TMS is a great tool for managing the symptoms of depressive disorders, specifically treatment-resistant depression. Depression is a common mental health issue that causes debilitating emotional and physical health symptoms. However, with management, people living with depressive disorders can have the assistance they need to manage depression symptoms and live lives of mental and physical well-being. TMS is an effective tool for reducing the severity and frequency of depressive episodes and symptoms. So, if you’re considering using TMS as a tool for managing symptoms of depression, it’s a good idea to first consider any side effects of TMS that you may experience. This way, you can better determine whether or not TMS may be right for you.
TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a type of depression treatment that uses neuroscience to stimulate the areas of the brain that are responsible for depressive symptoms. Essentially, a TMS device is fitted with magnets that send magnetic pulses into the brain which work to improve functioning in parts of the brain that release neurotransmitters that affect mood regulation. Therefore, improving symptoms of depressive disorders even when traditional treatments fail to do so.
TMS treatment sessions are non-invasive and only take up to an hour. Patients can expect an experience much like an MRI and to be comfortable during sessions. Furthermore, many people who utilize this type of therapy find that results are fast, with symptom relief in as little as the first few sessions.
Knowing the potential side effects of any health treatment before you choose to apply it to your healthcare plan is always a good idea. This way, you can determine if you want to weigh the risk of the treatment you’re considering and if you might be a good candidate. While there are no serious side effects of TMS, there are some that you may encounter temporarily which include:
Headaches: Headaches are the most commonly reported side effect of TMS therapy. These headaches can be moderate but are temporary and don’t last more than a few days. Patients who experience headaches as a side effect of TMS therapy can take over-the-counter headache medications in order to manage them.
Dizziness: Patients may experience dizziness as a side effect of TMS therapy. This side effect typically occurs directly after treatment sessions and goes away after a day or so.
Head Sensitivity: Some patients may experience sensitivity of the scalp where the TMS machine is placed during sessions. This is typically a mild sensitivity and usually goes away after the first few sessions.
Seizures: This side effect is rare and only affects individuals who are prone to seizures or are diagnosed with seizure disorders. So, if you’re living with a seizure disorder, you may not be a good candidate for TMS therapy. Let your provider know whether or not you think you are prone to seizures before using TMS therapy to reduce the risk of this side effect.
Now that you know about the potential side effects of TMS therapy, you are more equipped with the knowledge you need to determine if this depression treatment may be right for you. If you’re looking for a professional and experienced TMS service provider, consider Delray Brain Science. We provide TMS therapy with promising results for people who are living with treatment-resistant depression and other mood disorders. Find out more about what to expect from TMS sessions on our website.
