When considering whether TMS therapy is right for you, you may wonder how safe it is and what side effects could occur. You may already be struggling with problems from prescription medications, which could leave you worried about trying something new.
At AMS Health & Wellness, we want you to be comfortable with your treatment choice by knowing about the safety and side effects of TMS therapy in Houston.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive technique that uses magnetic induction of tiny electrical pulses in specific areas of the brain known to be involved in the disease it is being used to treat. It does not create a large electrical pulse affecting the entire brain and cannot travel to other body parts like medication does.
The FDA approved TMS for the treatment of depression in 2008. Research shows that TMS is safe when used properly by a licensed and trained physician. Each brand of equipment has received separate approvals, and the FDA has approved more indications for its use. A treatment must be proven safe in multiple U.S. research studies to receive FDA approval.
The FDA approved TMS for the treatment of depression in 2008. Research shows that TMS is a safe treatment when used properly by a licensed and trained physician. Each brand of equipment has received separate approvals and more indications for use of TMS have been approved by the FDA. To receive FDA approval, a treatment must be shown to be safe in multiple U.S. research studies.
TMS has been used throughout the world with excellent safety and treatment results for over 25 years.
Most of the side effects that occur during TMS therapy in Houston happen during the treatment sessions with only a few issues. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and patients do not routinely discontinue treatment due to side effects. Many of the mild side effects disappear as you continue through your treatment sessions.
You may experience pain or other uncomfortable sensations where the magnet is applied to your scalp. You may develop a mild headache or feel pain in your jaw. Any pain is treatable with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but when the pain is disruptive, your treatment parameters can be recalibrated.
Muscle twitches during treatment usually stop at the end of the session. If they do not, they will stop within a few hours. When you have bothersome muscle twitches, our staff can recalibrate your treatment parameters to stop them from happening while maintaining a successful treatment.
The most serious side effect seen with TMS treatment is a seizure. The overall risk of having a seizure due to TMS treatment is less than one percent, the same as the seizure risk from taking antidepressant drugs. Before you begin treatment, you will be asked about your medical history and screened for issues that would indicate an increased risk of a seizure and counseled appropriately.
Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), with TMS therapy you do not have a seizure as part of the treatment. Only a tiny part of your brain is stimulated to create the desired effect, never enough to bring on a planned seizure.
TMS patients do not experience memory loss the way ECT patients do. Patients have fainted during a treatment on rare occasions. This is more likely due to fear than a problem from the treatment itself, but treatment parameters can be changed when needed. A few patients report problems with thinking or concentrating during treatment, but that disappears after treatment. If you are easily distracted by noise, the normal clicking in the device may bother you during the treatment session. You are safe to return to your usual activities immediately after a treatment.
You may notice more fatigue, sleepiness, or lightheadedness during your treatment cycle. This is likely due to your body getting used to your freshly renewed brain function. When any side effect is bothersome, we want you to tell us so we can address it and improve your comfort with treatment. Changes can be made in your treatment plan that will not diminish effectiveness.
At AMS Health and Wellness, we know depression can disrupt your life, and we are here to help with a variety of options.
We will ask you whether you have had any problems during your treatment session, and we want an honest answer. Our highly trained staff can help and if they do not have the solution to your problem, they will work with your doctor to make changes to improve your TMS therapy. Your personal safety and side effects of TMS therapy in Houston are taken seriously. Set up an appointment today so we can answer all your questions and address your concerns.
