Many people who look into TMS therapy do so after trying antidepressant medications and struggling with their side effects. Issues like weight gain, fatigue, or emotional numbness can be just as challenging as the depression itself. TMS offers a different approach because it’s not a systemic medication; it’s a targeted treatment for your brain. This means it avoids those common medication-related side effects. However, it comes with its own set of considerations. It’s important to have a clear understanding of what to expect, from mild scalp discomfort to the logistical and financial commitments. Let’s explore the potential disadvantages of tms so you have a balanced view.
Key Takeaways
- Most Side Effects Are Mild and Pass Quickly: It’s normal to experience temporary headaches or scalp tenderness, especially during the first week. These sensations are a sign your brain is adapting, and communicating with your technician ensures your comfort throughout the process.
- TMS is Designed to Fit Your Real Life: Daily sessions are short (20-40 minutes) and require no downtime, so you can get right back to your day. Most insurance plans cover the treatment, and our team handles the pre-authorization to make the financial side clear from the start.
- Pairing TMS with Therapy Creates Lasting Change: While TMS helps retrain your brain’s neural pathways, combining it with talk therapy gives you the emotional skills to make the most of those neurological shifts. This integrated approach is proven to deliver better, more sustainable results.
What Side Effects Can You Expect with TMS?
If you’re considering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), it’s completely normal to wonder about side effects. The good news is that TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment known for being very well-tolerated, especially compared to the side effects many people experience with antidepressant medications. Most side effects are mild, temporary, and tend to decrease after the first week or two of treatment.
Because TMS doesn’t involve medication that circulates throughout your body, it avoids common issues like weight gain, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction. Instead, the side effects are typically localized to the treatment area on your head. Our clinical team is with you every step of the way to monitor your comfort and make adjustments as needed. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident as you begin your journey toward feeling better. Below, we’ll walk through the most common sensations and side effects you might experience during and after a session.
What a Session Feels Like
During a TMS session, you’ll be comfortably seated in a chair while a small magnetic coil is placed against your scalp. You are awake and alert the entire time. When the treatment begins, you’ll hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping or knocking sensation on your head where the coil is positioned. This feeling is the magnetic pulses stimulating specific nerve cells in your brain. It might feel a bit strange at first, but most people get used to it quickly. Our technicians are experts at finding the right position to make the treatment as comfortable as possible, and you can see our welcoming treatment environment for yourself.
Headaches and Scalp Tenderness
The most common side effects of TMS are mild headaches and some tenderness on your scalp where the coil was placed. This is completely normal and usually occurs during the first couple of weeks of treatment. Think of it like a new workout for your brain—it’s adjusting to the stimulation. These headaches are typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It’s important to communicate with your technician about any discomfort you feel. Our dedicated team can make small adjustments to the coil placement or treatment intensity to help minimize these effects as your brain adapts.
Facial Twitching or Muscle Tightness
You might notice some twitching in your facial muscles, like your eyelids or cheeks, during the treatment. This happens because the magnetic pulses can sometimes stimulate the facial nerves that are close to the treatment area. It might feel a little unusual, but it’s harmless and stops as soon as the magnetic pulse ends. If this sensation is bothersome, let your technician know. They can easily adjust the coil’s position to reduce or eliminate the twitching while still ensuring your treatment is effective. It’s a common and easily managed part of the process.
Changes in Your Sleep Patterns
Some people report changes in their sleep when they first start TMS. You might have more vivid dreams, find it a little harder to fall asleep, or feel more tired than usual. This is often a temporary response as your brain activity begins to regulate. For many, as symptoms of depression or anxiety begin to lift, sleep quality actually improves significantly over the course of treatment. If you have any concerns about how TMS is affecting your sleep, it’s a great topic to discuss with our team. We encourage you to get in touch with any questions you have before starting treatment.
Understanding the More Serious Risks
While TMS is widely considered a safe and well-tolerated treatment, it’s important to have a clear picture of all potential outcomes. Most side effects are mild and temporary, but there are a few more serious risks to be aware of. Being fully informed helps you and your care team make the best decision for your health. Open communication with your provider is key, so let’s walk through what you need to know and discuss before starting treatment.
