Living with mental health challenges like depression or anxiety can feel overwhelming, especially when conventional treatments fall short. That’s where advanced therapies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) come into play. TMS has gained attention for its effectiveness in treating conditions like major depressive disorder, especially when other methods haven’t worked. But as with any medical treatment, it’s important to understand the transcranial magnetic stimulation side effects that may occur.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a noninvasive brain stimulation therapy that uses electromagnetic pulses to target specific areas of the brain, usually those involved in mood regulation.

A typical TMS session involves placing a coil near the scalp. The coil emits magnetic fields, stimulating nerve cells in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region often underactive in people with depression. Unlike medications that affect the whole body, TMS is highly targeted.

TMS is FDA-approved to treat:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Smoking cessation (in some applications)
• Off-label uses include anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and chronic pain

TMS is often recommended when patients haven’t responded well to antidepressants or experience undesirable medication side effects.

Why Side Effects Matter

Although TMS is a safe and well-tolerated treatment, it’s normal to feel concerned about potential side effects, especially when dealing with your mental health. Knowing what to expect helps you make informed decisions and prepare for a smoother journey toward healing.

Unlike medications, which can cause widespread side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or gastrointestinal problems, TMS’s side effects are mostly localized and temporary. However, understanding even the rare risks is essential.

Common Side Effects of TMS

Mild Scalp Discomfort

The most common side effect reported is mild to moderate discomfort at the site where the coil is placed. It might feel like a tapping or pulsing sensation.

• Why it happens: The magnetic pulses stimulate not just brain cells but also superficial scalp muscles and nerves.
• How long it lasts: Typically only during the session and lessens over time.
• What helps: Adjusting the coil placement or stimulation intensity can alleviate discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used if needed.

Headaches

Tension-type headaches are another common complaint.

• Why it happens: Due to muscle contractions or sensory stimulation from repeated sessions.
• Frequency: Around 20-40% of patients report occasional headaches in early sessions.
• What helps: Staying hydrated, using OTC pain relief like ibuprofen, and giving your body time to adjust often resolve the issue.

Facial Twitching or Tingling

Facial muscle contractions or twitching may occur during stimulation.

• Why it happens: Magnetic pulses can stimulate peripheral nerves.
• Is it dangerous? Not at all—this usually diminishes after a few sessions.

Lightheadedness or Fatigue

Some patients report feeling a bit tired or lightheaded immediately after their session.

• Why it happens: The brain is being activated in a new way, and your body might respond with temporary fatigue.
• Tip: Rest afterward, especially during the first week.

Less Common Side Effects

Hearing Sensitivity

TMS machines emit a loud clicking sound during pulses. While patients wear earplugs, sensitive individuals may notice:

• Temporary ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Sensitivity to noise

If you have pre-existing hearing concerns, make sure to tell your provider. Adjustments in ear protection or machine volume can help.

Mood Swings or Anxiety

Though rare, some people experience:

• Increased anxiety
• Temporary irritability
• Sleep disturbances

This could be part of the brain’s “recalibration” period as it adjusts to stimulation. Keep communication open with your provider—they can adjust session frequency or timing to ease these responses.

Rare but Serious Side Effects

Seizures

The most serious potential side effect is a seizure, although this is extremely rare, occurring in less than 0.1% of patients.

• Who’s at risk? Those with a history of epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, or certain neurological conditions.
• How to reduce risk: Aware Behavioral Health conducts a thorough screening to rule out high-risk individuals. The use of FDA-cleared devices and professionally monitored sessions further minimizes risk.

Comparing TMS Side Effects to Medication Side Effects

One of the most compelling reasons patients turn to TMS is its favorable side effect profile when compared to antidepressant medications.

This makes TMS especially appealing for people who have tried multiple medications without success or who are sensitive to medication side effects.

Who Shouldn’t Get TMS?

While TMS is broadly safe, some people should avoid or delay treatment:

• Individuals with metal implants in or near the head (e.g., cochlear implants, aneurysm clips)
• Those with untreated seizure disorders
• Pregnant individuals (requires special consideration)

Dr. Sehdev and the team at Aware Behavioral Health conduct comprehensive evaluations before initiating treatment to ensure your safety.

How Aware Behavioral Health Ensures Safe, Compassionate TMS Treatment

At Aware Behavioral Health in Dallas and Fort Worth, your well-being is at the center of everything we do. Here’s how we ensure your TMS experience is safe, comfortable, and effective:

Thorough Screening

Before you start TMS, we’ll review your complete medical and psychiatric history to determine your eligibility and identify any potential risks.

Personalized Protocols

We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all.” Your treatment plan is tailored to your brain’s unique activity patterns and your symptom profile.

Ongoing Monitoring

Your provider will check in with you regularly during treatment. If side effects arise, we’ll adjust the intensity, session duration, or frequency as needed.

Integrated Care

TMS isn’t offered in a vacuum—we combine it with therapy, medication management, and lifestyle guidance to give you a complete path to recovery.

How Long Do TMS Side Effects Last?

Most side effects from TMS, if they occur at all, are short-lived:

• Headaches and scalp discomfort: Improve over 1-2 weeks
• Fatigue or lightheadedness: Usually gone by the end of a session
• Mood-related shifts: Monitored and typically resolve with care

Patients report that these effects are manageable—and far outweighed by the improvements in mood, focus, and quality of life.

Real Talk: Is TMS Worth It?

For many people, the answer is a resounding yes. Especially for those who’ve struggled with treatment-resistant depression or unwanted medication side effects, TMS opens the door to new hope.

• It’s non-invasive.
• It doesn’t involve daily pills.
• You can drive yourself home after each session.
• Most importantly: It works for many people when nothing else has.

Your Next Step: Schedule a Consultation with Aware Behavioral Health

If you’ve been battling depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions and feel like you’ve hit a wall, transcranial magnetic stimulation might be the breakthrough you need.

At Aware Behavioral Health, Dr. Surin Sehdev and our compassionate team are here to help you explore whether TMS is right for you. We proudly serve the Dallas and Fort Worth communities, offering advanced care in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Call us today to schedule your consultation. You deserve to feel better, and we’re here to help you achieve that goal.