Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is generally well-tolerated, with most side effects being mild and transient. The most common Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation side effects include headaches, scalp discomfort, and mild facial or muscle twitching during treatment. Headaches typically occur during or immediately after the procedure and are caused by the magnetic field stimulating scalp muscles, leading to muscle tension-type headaches. Studies show that adverse events are reported in approximately 12.4% of patients, with headache being the most frequent complaint at 6.9% and discomfort at the stimulation site occurring in 2.7% of cases.
The loud clicking sound generated during TMS treatment poses a potential risk for hearing loss, which is why ear protection is typically provided during sessions. While most Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation side effects are minor, there is a small but serious risk of seizure induction, occurring in approximately one in 35,000 treatments, which makes individuals with epilepsy or a seizure history unsuitable for TMS treatment for depression or other mental health conditions. Overall, the safety profile of TMS is favorable, making it a viable treatment option for psychiatric conditions when other treatments have been ineffective.
What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
TMS is a treatment technique that uses a magnetic field to influence brain activity. The procedure works by using a changing magnetic field to induce an electric current in a targeted area of the brain through the process of electromagnetic induction. A medical device applies electrical pulses to the brain using a magnetic coil held over the head, where an electric current is delivered to the coil by a stimulator, and the current flowing through loops in the coil generates a magnetic field. It uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain involved in mood control, and TMS devices operate entirely outside of the body and affect central nervous system activity by applying powerful magnetic fields to specific areas of the brain.
TMS has been approved by the FDA since 2008 to treat depression and is typically used when other depression treatments have not been effective. Beyond depression, it can be used as a therapy to manage intrusive memories and treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and other brain-related conditions. It’s non-invasive and can help when other treatment approaches are ineffective.
During treatment, patients wear a cap fitted with a magnetic coil for a series of treatments that last from three to 30 minutes. The pulses induce small electric currents that reset dysfunctional brain patterns. The therapy is also sometimes referred to as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), as it uses repetitive magnetic impulses.
Does TMS Lead to Fatigue or Tiredness After Sessions?
Yes, TMS can lead to fatigue or tiredness after treatment sessions, and this is recognized as one of the more common side effects. Some patients have reported feeling tired after a TMS session, and fatigue can be a common side effect of TMS treatment sessions, particularly at the beginning of treatment. Fatigue is listed among the common initial side effects along with scalp discomfort, headaches, and sleep changes, which often decrease as the body adapts to the stimulation.
The fatigue associated with TMS is thought to result from the brain’s increased activity during treatment. TMS can induce fatigue due to the increased neuronal activity or blood flow activated during a session, which can tire a patient as if they had had a mental workout, especially during longer or frequent sessions.
However, fatigue often improves over the course of treatment as the body adjusts, but the duration can vary from person to person. Drowsiness is one of the most common side effects associated with TMS, with patients potentially feeling fatigued during and after each session.
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How Long Do TMS Side Effects Usually Last?
Most TMS side effects are temporary and resolve quickly after each treatment session. Other side effects are usually mild and only last a few minutes, and most side effects are mild and dissipate shortly after the session. This means that common side effects, such as headaches, scalp discomfort, or mild fatigue, typically resolve within minutes to a few hours following the treatment session.
When it comes to long-term effects, the safety profile of TMS is reassuring:
- No long-term adverse side effects have been reported, and TMS is considered a safe procedure.
- Most studies and patient reports indicate that TMS does not have significant long-term side effects.
- The treatment has received regulatory approval from bodies such as the FDA, which supports its safety profile.
- While some patients may experience initial side effects, such as fatigue or headaches, during the first few sessions, these tend to diminish as the body adapts to the treatment over the course of the multi-week treatment protocol.
- The transient nature of TMS side effects is one of the key advantages of this noninvasive treatment approach, allowing patients to return to their normal activities immediately after each session.
How Can Patients Manage or Reduce Side Effects of TMS Treatment?
Patients can employ several strategies to effectively manage and reduce TMS side effects after the trauma-informed care program. For headaches, which are among the most common side effects, clinicians may recommend taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen 30 minutes before the treatment. Patients can then use over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, to manage these side effects after treatment. Patients are welcome to take over-the-counter medications before or after treatment to help prevent or soothe headaches.
Beyond medication, there are other practical approaches to minimize side effects:
- Using earplugs during treatment can muffle the clicking sounds of the magnetic pulses.
- Most patients find relief by adjusting the position of the coil during treatment, and treatment intensity can be adjusted to avoid headaches.
- Patients should communicate openly with their treatment team about any side effects they experience, as adjustments to the treatment protocol can often provide significant relief while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Key Takeaways on the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Side Effects
- The most common side effects of TMS include headaches, scalp discomfort, and mild fatigue.
- Post-treatment fatigue occurs because TMS increases brain activity, creating a mental workout effect similar to physical exercise.
- Patients can successfully manage TMS side effects through simple interventions, including taking over-the-counter pain medications.
- Most patients experience a reduction in side effects after the first few sessions due to habituation.
- With serious adverse events like seizures occurring in only about one in 35,000 treatments, TMS is considered exceptionally safe.
If you’re looking to understand the potential Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation side effects and potential treatment options, it’s important to gather detailed information about the process. While these are usually mild and subside quickly, it’s also essential to be aware of some rare risks associated with TMS, such as seizures or changes in mood. To explore these aspects comprehensively and have your questions answered, reach out to Moment of Clarity at 949-625-0564 today.
External Sources
- National Library of Medicine –Adverse events of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in older adults with depression, a systematic review of the literature
- National Institute on Mental Health –Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Safety and Risk
- Yale Medicine –Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression, OCD: What to Know