The Risk of Seizures
Let’s address the most significant concern first: seizures. While the risk of having a seizure during a TMS session is very low for most people, it is the most serious potential side effect. It’s estimated to occur in approximately 0.1% of patients. Our team at Scottsdale TMS Therapy follows strict safety protocols to minimize this risk, including careful screening before treatment begins. Understanding your full medical history is a critical part of this process, ensuring that TMS therapy is a safe option for you. We are always here to answer any questions you have about this.
Why Metal Implants Are a Concern
Because TMS uses powerful magnetic fields, it’s not suitable for individuals with certain types of metal implants in or near their head. This includes things like cochlear implants, aneurysm clips or coils, stents in the neck or brain, or deep brain stimulators. The magnetic pulses could cause these devices to heat up, move, or malfunction, which could lead to serious injury. It’s crucial to tell your doctor about any metal, implanted devices, or even bullet fragments you may have in your body. This ensures your safety and confirms that you are a good candidate for this FDA-approved treatment.
Medical Conditions to Discuss with Your Doctor
Your health history plays a big role in determining if TMS is right for you. It’s essential to have an open conversation with your doctor about any medical conditions you have. Be sure to mention if you have a personal or family history of seizures or epilepsy, as this is a key factor in your eligibility. You should also provide a complete list of all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. While studies haven’t shown an increased risk, some medications can affect your seizure threshold. Our dedicated team is here to review your history thoroughly and create a safe, effective treatment plan.
Fitting TMS Therapy Into Your Life
Deciding to start any new treatment involves thinking about the practical side of things. You’re probably wondering, “How will this actually fit into my life?” It’s a valid question, and one that deserves a clear answer. TMS therapy is a commitment, but it’s designed to be manageable alongside your daily responsibilities like work, school, and family. Unlike more intensive treatments that might require hospitalization or a long recovery, TMS doesn’t require downtime. You can get right back to your day as soon as your session is over, which is a huge relief for many people.
Thinking through the logistics is a key step in feeling prepared and confident about your treatment plan. It helps you move from feeling overwhelmed by the “what ifs” to feeling in control of your health journey. Let’s walk through what to expect in terms of the time commitment, how to handle your schedule, and what the overall treatment course looks like. Understanding these details can help you see a clear path forward and make the process feel much less intimidating.
The Daily Time Commitment
One of the most common questions is about how much time you’ll need to set aside each day. TMS therapy isn’t a single appointment; it’s a series of sessions. A typical treatment plan involves daily sessions, five days a week, for several weeks. Each individual session is relatively short, usually lasting between 20 and 40 minutes. Because the treatment is non-invasive and doesn’t require any anesthesia or sedation, you can drive yourself to and from the clinic and immediately resume your normal activities. Many people schedule their appointments during a lunch break or on their way to or from work.
Managing Your Work and Travel Schedule
Fitting daily appointments into a busy schedule can feel like a challenge, but it’s entirely possible. The key is planning. Since you can return to work or school right after a session, you don’t need to take extended time off. We find that many of our patients schedule their sessions for the beginning of the day, the end of the day, or during their lunch hour to minimize disruption. If you have travel plans, it’s important to discuss them with your provider beforehand. Consistent treatment is crucial for success, so our team of professionals will work with you to create a schedule that supports both your treatment goals and your life.
Finding a Local Provider
Your choice of provider makes a huge difference in your treatment experience. You’ll be visiting the clinic daily for several weeks, so you want to find a place that is not only conveniently located but also makes you feel comfortable and supported. Look for a clinic with a welcoming environment and a team that listens to your needs. We designed our clinic to be a calm and relaxing space, which you can see in our photo gallery. When you feel at ease, you’re more likely to stick with your treatment plan and have a positive outcome. We encourage you to schedule a consultation to see if our clinic is the right fit for you.
How Long and How Often Are Sessions?
