Safety and Side Effects of TMS Therapy
TMS Safety Profile
The safety profile for TMS is excellent. TMS has been used worldwide for over twenty-five years. TMS for the treatment of depression became FDA-cleared for use in the U.S. in 2008, and enough research had been completed to show that TMS was safe when used properly. It is important to go to a licensed specialist, such as those at Bloom Health Center, when receiving NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy.
NeuroStar Advanced TMS treatments have been given more than 6 million times and has the world’s largest outcome registry for depression, with more than 30 studies of treatment effectiveness for TMS. NeuroStar has also found that results are typically maintained at least a full year for more than 60% of patients. The overall discontinuation rate is only five percent.
TMS Treatment Side Effects
Even though you know TMS has a great safety profile, you may still be worried about side effects from the treatment. Fortunately, the side effects seen during TMS therapy are minor and easily managed.
There is only a 0.1 percent risk of experiencing a seizure during a TMS treatment session, the same seizure risk you have when taking prescription antidepressant medications. Prior to starting TMS treatments, you will be screened for known seizure risks. If you have a mildly elevated risk, this will be carefully discussed with you so that you can make an educated decision as to whether to proceed with TMS therapy. If your risk is deemed to be significant by our psychiatry team, you will be told you are not a candidate for TMS therapy.
Difficulties with concentration and memory loss were not found to be side-effects with TMS patients. Some patients report difficulty concentrating during a treatment due to the clicking sound coming from the magnets. This can lead to mild temporary hearing changes but can be addressed by wearing earplugs.
Scalp Discomfort and Muscle Twitching
Some patients report feeling pain or other uncomfortable sensations in their scalp and head right under the treatment magnets. If you have a headache, you can address it with over-the-counter pain relievers. With continued treatment sessions, many discomforts disappear as your body gets used to the magnetic stimulation. If you experience muscle twitches or tingling sensations, especially on your face, these will not last very long after the session is completed. If the twitches and tingling are strong, we will recalibrate your device settings to decrease the side effects while still maintaining good treatment levels.
Discuss Any Concerns With the Safety and Side Effects of TMS Therapy With Our Team
At Bloom Health Centers, we want you to feel comfortable with the safety and side effect profile of any treatment you choose, including NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy. Never hesitate to bring up questions you have, or any problems you are experiencing that you believe are due to your treatment. Treatment plans and parameters can be changed to help your body tolerate your therapy. If you are looking for a better way to treat your depression, take a careful look at NeuroStar, available in Arlington and several other offices in the region.
TMS Patient Journey at Bloom
New to TMS? You are not alone.
Find out more about the journey to a life without depression through TMS Therapy at Bloom.
TMS Offered At:
Virginia
801 N Quincy St, #601
Arlington, VA 22203
158 Front Royal Pike, #206
Winchester VA 22602
MOB III, 7702 East Parham Road, Suite 102
Richmond, VA 23294-4366
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