Are There Risks Associated With TMS Therapy?
NeuroStar TMS therapy has been FDA-cleared for depression since 2008, and more than three million treatment courses worldwide provide a large safety database for this mental health intervention. Unlike medications, TMS never enters the bloodstream, and unlike electroconvulsive therapy, it does not require anesthesia or post-procedure recovery room. Many people appreciate that NeuroStar TMS is non-invasive, well-tolerated, and does not interfere with daily activities.
Ongoing registry studies confirm that complication rates remain extremely low across conditions such as depression, anxious depression and OCD. This combination of longevity and real-world application gives clinicians and patients confidence in the therapy’s overall safety.
Common Sensations During NeuroStar TMS
Most people report a gentle tapping feeling on the scalp during pulses, comparable to softly drumming fingers. Mild headaches or brief facial twitches can occur during the first week of your NeuroStar TMS therapy course, but these effects usually fade as your brain adjusts. Over-the-counter pain relievers and coil repositioning can usually address any lingering discomfort quickly.
Because the coil emits audible clicks, we provide earplugs that lower sound exposure to safe levels without blocking conversation. Fatigue sometimes follows early sessions, yet many patients notice improved energy after mood lifts. Research shows TMS does not cause hair loss, memory problems, or personality changes. Staying hydrated and performing light neck stretches may help reduce temporary soreness.
Rare But Serious Considerations of NeuroStar TMS Therapy
Seizures represent a small but serious risk of magnetic brain stimulation therapy, occurring in fewer than 1 in 50,000 treatments, which is on par with many common everyday medications. Nevertheless, we perform thorough screening to exclude any individuals with uncontrolled epilepsy, recent significant head trauma, or certain implanted electronic devices. If you are pregnant, we will review your medical history and discuss the most current research available..
Although exceedingly uncommon, misplacement of the TMS coil can reduce the efficacy of your therapy, underscoring the value of trained staff and accurate neuronavigation tools. Our team follows FDA-cleared NeuroStar protocols to ensure accuracy and safety at every visit.
Safety Measures in the Treatment Room
To avoid any chance of problems, we will conduct a comprehensive health review before your first TMS session. This will include examining your medications, neurological history, and any recent imaging studies. Each session begins with motor-threshold calibration to personalize your NeuroStar TMS stimulation and prevent excessive dosing. A trained clinician remains with you throughout the session to ensure safe, comfortable progress. While emergency resources are available as in any medical setting, they are rarely ever needed with NeuroStar TMS therapy.
Continuous two-way communication lets you pause your treatment at any time if discomfort arises. We update your electronic health record after every session, tracking your pulse settings, intensity, and any side effects for precise continuity of care. These adjustments support your improvement over time. We also conduct regular internal audits to confirm adherence to manufacturer and FDA guidelines.
Balancing Benefits and Risks of TMS Therapy
For many patients, the potential for durable symptom relief far outweighs the minimal or rare side effects of NeuroStar TMS therapy. Unlike systemic drugs, NeuroStar TMS does not cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or gastrointestinal distress that can make you want to quit. It also avoids the infection and hardware complications associated with implanted brain stimulation devices.
Our clinician will compare NeuroStar TMS with other options based on your condition’s severity, response to prior treatments, and personal preference. We make decisions together so you feel informed and confident about your treatment plan. Following treatment, we can discuss maintenance strategies to help you continue feeling well.
Call Us Today To Discuss Potential Risks Associated With TMS Therapy
If you are wondering whether TMS is safe for you, we are here to answer your questions. Contact us now to schedule a comprehensive consultation and discuss whether NeuroStar TMS therapy aligns with your health goals. We will guide you through safety screening and share what to expect so you can move forward with confidence. Call our Arlington office today to learn whether NeuroStar TMS therapy may be a safe and effective option for you.
TMS Patient Journey at Bloom
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TMS Offered At:
Virginia
Arlington
801 N Quincy St, #601
Arlington, VA 22203
Winchester
158 Front Royal Pike, #206
Winchester VA 22602
MOB III, 7702 E Parham Rd Suite 102 Richmond, VA 23294
630 Peter Jefferson Pkwy STE 130 Charlottesville, VA 22911
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NeuroStar Indication Statement
Adult Indications for Use
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode.
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Adolescent Indications for Use
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is indicated as an adjunct for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescent patients (15-21).
Important Safety Information
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you. Patients’ results may vary.
The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. These events are transient; they occur during the TMS treatment course and do not occur for most patients after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with the use of TMS therapy (<0.1% per patient).
Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.