A standard course of TMS therapy typically involves sessions five days a week for four to six weeks. This consistent schedule is essential because the gentle magnetic pulses work cumulatively to stimulate and retrain specific areas of your brain. Think of it like physical therapy for your brain—repetition is what builds new, healthier neural pathways. While the total treatment period lasts several weeks, it’s a focused and finite commitment. This structured approach is proven to create lasting change, helping you achieve long-term success and find relief from your symptoms.
What Is the Cost of TMS and Does Insurance Cover It?
Let’s talk about one of the most practical questions on everyone’s mind: how much does TMS therapy cost? It’s completely understandable for cost to be a major factor in your decision-making process. The good news is that TMS is more accessible than ever, with many insurance plans covering the treatment and clinics offering different payment options. Understanding the breakdown of costs, what insurance typically covers, and what to expect for out-of-pocket expenses can help you plan your path to feeling better without financial stress. We’re here to help you figure out the financial side of things so you can focus on your mental health.
Breaking Down the Cost of Treatment
When you’re looking at the cost of TMS without insurance, a full course of treatment, which usually involves 30 to 36 sessions, can range from $6,000 to $12,000. While that number might seem high at first glance, it’s helpful to see it as an all-inclusive price for a complete treatment plan designed for lasting results. This isn’t just a single appointment; it’s a comprehensive program. Some clinics may even offer self-pay packages for under $5,000. Think of this as the starting point before factoring in insurance coverage, which significantly reduces the amount you’ll pay. It’s an investment in your long-term well-being, and there are many ways to make it manageable.
Getting Your Treatment Approved by Insurance
The great news is that most major insurance providers now cover TMS therapy. Because it is an FDA-approved treatment for conditions like depression and OCD, it’s recognized as a legitimate and effective medical procedure with proven success. To get your treatment approved, your insurance company will likely require a formal diagnosis from a healthcare provider. They may also want to see that you’ve tried other treatments first, such as antidepressant medications, without getting the results you need. This is a standard process, and our team at Scottsdale TMS Therapy is here to handle the pre-authorization for you. We work directly with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and benefits before you even start treatment.
Planning for Out-of-Pocket Costs
If your insurance plan covers TMS, your out-of-pocket costs will be significantly lower than the self-pay rate. What you’ll actually pay depends on your specific plan’s details, like your annual deductible, copay, or coinsurance percentage. For most people with insurance, the cost per session typically falls somewhere between $10 and $70. For other plans, it might be a bit higher, ranging from $50 to $250 per session. The best way to know for sure is to let us help. Before you begin your first session, our team will verify your benefits and give you a clear, transparent estimate of what you can expect to pay. Our goal is to make sure there are no surprises along the way.
Exploring Self-Pay and Payment Plans
If you don’t have insurance or if your plan doesn’t cover TMS for any reason, you still have options. Many clinics, including ours, offer competitive self-pay packages to make treatment more accessible. We understand that paying for treatment all at once isn’t always possible, which is why we also offer flexible payment plans that allow you to spread the cost over time. Your mental health is too important, and financial concerns shouldn’t be a barrier to getting the care you deserve. We encourage you to get in touch with our team to discuss your situation. We can walk you through the options and help find a payment solution that works for you.
How Can TMS Affect You Emotionally?
Starting any new mental health treatment is a significant step, and it’s natural to wonder how it will make you feel. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) works by gently stimulating specific areas of your brain to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, or OCD. While the goal is to help you feel better, the journey there can have some emotional ups and downs as your brain adjusts.
Most people find TMS to be a relatively smooth process with minimal side effects. However, being aware of the potential emotional responses can help you feel more prepared and in control of your treatment. It’s important to remember that your experience is unique, and open communication with your care team is the key to a successful outcome. At Scottsdale TMS Therapy, our team of licensed professionals is here to support you through every step, ensuring you feel safe and heard as you move toward long-term wellness. We’ll cover some of the emotional changes you might encounter, from temporary dips in mood to managing anxiety about the treatment itself.
