TMS is a form of non-invasive neuromodulation that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific regions of the brain. It utilizes the concept known as Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction, which states that a changing magnetic field induces an electric current. This stimulates neurons and neural circuits which on a broader scale, can modulates dysregulated brain activity implicated in different psychiatric and neurological conditions.

Depending on your treatment protocol, your individual treatment can vary in both session length (ranging from a 3 minute session to a 30 minute session) and course length (ranging from a treatment course of 5 days to 36 days). However, the structure of each TMS session will be similar regardless. Your technician will get you set up in your chair, place your cap and TMS coil in the proper location, and administer your treatment. During stimulation, you will feel tapping sensations on your scalp as the machine delivers magnetic pulses to the specific brain location. Throughout your treatment course, your technician and provider will be closely monitoring your progress through symptom reports and questionnaires to ensure that treatment is tailored to your needs.

TMS treatment is not painful. Many patients may describe TMS treatment as uncomfortable during the first few treatments as your brain is getting used to the new stimulation sensation. Patients may also experience some minor facial or jaw twitching during stimulation. However, your provider and TMS technician can adjust the stimulation intensity and coil positioning as needed to ensure that your treatment is comfortable and well-tolerated.

TMS is a safe, non-invasive treatment, with most side effects often resolving after the first initial sessions and are minor. Patients may experience some initial headaches, discomfort at the stimulation site, and some facial/jaw twitching during stimulation. Rarer side effects can include seizures; however, the risk is extremely low, and patients are only cleared for TMS if they do not have any risk factors/conditions that might increase the risk of having a seizure.

Noticing progress in treatment can vary for every patient. Some patients notice improvements within the first few sessions (such as around session 4-5). Others may notice progress gradually as treatments go on. Some patients are late responders and notice progress towards the end of TMS treatment. Some patients might not even notice differences until after treatment has concluded.

No, TMS and ECT are different types of treatments. ECT is an invasive procedure that requires anesthesia and surgery. It works by intentionally inducing a seizure in order to change the patient’s brain chemistry. In contrast, TMS is a non-invasive, outpatient treatment that does not require surgery nor anesthesia, and it utilizes magnetic pulses rather than stimulating the brain electrically.

Magnetic peripheral nerve stimulation (mPNS) is an FDA-cleared and non-invasive neuromodulation treatment that directly stimulates peripheral nerves. It uses the same coil and machine used in TMS, but instead of being applied to the brain, it is applied directly to the region of the body that is experiencing pain. It uses a low-frequency stimulation pattern to inhibit pain signals.