Starting transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is an important step toward improving your mental wellness. It is natural to have questions about what will happen and what you will experience during the TMS procedure.
At The Grant Group, your first TMS session is meant to be comfortable and supportive so you know exactly what to expect and can feel confident moving forward. TMS is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive treatment we use for adolescents and adults whose depressive symptoms have not improved with medication alone, also called treatment-resistant depression.
TMS therapy uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, most often in your left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. These pulses activate your neural pathways that can be underactive in people experiencing depression. The treatment also supports neuroplasticity, which refers to your brain's ability to form new connections.
Over time, this stimulation often leads to improved mood and daily functioning. Unlike medications that affect your whole body, TMS only targets your brain. You remain awake, alert, and able to return to normal activities immediately after your first TMS appointment. TMS does not require anesthesia and does not cause memory loss or impair your thinking ability.
Preparing for your initial TMS visit is simple and straightforward. You can eat, drink, and take your prescribed medications as usual, unless we give you different instructions. Wear comfortable clothing, and avoid accessories that contain metal near your head, such as large earrings or hair clips.
Be ready to provide us with your mental health history, including prior treatments and medications, since this information helps us accurately customize your treatment plan.
During your first TMS appointment, we focus on evaluation and personalization. You will meet with a clinician to review your symptoms, treatment history, and goals. If we determine that TMS is an appropriate choice, we will then proceed with motor threshold mapping. This process identifies the precise magnetic strength needed to stimulate your brain effectively, so we can specifically tailor your treatment to you.
During your initial and subsequent TMS appointments, you will sit in a comfortable treatment chair while one of our technicians positions a magnetic coil against your scalp. As the coil delivers the pulses, you may feel a tapping sensation on your head, which many people describe as unusual yet manageable.
Sessions typically last about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your personalized protocol, and you can talk with the technician, listen to music, or relax.
This is one of the most common questions. Though patients do not consider TMS painful, you may feel mild scalp discomfort or facial muscle twitching during treatment. These sensations usually lessen as your body adapts to the treatment. We can also make small adjustments to improve your comfort while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Once you complete your session, you can return to work, drive yourself home, and resume your normal activities. There is no downtime required. Some people notice mild side effects such as a temporary headache or scalp tenderness. These typically resolve quickly, and over-the-counter pain relief helps manage the symptoms.
At The Grant Group, we continually monitor your progress throughout treatment. After your first TMS session, we can make adjustments as needed to ensure you receive the most benefit from your visits. Our team prioritizes clear communication, patient education, and a welcoming environment so you feel supported at every stage of care.
Call us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about this evidence-based approach to improving your mental health and well-being.