Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapy for people with severe, recurrent, and treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Delivered via a BrainsWay helmet, magnetic pulses stimulate the brain’s prefrontal cortex to alleviate depression symptoms at their source. TMS focuses on the brain without jeopardizing other functions of the body.
Conventional forms of treatment, including talk therapy and medication, can have impactful results, but not for all cases. At PrairieCare, we offer a full continuum of care and specialty treatment for people with depression, including TMS as an alternative treatment option for people experiencing severe depression.
TMS has many benefits as a non-invasive therapy, including zero recovery time, flexibility, and fewer chances for adverse side effects. However, people may have concerns about how any treatment focused on the brain can affect the body and brain functioning. Here we break down the potential side effects that TMS may cause, look at the rare serious side effects, and cover common misconceptions about the therapy.
Effectiveness vs. Side Effects: Why FDA Approval Matters
An essential benefit of TMS is that it is FDA-approved—but what does that mean? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration must review medical devices to ensure public safety, quality, and effectiveness. When a product receives FDA approval, the agency has determined that the benefits outweigh the risks.
TMS therapy studies have reflected minimal side effects with highly effective results for people with severe, treatment-resistant depression. The first Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation machine used for major depressive disorder was approved by the FDA in 2008. The second machine, the Brainsway Deep TMS helmet, approved in 2013, is the technology used at PrairieCare. Clinical results at PrairieCare have shown that 60% of our TMS patients have their symptoms reduced by half, and 40% achieve symptom reduction, with minimal side effects.
Learn how long it takes for TMS to start working and how long it lasts for someone with depression.
Ready to take the first step in receiving TMS therapy? You can call our TMS team at 952-737-4510 or you can request a no-cost screening using our form.
Common Side Effects of TMS Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a highly tolerated therapy for individuals who qualify. The common side effects experienced with TMS are short-term, manageable symptoms that often fade away after two weeks of therapy. Patients have virtually zero side effects after a brief period, allowing them to focus on healing.
Here are three of the most common symptoms experienced by our patients, especially as the patient is acclimating to TMS in the first two weeks of treatment:
- Temporary Site Discomfort: The most common side effect is discomfort surrounding the area where the magnetic pulses are delivered. It can include scalp discomfort or jaw pain, but it does not last long. Site pain quickly fades away after a treatment session.
- Facial Twitching: Patients may experience muscle movements in the jaw or eyelids. Facial twitching is typically tolerable and not painful. Like many other side effects, facial twitching minimizes and then stops as the patient moves through their treatment plan.
- Headaches After Treatment: Headaches can occur due to magnetic pulses. Patients often describe the feeling of stimulation as a woodpecker pecking because it resembles small taps on the scalp. The chance of headaches reduces as the patient continues treatment. Our team can recommend over-the-counter pain medication to help alleviate headache discomfort.
Our treatment team stays with patients throughout each session to ensure side effects are manageable. If the side effects of the therapy are too uncomfortable, a provider can adjust the stimulation to appropriate levels for the patient. We prioritize building relationships with our patients in which they feel open to sharing their feelings, ensuring we can catch discomfort and warning signs early.
Uncommon Side Effects of TMS Therapy
There are a few rare but serious side effects that can occur for people undergoing TMS therapy. Thankfully, many serious TMS side effects have an exceptionally low probability or can be prevented with the proper precautions. As with any depression treatment, we can’t predict all possible side effects, but our TMS providers are top doctors in Minnesota with expertise in interventional psychiatry.
Here are uncommon side effects that could occur during TMS therapy:
- Hypomanic symptoms: In rare circumstances, patients have experienced manic and hypomanic symptoms during treatment. Often, these symptoms manifest in the form of agitation or irritability, which can be considered early signs of mania. We closely monitor any behavior changes, and if they occur, we stop treatment immediately. Our experienced psychiatrists will provide follow-up care until the symptoms fade away.
- Lightheadedness: Some patients have experienced lightheadedness during treatment. Often, it is linked to anxiety the patient is experiencing during therapy. To overcome this, our team keeps you informed to help you feel confident about the care you are receiving. In addition, the treatment team stays with you during the therapy for emotional support and provides a tablet for entertainment and relaxation.
- Seizures: The most serious risk of TMS is a seizure, but it is rare, with an exceedingly low probability of less than 1%. In a study conducted in 2018, only 18 seizures occurred out of 586,656 TMS sessions, for a seizure rate of only 0.31% per 10,000 sessions. Factors can increase the probability, including a seizure condition, alcohol use, a traumatic head injury, and some medications. We closely consider everyone’s circumstances and practice the latest TMS procedures to reduce the chances for adverse effects.
- Hearing Loss: Much like an MRI machine, the TMS machine produces loud clicking noises with each magnetic pulse. The sound can be abrasive and can cause hearing loss after repeated sessions. At PrairieCare, we promptly provide earplugs before each treatment session to eliminate the possibility of hearing loss due to the TMS machine.