When Symptoms Feel Worse Before They Get Better
It might sound counterintuitive, but some people experience what’s known as the “TMS dip,” where their symptoms of depression or anxiety briefly feel more intense before they start to improve. This isn’t a sign that the treatment is failing. Instead, think of it as your brain recalibrating and adjusting to the new patterns of activity. This phase is usually short-lived and is a known part of the process for a small number of patients. The most important thing you can do is share these feelings with your provider. We can offer support and reassurance, reminding you that this is a temporary step on the path to feeling better.
Managing Anxiety During Treatment
Feeling a little anxious about starting TMS is completely normal. The idea of the machine and the treatment process can be intimidating at first. Some people find they feel nervous before their initial sessions or even during the treatment itself. Please know that our technicians are here to make you as comfortable as possible. You can listen to music, watch TV, or simply relax during the session. If you ever feel distressed, speak up. We can pause the treatment, answer your questions, and help you feel at ease. Our entire philosophy is built around patient comfort and compassionate care, so never hesitate to tell us what you need.
Potential Mood Swings
Concerns about significant mood swings are understandable, but it’s important to know that they are extremely rare with TMS. In fact, studies show that fewer than 1% of patients experience strong mood shifts or manic episodes. This is more likely to occur in individuals who have an underlying or undiagnosed bipolar disorder. This is precisely why a thorough psychiatric evaluation is a critical first step before beginning treatment. By understanding your complete mental health history, we can ensure TMS is a safe and appropriate choice for you. Your safety is our top priority, and our comprehensive screening process is designed to prevent adverse reactions.
How TMS Interacts with Other Conditions
Your brain is complex, and so is your health history. It’s crucial to be open with your doctor about any other medical or mental health conditions you have, as they can influence your TMS treatment plan. For example, a history of seizures or other neurological disorders requires careful consideration to ensure your safety. The same goes for other mental health diagnoses. Our integrated approach, which combines TMS with in-house therapy, allows our team of nurse practitioners and therapists to work together. This ensures your treatment is tailored specifically to you, taking your entire well-being into account for the best possible results.
Is TMS Therapy Right for Everyone?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a powerful and effective treatment for many people struggling with depression, anxiety, and OCD, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your safety and well-being are the top priorities, which is why a thorough screening process is the first step. Think of it as a detailed conversation to make sure TMS is the right fit for your unique health profile and circumstances.
Certain medical conditions, a history of seizures, or even specific medications can influence whether TMS is the best path forward for you. It’s all about creating a complete picture of your health to ensure the treatment is both safe and effective. Our team is here to walk you through every consideration, from your medical history to your current lifestyle, so you can feel confident in your decision. The goal is to find the treatment that will truly help you, and being open about your health is the best way to start. If you’re wondering if you might be a good candidate, the best first step is to get in touch with our team for a personal consultation.
Medical Reasons to Reconsider TMS
The most significant safety consideration for TMS involves metal in or near your head. Because TMS uses powerful, focused magnetic pulses, any magnetic-sensitive metal in the treatment area could heat up, move, or malfunction. This is why TMS is not an option for individuals with certain types of implants.
This includes things like aneurysm clips or coils, stents in the neck or brain, deep brain stimulators, and cochlear implants. Even shrapnel or bullet fragments in or near the head can be a concern. It’s crucial to tell your doctor about any and all implants or metal in your body, no matter how small. This is a standard part of our screening, as we strictly follow all FDA-approved safety protocols to protect your health.
Who Might Be at a Higher Risk?
One of the most common questions we hear is about the risk of seizures. It’s important to know that this side effect is extremely rare. Extensive TMS research shows the risk is less than 0.003% per session. However, the risk can be slightly higher for individuals with a history of seizures, epilepsy, or other neurological conditions.
For this reason, we conduct a detailed review of your personal and family medical history before starting treatment. A history of head injury, brain surgery, or other conditions that might make you more susceptible to seizures will be carefully evaluated. Being completely transparent during your consultation allows our clinical team to make the safest recommendation for your care and ensure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Important Medication Interactions
Your current medications are another key piece of the puzzle. Some medications, including certain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), as well as other drugs, can lower your body’s seizure threshold. While this doesn’t automatically disqualify you from treatment, it’s a factor that requires careful consideration.
