Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy works directly on the areas of the brain involved in mood disorders, like major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or anxious depression. When considering treatment options, a common concern many patients have is whether TMS therapy can cause brain damage. Let us explore how AMS Health & Wellness ensures safe, effective TMS treatment with NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy, what the evidence says, the rare risks, and the role you play in your care.
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses via a coil placed near your scalp to stimulate nerve cells in the regions of the brain implicated in mood regulation and other emotional functions. The magnetic pulses trigger neurotransmitters and activate areas of the brain that are commonly less active in people with depression.
TMS therapy is considered when other treatments have not delivered an appropriate response, often for people with treatment-resistant depression. Having treatment-resistant depression often means you have tried at least two antidepressant medications and more traditional forms of therapy with inadequate results.
The good news is that there is no clear evidence that TMS therapy causes structural brain damage in a normal brain. NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy is FDA-cleared for the treatment of MDD, OCD, and anxious depression and is determined to be safe when performed according to established protocols.
However, while TMS is safe, no medical procedure is entirely without risk of potential side effects. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, including
More serious—but rare—risks include seizures, which occur in less than 1% of well-screened patients. Since the TMS device is loud, you may also experience hearing changes if ear protection is not used. If you have certain metal implants, devices, or a history of seizures, head injury, or neurological conditions, your risk profile is different, so you should be thorough in explaining your medical history when meeting for a consultation with our team.
Long-term data about safety is reassuring. Decades of use show no consistent link between NeuroStar TMS therapy and brain injury, memory loss, or tumors in people with otherwise healthy brain anatomy. We can help you get the most from your sessions by having you play an active role in your treatment, including:
However, it is important to note that research continues to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of use, and each case should be individually assessed. This is exactly what we do at AMS Health & Wellness.
At AMS Health & Wellness, we offer NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy administered by experienced clinicians who follow up-to-date safety protocols and customised plans. With us, you get personalized care, clear communication about risks and benefits, and support to stay on track for the best results.
We spend time evaluating your risks, assessing your qualifications for treatment, and answering your questions, including whether TMS therapy can cause brain damage. If you have other specific concerns, we will talk them through to make sure this is the right path for you. With your commitment and our professional support, you can move forward confidently. Call today to schedule a consultation.
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).
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.
Important Safety Information
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).
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy should not be used with patients who have non-removable conductive metal in or near the head. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy has not been studied in patients who have not received prior antidepressant treatment.
