Find TMS Clinic
Verify your TMS Clinic
Find a TMS Clinic
List a Clinic

TMS Side Effects

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers new hope for people struggling with major depressive disorder, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health conditions. This innovative therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain and improve symptoms when other interventions have not worked. One of the great things about TMS, and one of the best advantages, is that it has very minimal side effects, especially when compared to medications. This therapy is not systemic like antidepressants, which means that people do not have to deal with daily adverse reactions to see benefits. However, it is essential to be aware of the minor side effects of TMS and know how to manage them.

Common Side Effects of TMS

One of the most common side effects of TMS is headaches. They can occur during or after sessions and tend to be mild. The exact cause of such adverse reactions is not fully understood, but it may be related to the magnetic pulses stimulating the trigeminal nerve. The clicking sounds made by the TMS coil could also trigger headaches.
Research shows that nearly 20% of people receiving TMS therapy report mild painful sensations in the head, especially during the first few sessions when the body is adapting to the treatment. Headaches typically lessen in frequency and intensity after the initial adjustment period. Factors that appear to increase the risk of these adverse reactions include high stimulation intensity, targeting frontal regions, underlying migraine disorders, and caffeine withdrawal.
Most TMS headaches are mild and temporary, often resolving within a few hours after treatment. However, patients should ask their TMS technician to adjust stimulation parameters if frequent or severe headaches occur.
TMS can cause a tapping or knocking sensation on the scalp. Many people report feeling like they are receiving a mild electric current on the skull with each pulse. This sensation is not painful but can be uncomfortable. The tapping feeling on the scalp occurs because the magnetic pulses briefly activate nerves, muscles, and other tissues in that area.
The discomfort tends to be more noticeable during the first few pulses of a TMS session as the sensation is new. However, most people quickly become accustomed to the feeling. The tapping decreases rapidly within the first few minutes of stimulation.
The degree of scalp discomfort varies between individuals. Factors like skull sensitivity, hair thickness, and coil positioning can impact the intensity of the feeling. Patients should discuss their discomfort level with the TMS technician to see if adjustments in equipment parameters may help reduce the tapping.
Overall, this side effect is generally mild and well-tolerated. Once the treatment session has started, the sensation decreases quickly. Knowing what to expect with regard to scalp discomfort can help patients feel more prepared and relaxed during TMS.
Another common side effect is facial twitching or muscle contractions. This occurs because the TMS coil is placed directly against the head, and the magnetic pulses can stimulate surrounding tissues. Twitching typically appears only on the side where the coil is positioned. It may involve involuntary eye blinking, cheek twitching, or lip contractions. The facial movements are temporary and coincide with each magnetic pulse.
The twitching is usually mild and subsides soon after the TMS session ends. However, some patients may find the facial movements distracting or uncomfortable during treatment. Adjusting the coil position slightly can often minimize stimulation of the facial nerves and reduce twitching.
This side effect occurs more frequently when higher intensities are used. Patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (involving greater magnetic field strength) are more likely to experience facial twitching. The involuntary movements also depend on the targeted brain area.
While facial twitching may be unpleasant, it is not dangerous and does not indicate any damage is being done. Patients can discuss their concerns with the TMS technician and ways to make treatment more comfortable. With time, most people adapt, and the facial twitching becomes less bothersome.
Some patients also experience limb or hand spasms if the TMS device targets brain areas that control body motions. During the procedure, they may involuntarily jerk an arm, leg, or finger. In rare cases, muscle spasms might persist briefly between sessions.
While uncomfortable, these involuntary movements from TMS are not dangerous. They are an expected reaction as the magnetic pulses activate neural pathways connected to motor nerves. Spasms tend to lessen over time as the body adapts to the stimulation.
Around 3% of patients experience dizziness or lightheadedness during or after TMS sessions. These feelings are usually mild and temporary, subsiding within a few minutes. However, some patients report more bothersome and lasting lightheadedness that can make daily activities difficult right after treatment.
This side effect may be caused by the magnetic pulses stimulating brain regions that control balance and coordination. There is no need to worry because these sensations disappear shortly after treatment. TMS is the safest option among all brain stimulation therapies. It can address major depression and other mental health disorders with minimal side effects. Serious adverse events are extremely rare.
Some patients may experience changes in their sense of taste or smell during TMS treatment. Others might report hearing effects, such as ringing in the ears or sensitivity to sound. These sensory changes are temporary and resolve on their own.
People can also have emotional swings during or after TMS treatment, such as feelings of anxiety or euphoria. Some individuals experience changes in their overall mood and reduced irritability. These emotional responses are normal because they indicate that therapy is working. In case of adverse reactions, TMS technicians adjust the equipment parameters to achieve the desired results and address the patient’s mental health condition, whether it is treatment-resistant depression, OCD, or anxiety.
One of the most common side effects of TMS is headaches. They can occur during or after sessions and tend to be mild. The exact cause of such adverse reactions is not fully understood, but it may be related to the magnetic pulses stimulating the trigeminal nerve. The clicking sounds made by the TMS coil could also trigger headaches.
Research shows that nearly 20% of people receiving TMS therapy report mild painful sensations in the head, especially during the first few sessions when the body is adapting to the treatment. Headaches typically lessen in frequency and intensity after the initial adjustment period. Factors that appear to increase the risk of these adverse reactions include high stimulation intensity, targeting frontal regions, underlying migraine disorders, and caffeine withdrawal.
Most TMS headaches are mild and temporary, often resolving within a few hours after treatment. However, patients should ask their TMS technician to adjust stimulation parameters if frequent or severe headaches occur.
TMS can cause a tapping or knocking sensation on the scalp. Many people report feeling like they are receiving a mild electric current on the skull with each pulse. This sensation is not painful but can be uncomfortable. The tapping feeling on the scalp occurs because the magnetic pulses briefly activate nerves, muscles, and other tissues in that area.
The discomfort tends to be more noticeable during the first few pulses of a TMS session as the sensation is new. However, most people quickly become accustomed to the feeling. The tapping decreases rapidly within the first few minutes of stimulation.
The degree of scalp discomfort varies between individuals. Factors like skull sensitivity, hair thickness, and coil positioning can impact the intensity of the feeling. Patients should discuss their discomfort level with the TMS technician to see if adjustments in equipment parameters may help reduce the tapping.
Overall, this side effect is generally mild and well-tolerated. Once the treatment session has started, the sensation decreases quickly. Knowing what to expect with regard to scalp discomfort can help patients feel more prepared and relaxed during TMS.
Another common side effect is facial twitching or muscle contractions. This occurs because the TMS coil is placed directly against the head, and the magnetic pulses can stimulate surrounding tissues. Twitching typically appears only on the side where the coil is positioned. It may involve involuntary eye blinking, cheek twitching, or lip contractions. The facial movements are temporary and coincide with each magnetic pulse.
The twitching is usually mild and subsides soon after the TMS session ends. However, some patients may find the facial movements distracting or uncomfortable during treatment. Adjusting the coil position slightly can often minimize stimulation of the facial nerves and reduce twitching.
This side effect occurs more frequently when higher intensities are used. Patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (involving greater magnetic field strength) are more likely to experience facial twitching. The involuntary movements also depend on the targeted brain area.
While facial twitching may be unpleasant, it is not dangerous and does not indicate any damage is being done. Patients can discuss their concerns with the TMS technician and ways to make treatment more comfortable. With time, most people adapt, and the facial twitching becomes less bothersome.
Some patients also experience limb or hand spasms if the TMS device targets brain areas that control body motions. During the procedure, they may involuntarily jerk an arm, leg, or finger. In rare cases, muscle spasms might persist briefly between sessions.
While uncomfortable, these involuntary movements from TMS are not dangerous. They are an expected reaction as the magnetic pulses activate neural pathways connected to motor nerves. Spasms tend to lessen over time as the body adapts to the stimulation.
Around 3% of patients experience dizziness or lightheadedness during or after TMS sessions. These feelings are usually mild and temporary, subsiding within a few minutes. However, some patients report more bothersome and lasting lightheadedness that can make daily activities difficult right after treatment.
This side effect may be caused by the magnetic pulses stimulating brain regions that control balance and coordination. There is no need to worry because these sensations disappear shortly after treatment. TMS is the safest option among all brain stimulation therapies. It can address major depression and other mental health disorders with minimal side effects. Serious adverse events are extremely rare.
Some patients may experience changes in their sense of taste or smell during TMS treatment. Others might report hearing effects, such as ringing in the ears or sensitivity to sound. These sensory changes are temporary and resolve on their own.
People can also have emotional swings during or after TMS treatment, such as feelings of anxiety or euphoria. Some individuals experience changes in their overall mood and reduced irritability. These emotional responses are normal because they indicate that therapy is working. In case of adverse reactions, TMS technicians adjust the equipment parameters to achieve the desired results and address the patient’s mental health condition, whether it is treatment-resistant depression, OCD, or anxiety.

