TMS Facts Vs. TMS Myths

Facts About TMS

Let’s face it, the idea of magnetic pulses tapping at your head to stimulate the areas of the brain that control your mood can be a little intimidating. That’s why we wanted to clarify some of the myths that are associated with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Below are some of the most common we’ve encountered:

Myth #1 TMS therapy causes pain or is painful.

Patient reports are consistent with describing a light tapping sensation on their scalp while undergoing TMS Treatment causing slight discomfort, but we have never had any pain reported at any of our treatment centers.  We have on occasion had a patient report having headaches occur as a side effect of TMS Treatment. We have also heard patients report developing a slight scalp irritation where the magnet comes in contact with the skin. 

*Side effects have been reported as mild discomfort, but never pain and have all been reported to quickly subside. 

Myth #2 TMS Therapy is not effective and a complete waste of time.

No matter what type of treatment you are considering, we encourage you to research it. Do a simple google search and see what comes up. If you research Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, we are confident you’ll find the same data that we share with our current patients. According to the current research, almost 70% of the patients suffering from MDD (major depressive disorder) that underwent TMS therapy showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. We can confidently say that at least 75% of our patients would say the same.

Myth #3 I will be depression free after one TMS Treatment. 

TMS treatment is different for everyone.  Some individuals report feeling a “bump” in energy levels after one week while others do not experience this.  A  few of our patients have reported feeling less depressed after week 2 but most do not notice a  change in their depression until further into the treatment (like week 5 or 6).   Everyone’s journey is different and we encourage you to be patient with yourself while you complete the treatment.

Myth #4 TMS Treatment Requires A Hospital Stay.

TMS is administered on an outpatient basis at your local TMS Treatment Clinic. During treatment, patients remain awake, no sedation required. There is no “down time” after treatments so you can return to whatever you were doing  immediately after. Treatment is just under 19 minutes so you’ll be in and out in under 30 minutes.