Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved therapy that helps individuals with mental health conditions, including major depression, who have not fully responded to traditional depression treatments. TMS uses magnetic fields delivered through a magnetic coil to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood and emotional regulation.
While TMS therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, patients may experience side effects. One common concern is TMS fatigue, which can occur after a TMS session or treatment course. This article explains what TMS fatigue is, what to expect during treatment, and practical strategies for managing it.
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TMS fatigue refers to feelings of tiredness, low energy, or drowsiness experienced after transcranial magnetic stimulation TMS treatment. This side effect is usually temporary and mild, but it can affect daily activities if not properly managed. Fatigue can result from the brain’s response to magnetic pulses that stimulate neurons in specific areas of the brain, particularly those involved in mood regulation.
While most patients tolerate TMS therapy well, TMS therapy side effects can include scalp discomfort, headache, or fatigue. Understanding that fatigue is a common and manageable side effect helps patients prepare for their treatment sessions.
During a TMS session, a magnetic coil is placed near the scalp, delivering brief magnetic pulses to targeted brain regions. These pulses modulate neuronal activity, helping to improve depression symptoms. However, stimulating the brain requires energy, and the neural adjustment can leave patients feeling temporarily drained.
Factors that contribute to transcranial magnetic stimulation fatigue include:
Fatigue may appear immediately after a session or build gradually over several treatments. It is often most noticeable in the first few weeks of therapy and tends to lessen as the body adjusts to the stimulation.
Aside from fatigue, patients may experience other common side effects of TMS, including:
These side effects are generally mild and subside within hours to a day. It is important to report any persistent or severe side effects to the treating clinician, as adjustments to the TMS treatment plan can be made to improve comfort and safety.
A typical TMS session lasts 20–40 minutes. Patients sit comfortably while the clinician positions the magnetic coil over specific areas of the brain. The device delivers controlled magnetic pulses that stimulate neurons linked to mood and emotional regulation.
During the session, patients may hear clicking sounds, which indicate the magnetic fields are working as intended. The procedure is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately afterward, although mild fatigue after TMS is common.
Managing TMS fatigue involves a combination of self-care strategies, session planning, and lifestyle adjustments. Here are practical tips:
By incorporating these strategies, most patients can continue therapy with minimal disruption to daily life.
TMS works by targeting specific areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation. In depression, these areas may be underactive. By sending magnetic pulses to these regions, TMS can stimulate neuronal activity and improve depression symptoms.
Over a full course of treatment, typically 4–6 weeks with multiple sessions per week, patients may notice:
While TMS fatigue may occur during the early stages, the overall effect of TMS is often increased vitality and reduced depressive symptoms over time.
Unlike medications, which can have systemic side effects, TMS is localized to targeted brain regions. Some benefits of TMS compared to other depression treatments include:
TMS treatment side effects are generally mild and transient, making it a valuable option for patients who have not fully responded to other depression treatments.
TMS therapy is an effective, FDA-approved treatment for individuals with major depression and other mental health conditions who have not fully benefited from traditional therapies.
While TMS fatigue and other TMS therapy side effects can occur, they are generally mild and temporary. Simple strategies such as staying hydrated, resting after sessions, and following your treatment plan can help manage these effects.
By understanding what to expect and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can maximize the benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation TMS and improve your overall mental health and quality of life.
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