TMS Therapy

Before and After TMS Therapy: What to Expect

Living with depression or other mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, especially when treatments like medication or therapy haven’t worked as well as you hoped. That’s why more people are turning to TMS for help. This treatment is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and uses gentle magnetic fields to target areas of the brain linked to mood and emotional health.

In this guide, we’ll explore what to expect before and after TMS therapy, including what treatment sessions are like, common side effects, and how TMS maintenance treatments can support long-term recovery. Our goal is to give you clear answers, so you feel informed and confident about every step ahead.

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What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy?

If you’re thinking about before and after TMS therapy, it’s natural to have questions. You may be wondering how the process works, what to expect, and what life looks like after treatment.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of depression and other mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It uses magnetic fields delivered through a magnetic coil to gently stimulate nerve cells involved in mood regulation.

Many people try antidepressant medications first. But when those don’t help, TMS treatments offer another path forward. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not require anesthesia and does not cause memory loss. That makes it a safe, effective, and noninvasive option for people who want lasting relief from depression.

What to Expect Before TMS Therapy

Before beginning treatment sessions, you’ll meet with a TMS provider to discuss your health history and symptoms. This helps create a personalized plan.

Most TMS treatments involve five TMS sessions per week for several weeks of treatment. During your first appointment, the provider will measure your head to find the right location for the magnetic coil. They’ll also set the correct strength for the brain stimulation.

There’s no need to fast, stop medications, or change your daily schedule. Many people find it comforting to know they can keep working, caring for family, or studying while completing their TMS therapy.

During a Typical TMS Session

A TMS session usually lasts about 20 to 40 minutes. You’ll sit in a comfortable chair while the magnetic coil sends gentle pulses into the parts of the brain involved in mood control.

You may hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head. Earplugs help reduce noise if needed. Most people bring a book, listen to music, or simply relax.

After the treatment sessions, you can go back to work or other daily activities right away. That convenience makes TMS easy to fit into a busy life.

What Happens After TMS Therapy?

When people talk about before and after TMS therapy, they often describe a noticeable change in mood, energy, and outlook.

Some feel improvements within two to three weeks. For others, it may take longer. Research shows that many people who complete a full course of TMS experience significant relief. Some even achieve full remission, meaning their depression symptoms disappear.

Can You Drive After TMS Therapy?

Yes. One of the benefits of TMS is that you can drive after TMS therapy. Since it doesn’t involve sedation or medications that affect alertness, you’re free to return to normal activities right away.

People appreciate that they can schedule TMS treatments before work, during lunch breaks, or after school runs without disrupting their day.

Understanding TMS Therapy Side Effects

Most TMS therapy side effects are mild and temporary. Some people report:

Mild headaches
Scalp discomfort where the magnetic coil sits
Light fatigue after a TMS session

Serious side effects, like seizures, are extremely rare. Studies covering thousands of treatment sessions show that TMS is safe and well-tolerated for most people.

Compared to ECT, TMS does not cause memory loss or require recovery time. This makes it a better option for many individuals seeking long-term mental health improvement.

How Do TMS Maintenance Treatments Work?

After completing the initial weeks of treatment, many people continue with TMS maintenance treatments or TMS maintenance therapy.

Maintenance therapy helps prevent relapses and supports long-term recovery. Research shows that a structured schedule can help maintain results for up to a year. One approach gradually reduces treatment frequency over time: three sessions per week for the first two weeks, two sessions per week for the next two weeks, then once a week for two months, and finally once every two weeks for the remaining eight months.

Some providers use similar maintenance rTMS schedules but adapt them to each patient’s history, symptoms, and response to treatment. This flexible approach ensures ongoing support for your mental health without adding unnecessary appointments.

How Long Do the Benefits of TMS Therapy Last?

Life after TMS therapy often brings better mood stability and improved daily functioning. For many, the results last months or even years—especially when combined with TMS maintenance care.

Studies suggest that people who continue with maintenance treatment and follow-up care have a lower risk of relapse. Regular TMS maintenance treatments, even if spaced out over time, can help reinforce the positive effects of brain stimulation and support ongoing mental health improvement.

Combining TMS with therapy, medication, healthy routines, and support groups creates a strong safety net for long-term recovery. The goal is to maintain progress, prevent relapses, and help people live full, meaningful lives beyond depression.

Taking the Next Step Toward Healing

If you’ve been wondering about before and after TMS therapy, you now know what to expect every step of the way. From the first TMS session to TMS maintenance treatments, this FDA-approved therapy offers hope for people who haven’t found relief elsewhere.

It’s safe, effective, and designed to fit into real life—so you can keep moving forward while taking care of your mental health.

Start Your TMS Journey with Scottsdale TMS

If you’re ready to explore how TMS can help you, Scottsdale TMS is here for you. Our caring team will guide you through every step—before, during, and after treatment.

Call us at (480) 841-9279 or email contact@ScottsdaleTMStherapy.com to schedule a consultation. Together, we can create a plan that supports your long-term recovery and helps you feel like yourself again.