side effects. Some of the side effects that are reported by patients are temporary and often disappear as the sessions progress. These side effects and intervention methods are as follows.

Mild to moderate headache

Some patients report mild headaches after a TMS session. This may be due to muscle and nerve stimulation in the areas beneath the coil. Headaches are not common, though, and when they occur, they are mild and usually disappear within days. They can be resolved with over-the-counter medications. In fact, according to The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Neurosurgery, TMS therapy has been discovered to minimize the persistence of migraines in people who suffer from them.

Scalp discomfort

A small percentage of patients may experience scalp pain or discomfort around the treatment application area. This is caused by the magnetic pulses generated by the coil. TMS devices have sensors that control the coil's temperature to prevent overheating and guard against scalp discomfort.

Lightheadedness

Dizziness or lightheadedness is a rarely reported side effect of TMS therapy. It might occur during or after the procedure for some people. The sensation usually disappears soon after the treatment session.

Tingling or spasm of facial muscles

Patients may experience tingling or spasms due to stimulation of the nerves and muscles around the coil. This rarely occurs, though, and often lessens as the treatment progresses. The TMS provider can adjust the magnetic coils' position on the forehead to reduce these side effects yet still make a significant difference in depression symptoms.

Reducing post-procedural side effects

Even if patients experience side effects after undergoing a TMS therapy session, these often disappear in the first two weeks of commencing treatment. The symptoms should subside and not linger throughout the 4-6 weeks of treatment. The provider will minimize or try to remove any possible risk through careful screening before and during the treatment session. Additionally, advice will be offered on ways to reduce the risks and side effects of the procedure.

In summary

Any side effect of TMS therapy is minimal compared to the benefits of undergoing treatment for depression symptoms. The side effects are typically temporary and less severe compared to many of those associated with traditional treatments like antidepressants. Contact the treatment provider if you are worried about the risks or side effects of TMS or notice anything out of the ordinary after treatment sessions.

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