NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a noninvasive mental health procedure that allows patients to find relief from treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other conditions. As with any procedure, it is important to have a thorough understanding of your treatment before beginning. At Synergy Strive, addressing misconceptions about TMS empowers you with information about this helpful procedure.
Experiencing pain during TMS is a misperception, as it is a noninvasive and gentle process. You may feel a light tapping sensation with the placement of the treatment coil against your scalp. After your first few sessions, you may have a mild headache or scalp soreness, though these are a result of your brain adjusting to treatment and should alleviate fairly quickly.
A common misconception about TMS is that it is the same treatment as electroshock therapy (ECT). Though ECT and TMS both treat mental health concerns, they are two distinct treatments.
ECT, which requires anesthesia, induces seizures to create a therapeutic effect and may be helpful in more severe cases. TMS offers a milder stimulation to your brain and does not require sedation. While ECT is typically completed in a hospital, TMS can take place in a doctor’s office.
TMS can treat multiple conditions. Along with receiving FDA clearance for treatment-resistant depression, anxious depression, and adolescent depression, it has also been FDA-cleared to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. Our providers strive to dispel misunderstandings about TMS being solely for depression. We work with you to gain a thorough understanding of the symptoms you are experiencing to help determine if TMS will be a good fit.
Contrary to some assumptions, side effects from TMS are often mild and temporary. Some of the most common TMS side effects are temporary scalp discomfort and headache, lightheadedness, and tingling or spasms of the facial muscles. Headaches and scalp discomfort typically go away after your first few sessions. More serious side effects, including seizures, are rare.
Compared to pharmaceutical options such as antidepressants, TMS has fewer systemic side effects. Antidepressants may result in nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction. TMS can relieve your depression symptoms while avoiding side effects that can interrupt your daily life and routine.
TMS causing memory loss is a myth, in fact, the procedure has been linked to increased brain performance, including improved memory in adults. Since memory loss can occur with depression, this is a particularly helpful benefit of TMS.
Another common misconception about TMS is that insurance does not cover it. An increasing number of insurance companies are covering TMS therapy as evidence of the procedure’s effectiveness grows. Patients should check with their insurance about TMS coverage and any specific requirements to receive coverage.
Though TMS does require multiple sessions, some misinterpret this as taking up a significant amount of your time. In reality, each treatment is only around half an hour long. Additionally, because TMS treatment does not require sedation, you can resume your regular routine with no downtime after your session.
As you explore new treatments for your health, it is important to have an accurate understanding of what they are, how they work, and their common side effects.
Our friendly and expert providers at Synergy Strive are here to help you understand NeuroStar TMS therapy and how you may benefit from it. We will help in addressing misconceptions about TMS as you embark on your personalized care journey, answering any questions that you may have so you can feel confident about your treatment.
