Are There Risks Associated With TMS Therapy?
At Desert View Counseling, we give you clear, science-based answers about your mental health treatment. NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive treatment used for major depressive disorder and other qualifying conditions when medications or talk therapy have not worked.
However, you may wonder, “Are there risks associated with TMS therapy?” As with most medical treatments, NeuroStar TMS is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, it carries moderate risks and potential side effects you should understand before you start treatment.
What Is NeuroStar TMS Therapy, and How Does It Work?
NeuroStar TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific regions of the brain linked to mood regulation. It does not require surgery, anesthesia, or sedation, and you can usually return to your regular daily activities immediately after a treatment session.
While you may find relief with NeuroStar TMS therapy, understanding the risks that are associated with it could help you make an informed decision and feel more comfortable throughout your care.
What Are the Common Side Effects?
Most side effects or risks attributed to NeuroStar TMS treatment are moderate, temporary, and manageable, and they often improve as your treatment program progresses. Some of the typical reactions you might experience include:
- Headache: Mild headaches are the most commonly reported side effect and may occur during or shortly after a session
- Scalp discomfort: You might feel a tapping or warmth on the scalp during treatment, which tends to lessen as your brain adapts to the magnetic pulses
- Facial muscle twitching or tension: You might notice brief facial sensations related to muscle responses during stimulation
- Lightheadedness or mild dizziness: These effects are generally short-lived and resolve soon after treatment
Because these side effects are usually moderate, they rarely interfere with your daily routines or lead to stopping treatment.
Are There Serious Risks?
Serious complications associated with NeuroStar TMS therapy are rare, but you should know they could occur.
The most notable risks are seizures. While serious, these are extremely uncommon and happen in fewer than one out of every 10,000 sessions. They are more likely to occur if you have been diagnosed with seizures.
Another complication is potential hearing loss, which could occur if proper ear protection is not used during treatment. Very rarely, NeuroStar TMS could trigger elevated moods, especially if you have bipolar disorder or other related mental health conditions.
Before beginning NeuroStar TMS treatment, we evaluate your medical history and health status to reduce these risks and tailor treatments to your needs.
Who Might Not Be a Good Candidate for NeuroStar TMS?
Some conditions make the NeuroStar TMS treatment less safe or inappropriate. For instance, because the treatment uses magnetic impulses, you should not have metal implants or electronic devices near your head, including surgical hardware or cochlear implants.
A history of seizure disorders or other neurological sensitivities is also a risk factor linked to NeuroStarTMS treatment.
How To Minimize Your Risks
At Desert View Counseling, your safety is our priority. A thorough medical and mental health evaluation helps us identify risk factors. Our trained NeuroStar TMS provider adjusts stimulation levels and monitors your response to each session.
Because NeuroStar TMS is non-invasive and delivered without sedation, you are awake and aware during your treatment sessions. You can communicate any concerns in real time to help minimize the side effects that are associated with NeuroStar TMS therapy.
Contact Us To Discuss the Side Effects Linked to NeuroStar TMS Treatment
If you are struggling with treatment-resistant depression or other qualifying disorders, NeuroStar TMS therapy offers a promising, non-invasive option. During your consultation, we answer the question, “Are there risks associated with TMS therapy?”
Contact us at Desert View Counseling to discuss NeuroStar TMS openly. A careful, personalized approach may help you make the choice that best supports your mental health and well-being.