Uncommon Side Effects of TMS

Seizures are a rare but severe side effect of TMS, occurring in less than 1% of patients. Mania or hypomania can also appear in some individuals with a history of bipolar disorder. Other uncommon side effects include memory loss, confusion, and changes in appetite or sleep. However, even these adverse reactions are managed effectively by experienced TMS therapists.

Managing TMS Side Effects

Fortunately, there are many effective ways to reduce discomfort and prevent adverse events:
  • TMS technicians can adjust the level of stimulation to reduce side effects. Sometimes, the healthcare provider may recommend a break from treatment or a change in the protocol.
  • To help manage TMS-related headaches, patients should stay well-hydrated, use over-the-counter pain relievers after sessions, place ice packs on the head, and reduce caffeine intake before procedures.
  • If scalp discomfort or pain appears, patients can ask their TMS technician to adjust the stimulation. Applying an ice pack to the area afterward may help reduce soreness.
  • Strategies to minimize lightheadedness include staying well-hydrated before and after treatment, avoiding sudden changes in position, and asking the technician to adjust the stimulation intensity if sensations become intolerable.
Managing TMS Side Effect Banner

TMS Therapy Near Me Is the Best Place to
Find a TMS Provider

Our online directory includes an extensive list of qualified TMS specialists in various parts of the United States. You can input your location and select a clinic that appeals to you most. We offer a wide selection of providers who may accommodate your personal needs, whether it’s repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), theta burst stimulation (TBS), or deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS). Our qualified TMS specialists can relieve depression symptoms and address many other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, migraines, anxiety, and smoking addiction.
Contact our Team
List Your TMS Clinic
  • TMS Therapy Near Me is the highest-ranking TMS directory site across the USA.
Contact us
Clinics by State
Facebook-f Instagram Youtube
Find TMS Centers Near You!
Type and select from the dropdown or share your locations to search.
Facebook-f Instagram
DESIGN & DIGITAL MARKETING BY