It is essential to provide a complete list of all your medications—including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and even herbal supplements—to your treatment team. Our medical professionals will review everything to identify any potential interactions and ensure your treatment plan is safe. This collaborative approach is a core part of how our team works to provide personalized and responsible care.
What About Age and Pregnancy?
TMS therapy is FDA-approved for adults aged 18 and older. At Scottsdale TMS Therapy, we have experience helping adults, young adults, and teenagers find relief from their symptoms. We believe in making effective mental health care accessible, and we tailor our approach to fit the unique needs of each person who walks through our doors.
For those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, the conversation is a bit different. While research is still emerging, current studies suggest TMS is safe during pregnancy because the magnetic field is highly focused on the brain and is unlikely to affect the fetus. However, it’s a decision that should be made carefully with your TMS provider and your OB-GYN. Our philosophy is centered on providing comprehensive care, which includes helping you weigh the benefits and potential risks to make the best choice for you and your family.
Why Doesn’t TMS Work for Everyone?
While TMS therapy is a powerful tool for many, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Like any medical treatment, its effectiveness can vary from person to person. Understanding why it might not work for everyone helps you set realistic expectations and have a more informed conversation with your care team. The goal is to find the right path for you, and being honest about the outcomes is a key part of that process.
Several factors contribute to how someone responds to TMS, including their specific diagnosis, brain chemistry, and even the type of support they receive alongside treatment. It’s important to remember that a different outcome doesn’t mean failure—it just means your journey to feeling better may require a different approach. Let’s look at what the research says and what can influence your personal experience.
Understanding the Success Rate
When you look at the numbers, TMS has a promising track record, especially for those who haven’t found relief with antidepressants. Studies show that about 50% of people experience a significant reduction in their symptoms, and roughly one-third achieve complete remission. While that’s a fantastic outcome for many, it also means that TMS doesn’t lead to remission for everyone who tries it.
It’s helpful to view these statistics not as a guarantee but as a guide. The efficacy of TMS is well-documented, but your personal health history and brain are unique. Success isn’t just about statistics; it’s about finding a meaningful improvement in your quality of life, and our team is here to support you in that goal.
Factors That Can Influence Your Results
Your final outcome with TMS isn’t left entirely to chance. Several factors can shape your experience, and one of the most significant is the support you receive during treatment. Research suggests that combining TMS with talk therapy, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can lead to better results. This is why we integrate therapy into our treatment plans—it creates a comprehensive approach to healing.
Your overall health also plays a role. Certain medical conditions, particularly a history of seizures, can increase risks and may mean TMS isn’t the right fit. Openly discussing your full medical history with your provider is the best way to ensure your treatment plan is both safe and effective for your specific needs.
Why Everyone’s Experience Is Different
Just as no two people are exactly alike, no two experiences with TMS are identical. Your brain chemistry, genetics, and life circumstances all contribute to how you’ll respond. Some people feel a gradual lift in their mood over several weeks, while others might notice changes more quickly. It’s also why some individuals might experience temporary side effects that others don’t.
For instance, some patients report temporary changes in their sleep patterns, like having more vivid dreams or finding it a bit harder to fall asleep. Others might feel mild discomfort at the treatment site. These experiences are typically short-lived and manageable. Understanding the long-term success of TMS involves recognizing that the path there is personal and can have its own unique rhythm.
What Are Your Next Steps if TMS Isn’t a Fit?
Finding the right mental health treatment is a personal journey, and it’s completely okay if Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) isn’t the right next step for you. Whether it’s due to a medical condition, financial constraints, or logistical challenges, the most important thing is that you continue to seek a path toward feeling better. The good news is that TMS is just one of many effective tools available. Thinking through your options is a sign of strength and self-advocacy, not a setback.
