It is important to ask questions before starting any medical treatment, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is no exception. This FDA-cleared treatment for depression uses magnetic pulses—similar to those found in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—to stimulate parts of your brain and increase neurotransmitters.
If you are curious about TMS therapy, our team at Cedar Park TMS is here to help. Here are some questions to ask your provider before starting TMS therapy.
Eligibility is a good question to ask your provider when considering TMS therapy. TMS treatment is often a good fit for patients aged 15 and older who are dealing with depression that has not responded to antidepressants and psychotherapy. However, patients should not have metal inside or near their head, such as:
Some patients may wish to continue with antidepressants, and it is common for them to ask their provider whether they can take antidepressants while receiving TMS treatment. Typically, we ask that patients not make changes to the dosage of their medication early in the TMS treatment process so we can properly gauge how TMS is working for you.
If antidepressants have improved your symptoms a little, we want to continue these benefits while introducing TMS treatment to achieve further progress. If you have not noticed any benefits from antidepressants or if they are causing significant side effects, you may want to taper off them prior to beginning TMS therapy. Your provider will help you determine which option will be best for you.
This is a common question for many people before starting TMS therapy. TMS is not painful, but some people experience a tapping feeling or tingling sensation. Sometimes, the magnetic pulses can trigger temporary facial twitching.
The procedure is tolerable for most patients. You may notice a headache after your first few treatments, but this should ease after several sessions.
When you start your TMS therapy session, you will sit in a chair as one of our team members positions the treatment device near your head. TMS sessions typically last five minutes, allowing you to be in and out of our office within 15 minutes. No anesthesia or sedation is required, so you will be able to continue with your regular routine immediately after treatment.
Unlike other mental health treatments—such as antidepressants or electroconvulsive therapy—TMS therapy does not cause systemic side effects such as nausea, weight gain, or memory loss. Some patients report feeling tired or experiencing headaches early in the treatment program, but these typically alleviate after several sessions.
Most insurances will cover TMS therapy for treating major depressive disorder. However, as well as having a diagnosis of depression, many insurance plans require you to have tried at least two antidepressants for the appropriate dosage and duration.
If you are curious about TMS, there are many questions to ask your provider before starting TMS therapy. Schedule a consultation with our team today. We will partner with you to find the best treatment for your depression symptoms.
Dr. Denae Rickenbacker (CedarParkPsych) will be consolidating her practice with Cedar Park TMS. Her last day at her current office is December 3, 2025. Patients will continue receiving care through Cedar Park TMS after this transition.
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