If you are suffering from depression that has not improved with medication or therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) could be the next step for you. TMS is a non-surgical, FDA-approved, and drug-free therapy. Still, you may be wondering, “Are there risks associated with TMS therapy?”
We understand that when you are thinking of trying a new approach to manage your mental health, you want to be informed and confident in your decision. At Cedar Park TMS, we strive to be transparent, informative, and useful from the outset. We want you to understand what TMS is, how the process works, and what the potential side effects may be. Let us walk you through what you should know regarding TMS safety so that you can make an informed decision about your care.
TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the regions of your brain that are not active when you have depression. Since it is not an invasive treatment and does not use anesthesia, TMS is safe for most individuals. However, as with any type of treatment, TMS therapy does come with the risk of side effects.
The most common side effects of TMS are:
These are temporary effects that may diminish as your body becomes accustomed to the sessions. Most people are in and out of our office within 15 minutes and resume normal activity right away. During the sessions, you will be wide awake and alert the whole time.
Especially at the beginning of their treatment, some people experience soreness in the treatment zone, but this is quick to subside. If you do feel pain during a session, do not worry—we are always available to readjust your settings and walk you through them.
While TMS is a low-risk treatment, it may not be appropriate for everyone. In certain situations, additional caution may be necessary or a different treatment may be more appropriate. This is one of the reasons why we take the time to get to know you prior to beginning treatment.
You may not be a candidate for TMS if you:
Before beginning TMS treatment, we will look at your entire health history to assess any risks and make sure that it is the best, safest option for you. If not, we may be able to help you find an alternative option. Ultimately, our goal is to find an approach that works best for your health and lifestyle.
Brain stimulation might sound scary, but TMS is distinct from, and does not have the same risks as, treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy. TMS does not involve the use of electrical currents or the loss of memory. It is completely non-invasive, and its administration does not require any new medication.
For those who have had no success with antidepressants or want to avoid the risk of ongoing side effects, TMS offers a viable option. Since we began offering TMS in 2018, we have seen numerous patients regain their hope.
TMS therapy only takes about nine weeks in total, with each session lasting about five minutes. Additionally, as we are located right here in Austin, you can count on us to be readily available to assist you if you have questions or concerns.
So, are there risks associated with TMS therapy? While there is always the chance of temporary side effects, TMS is a low-risk, drug-free treatment that has helped many people treat depression in a novel and alternative fashion.
We are aware that trying something different can be frightening, but this could be the breakthrough you have been looking for. We can support you on this journey, offering compassionate, transparent, and informative guidance. Get in touch with us now to explore your options and find out whether TMS is suitable for you.