Your mental health plan should feel right for you. If certain aspects of TMS therapy give you pause, it’s wise to explore them fully and consider all your alternatives. This might mean looking into different types of therapy, medication, or even a combination of treatments. The goal is to build a comprehensive support system that addresses your unique needs and fits into your life. At Scottsdale TMS Therapy, our philosophy is centered on finding the most effective and sustainable plan for each person, and that process starts with an open and honest conversation about what will work best for you.
Exploring Other Treatment Options
If TMS isn’t the right choice right now, there are many other evidence-based treatments to consider. Traditional approaches like psychotherapy and medication remain cornerstones of mental health care for a reason—they help millions of people. Talk therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can equip you with powerful skills for managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and OCD. For some, medication is the key that helps stabilize their brain chemistry enough to engage more deeply in therapy.
Financial concerns can also be a major factor. If insurance doesn’t cover TMS, a full course of treatment can be a significant investment. Exploring these other treatment options can provide effective relief that fits within your budget and is more likely to be covered by your insurance plan.
Combining TMS with Other Therapies
It’s also important to know that treatment isn’t always an “either/or” situation. In fact, TMS is often most effective when it’s part of a comprehensive care plan. Research shows that combining TMS with talk therapy can lead to better, longer-lasting results. Think of it this way: TMS works on a neurological level to help your brain form healthier neural pathways, making it more receptive to change. Therapy then helps you build the cognitive and emotional skills to make the most of that new brain activity.
This integrated approach is why we offer therapy-assisted TMS with our in-house licensed therapists. By pairing the two, you’re addressing your mental health from two different but complementary angles, which can create powerful, synergistic effects and give you the best chance at lasting recovery.
How to Plan Your Path Forward
So, what’s next? The best first step is to have a candid conversation with a mental health professional. You can lay out your concerns, discuss your treatment history, and explore the pros and cons of each option together. It’s also crucial to do your own research into the practical side of things. Look into your insurance coverage for different treatments, consider the time commitment required, and think about what feels most manageable for you right now.
Creating a plan empowers you to move forward with confidence. Whether that plan includes TMS, a different therapy, or a combination of approaches, what matters is that you’re taking proactive steps for your well-being. If you’re feeling unsure where to begin, we’re here to help you figure it out. You can get in touch with our team to discuss your specific situation and find clarity on your path forward.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a TMS session actually feel like? Is it painful? Most people describe the sensation as a light tapping or knocking on their scalp right where the magnetic coil is placed. It might feel a little strange during the first session, but it isn’t painful. Our technicians are experts at making small adjustments to the coil’s position to ensure you are comfortable throughout the treatment. You are awake and can relax, watch TV, or listen to music during the entire session.
How will I fit daily treatments into my work or school schedule? This is a common and very practical concern. The good news is that each session is relatively short, usually lasting between 20 and 40 minutes. Since there is no anesthesia or sedation, you can drive yourself to and from your appointment and get right back to your day with no downtime. Many of our patients schedule their sessions during a lunch break or at the beginning or end of their day to fit treatment seamlessly into their lives.
I’m worried my symptoms might get worse before they get better. Is that common? A small number of people experience what is sometimes called the “TMS dip,” where their symptoms of depression or anxiety feel a bit more intense for a short time. This is not a sign that the treatment is failing; rather, it’s an indication that your brain is adjusting to the stimulation. This phase is usually temporary, and communicating openly with our team about how you’re feeling allows us to support you through it.
Antidepressant medications haven’t worked for me. Why would TMS be any different? This is the exact reason many people explore TMS. Unlike medications, which circulate throughout your entire body and can come with systemic side effects, TMS works differently. It uses focused magnetic pulses to directly stimulate the specific areas of the brain that are underactive in conditions like depression. This targeted approach can be effective for many people who haven’t found relief from medication alone.
How do I know for sure if I’m a good candidate for TMS? The only way to know for certain is to have a thorough consultation with a qualified provider. While TMS is safe for most people, it isn’t the right fit for everyone. We conduct a detailed review of your medical history, including any history of seizures or metal implants in your head, to ensure your safety. This initial evaluation is the most important step in creating a treatment plan that is right for you.