Is TMS Therapy Uncomfortable?

Is TMS therapy uncomfortable? If you are considering this FDA-cleared treatment, you’ll want answers to this question and more. Will it hurt? How uncomfortable is it? What should I expect?

It’s important to know how the process feels, what the common sensations are, how your body may respond, and what risks you should be aware of. And we’re glad you asked.

What You Experience During a Session

During TMS treatment at Synergy Strive, you are awake, alert, and able to return to most of your daily activities afterward. You are seated in a comfortable chair while a magnetic coil is placed on your scalp at a targeted location. Brief pulses of magnetic energy pass through the skull to stimulate specific brain regions associated with mood regulation.

During your TMS therapy, you might experience several sensations that you may interpret as uncomfortable, including:

• A tapping, clicking, or buzzing sound from the coil
• A mild tapping or tingling sensation on the scalp where the coil touches
• A light twitch of the scalp or face muscles during pulses
• Occasional mild headache or lightheaded sensation after the session

Not everyone experiences all these sensations. They are generally short-lived and tend to lessen as treatment progresses.

How Uncomfortable Is “Uncomfortable”?

During your first week of treatment, it’s most common to feel mild to moderate discomfort at or near the treatment site (scalp area) during or right after sessions. Most people find the discomfort is usually manageable and transient.

After the first week, the intensity of discomfort typically drops. Your scalp becomes accustomed to the pulses, and many people find sessions easier and more tolerable. Because you are not sedated or under anesthesia, you can leave the clinic after your session and continue with your day.

This means that even if you are uncomfortable during TMS therapy, it doesn’t sideline you. In short: yes, you may feel some discomfort, especially at the outset. However, most people find it is not overwhelming, and our team is trained to monitor and adjust to your comfort level.

What Helps Your Discomfort?

To ensure your sessions are as comfortable as possible, consider taking the following steps:

• Communicate openly with your provider. If you feel more pressure or discomfort than expected, let your clinician know. They can adjust coil placement or intensity.
• Choose appointment times when you can relax afterward, especially when your body is still adapting to treatment.
• Over-the-counter relief may help mild headache or scalp discomfort.
• Your body tends to acclimate, so discomfort often lessens as you progress through treatment.
• Basic self-care supports your comfort and recovery between sessions.

As you continue treatment, remember that every patient’s experience is unique—staying patient and communicating with your provider will help you get the most from each session.

Call Today to Learn More About TMS Therapy and Whether It Is Right for You

During your consultation, we’ll discuss your potential treatment and answer your questions, including whether TMS therapy is uncomfortable. You may experience mild to moderate sensations, but many people find that these improve quickly.

Everyone’s experience is unique. Your comfort level depends on your sensitivity, the responsiveness of your scalp and brain nerves, and how well you communicate with our treatment team.

If you’re ready to explore how this FDA-cleared TMS therapy may support your journey, reach out to Synergy Strive. We’ll schedule a consultation, walk you through your candidacy, explain what each session will feel like for you, and support your comfort every step of the way.