Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy (TMS) is often beneficial for patients with depression who have not found relief with antidepressants and therapy. This FDA-cleared procedure uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain to alleviate symptoms.
Starting a new medical treatment often comes with many questions. It is natural to wonder about its effects, including how it may impact your brain. If you are wondering, “Can TMS therapy cause brain damage?” you will be relieved to learn that the answer is no. Our providers at Cedar Park TMS are here to address your concerns and determine if the procedure would be right for you.
TMS therapy uses brief magnetic pulses to stimulate the left prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that regulates mood. The pulses activate cells in the brain that release neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. An imbalance of these chemicals is a potential cause of depression, and bringing them to optimal levels may relieve your symptoms without causing damage to your brain.
There is no connection between TMS and brain damage. Though electroshock therapy can result in memory loss, this is not a side effect of TMS, which is a noninvasive procedure. Because the magnetic pulses stimulate areas of your brain, it may strengthen the neural pathways associated with learning and memory.
TMS uses similar magnetic energy to that used in an MRI—a safe and widely used diagnostic tool. Because the procedure specifically targets the left prefrontal cortex rather than the entirety of the brain, its impact is limited.
Our team at Cedar Park TMS is dedicated to empowering patients like you with information about the treatments that may work best for them. We will help you understand the relationship between TMS and your body. If you are still concerned about TMS therapy causing brain damage, we can assure you that TMS therapy does not cause any injury to you. In fact, it may stimulate growth in certain regions of the brain. Schedule a consultation with our providers today to learn more about how this noninvasive procedure may benefit your needs.
