For patients who have not had success with traditional medications, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is emerging as an innovative solution for mental health that offers transformative benefits. When considering this new medical treatment, many patients wonder, “Is TMS therapy safe?” Our expert team is here to help you understand the safety and efficacy of this treatment as well as what to expect during your sessions.
TMS therapy is FDA-cleared as a safe and generally well-tolerated treatment for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxious depression in adults. It is also cleared to treat major depressive disorder in adolescents aged 15 and older. TMS is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment that requires no downtime and does not come with the same long list of systemic side effects as medication. TMS therapy has undergone extensive testing to determine its safety and efficacy, and is a great option for people who have not had success with other treatments.
If you have tried traditional treatments for depression, such as antidepressants, you may have experienced unpleasant side effects that made treatment intolerable. Medications often have side effects that can make it difficult to balance mental and physical health. A long period of trial-and-error may be needed before finding a prescription that works.
Since TMS therapy is a safe and drug-free option for mental health treatment, it does not have the same systemic side effects as medication. Clinical data shows that TMS Therapy has no effect on weight, sleep, concentration, energy levels, or memory. However, TMS therapy does have some potential side effects, including:
These side effects are typically mild, resolve quickly, and decrease as you continue sessions. Some people experience no side effects at all. Since this procedure does not use any sedation, you will be able to continue daily activities immediately afterward, including driving yourself home or back to work.
It is important to determine your eligibility for TMS before scheduling sessions to ensure that this treatment will be safe for you. TMS is not recommended for people with implanted devices that are magnetic, such as a pacemaker, cochlear implants, or aneurysm clips. The magnetic pulses used in TMS can cause these objects to move within the body.
Some patients may worry about the risk of seizures with TMS therapy. TMS has a less than 0.01 percent chance of causing a seizure, and this risk is even lower in those with no previous history of seizures. It is important to discuss your full medical history with our team, including any drug or alcohol use, during your initial consultation so we can ensure your safety during treatments.
The best way to find out if TMS therapy is safe for you is by scheduling an initial consultation with our team. During this visit, one of our dedicated psychiatry providers will meet with you to discuss your medical and psychiatric history, current mental health needs, and treatment goals. Once we determine that TMS therapy is appropriate for you, we can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
At The Grant Group, we want you to feel comfortable and confident with the treatment you are receiving. Please do not hesitate to address any questions or concerns you may have about your care.
Is TMS therapy safe? The short answer is, yes. Many people choose TMS to get effective mood stabilization treatment without the side effects of medication or the risks associated with invasive mental health procedures. Call today to get more information about TMS therapy and learn what to expect during your TMS therapy sessions.