Many of the serious side effects of TMS are preventable with appropriate steps and careful consideration of each patient’s medical history. PrairieCare practices the most up-to-date safety protocols with the support of a multidisciplinary team, resulting in thorough and thoughtful care. Our treatment team takes pride in being proactive in each patient’s care to ensure the best possible outcome.
TMS offers the possibility of significant symptom reduction and improved overall quality of life. For people with severe, treatment-resistant depression, it’s vital to consider whether the benefits of TMS outweigh the possible side effects.
TMS Side Effect Misconceptions: Frequently Asked Questions
Our team understands that any treatment directed to the brain can seem intimidating. When researching TMS, potential patients may get an influx of false or misleading information that confuses TMS with unsafe procedures that are no longer used, therapies that are entirely different than TMS, or stories taken out of context. We provide the facts to help patients and their doctors determine if TMS is the right fit for their unique needs.
Does TMS cause brain tumors?
No. There is no evidence of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation leading to brain tumors in patients who have received treatment. In fact, TMS has not shown any long-term, adverse effects on patients’ health.
Is TMS like ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)?
Although they are both considered methods to help people with severe depression, the electroconvulsive therapy approach is entirely different. ECT is an invasive procedure that sends an electric current through the brain to cause a seizure. Unlike TMS, ECT requires general anesthesia, and memory loss is a common side effect. Compared to ECT, TMS is a safer and non-invasive therapy approach for treatment-resistant depression.
Does TMS cause memory loss?
No. There has not been any direct link or evidence of memory loss related to TMS. Additionally, TMS does not affect other aspects of cognition, such as concentration. In fact, depression medication is more likely to cause memory loss than TMS.
TMS is a safe option for people living with severe depression. Learn about the benefits of TMS therapy at PrairieCare.
When Is TMS the Right Fit?
As part of the safety process, we work with potential patients to understand their medical and personal history and determine if TMS is the right fit.
To be eligible for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation at PrairieCare, patients must have all the following qualifications:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) that is recurrent and severe
- Have completed a sufficient course of evidence-based psychotherapy
- Have tried four medications from two different classes without improvement, including augmentation trials
- Were referred by a primary psychiatrist
Some preexisting conditions and categories may increase the likelihood of adverse side effects. TMS is not recommended for patients who meet the following criteria:
- Any type of non-removable metal in or near the head
- Implanted electronic devices
- A history of seizures, a medical diagnosis of a seizure disorder, or a condition that may increase the chances of having a seizure
- A history of mania or psychosis
- Being pregnant or nursing
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of seizures for patients receiving TMS treatment. We advise patients to avoid consuming alcohol starting five days before treatment and throughout the entire treatment course. This includes products containing even a small amount of alcohol, such as NyQuil and kombucha.
Based on a person’s medical history, our psychiatrists will consider the full picture to determine if TMS is right for them. For example, BrainsWay recommends that patients should be younger than 68 years old, but our team may determine that TMS is still a good option. Based on the existing data on TMS and the patient’s presenting needs, we can determine whether the positive mental health outcomes exceed the potential side effects.
How PrairieCare Approaches Safety and Comfort in TMS Treatment
We work closely with TMS patients to understand their needs and build a plan that puts safety at the center. Weekly appointments with a board-certified psychiatrist and support from a multidisciplinary team ensure that patients will have the help they need to feel secure in their choice to receive this highly effective depression treatment.
PrairieCare’s TMS clinics in Edina and Woodbury are welcoming and comforting. Our private treatment rooms offer headphones, a tablet, earplugs, and comfortable seating to bring relaxation to each session. Your care team stays with you throughout the therapy sessions to support and answer questions.
“I have never been treated with so much care and attention as I have been at the Edina location. To a person from the front desk staff to the technicians, they have made me feel like my needs mattered to them. I honestly feel like they saved my life!” —TMS patient at PrairieCare
Interested in TMS? Contact Our Team.
We understand you may have questions before taking the first step toward TMS therapy. PrairieCare offers a free consultation with our experienced care team.
- Call for TMS Consultation: 952-737-4510
- No-Cost Mental Health Screen: 952-826-8475
PrairieCare’s Minnesota TMS Locations
We offer convenient locations for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation near Minneapolis in Edina and Woodbury. Patients in TMS therapy will meet with their treatment team and a psychiatrist regularly. Each site has a dedicated psychiatrist who will oversee the treatment plan.
About PrairieCare
At PrairieCare, we believe that mental illness is real, common, and treatable. We provide individuals of all ages with the psychiatric care they truly need. PrairieCare is one of the nation’s largest providers of premier psychiatric services to the Twin Cities metro area, Rochester, and Mankato. Our programs and services span the full continuum of care, knowing that each patient has unique experiences, life stages, and needs.
Whether a patient needs perinatal psychiatric care or manages anxiety in school, our clinicians are accredited and trained to help. We support patients during their time with us and create sustainable outcomes for them to reach their goals.