What is TMS therapy?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a noninvasive, FDA-cleared medical procedure to treat depression in adults. It’s performed while you’re awake and uses very brief, powerful magnetic pulses to target specific regions of the brain.

While all TMS treatments use magnetic pulses to affect electrical activity in the brain, they may differ in the strength of the magnet used, the type of coil used to deliver the treatment, how frequently the magnetic pulses are turned on, and which brain structures are targeted.

At Temple, you’ll have access to a type of treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). During TMS, a coil is placed on the scalp over the area of the brain related to mood. This type of TMS gets its name from the repetitive magnetic pulses provided by the coil to the brain. A pulse is when the magnet field is turned on and off—which can be several times per second.

TMS Therapy helped this patient rediscover his love for plants

How does transcranial magnetic stimulation work?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation works by targeting the prefrontal cortex, a region at the front of your brain that is critical in controlling memory, concentration, mood, interest, anxiety, appetite and sleep—functions often affected in people living with depression. TMS helps return this area to a more regular level of activity, alleviating symptoms.

TMS is helpful for treatment-resistant depression because it provides another option beyond medications. By regulating electrical activity, it helps stop irregular brain patterns that may be leading to persistent depression.

Why might I need transcranial magnetic stimulation?

TMS therapy is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. You might need transcranial magnetic stimulation when other treatment options—such as medications or psychotherapy—aren’t successful in improving your symptoms.

Research is underway looking at ways to use TMS therapy for various other conditions. While not yet FDA-approved, :

Preparing for TMS therapy

Before TMS therapy, you’ll visit a provider specializing in this procedure. This may include a discussion of your symptoms, a review of your medical history, and an overview of benefits, risks and potential side effects from the procedure, to ensure that transcranial magnetic stimulation is right for you.  

There are some reasons that TMS therapy might not be a good fit.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about:

  • Any electronic, metal or magnetic implants or devices in your body
  • Any medications you’re currently taking
  • Other medical conditions, especially those related to mental health or brain health
  • Epilepsy or a family history of epilepsy
  • Previous TMS treatments

What to expect

For most people, transcranial magnetic stimulation treatments are about 15 minutes long, but must be delivered daily for the best benefit. Typically, you’ll receive 36 daily treatments (weekdays only) over seven weeks. But your care team will let you know the exact timing for your needs.

Because TMS therapy is a noninvasive treatment, there isn’t much prep ahead of time, and you won’t need anesthesia. Before your procedure, you may want to check with your insurance about your coverage. TMS is only FDA-approved for certain conditions, and your insurance may have other requirements before you choose TMS.

Your first treatment

You may want a support person to come to your first treatment. At the office, you’ll be asked to remove anything with metal, and you will be given earplugs to protect your ears from the sound of the magnet.

During this first visit, your provider will take several measurements of your head to figure out the best placement of the magnet. Your provider will then determine your “dose” as a percentage of the amount of stimulation needed to cause your fingers to twitch.

TMS benefits

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a safe, effective treatment that gives people an additional option for symptom relief when other treatments are unsuccessful.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation side effects

TMS has minimal side effects. The most common side effects of TMS therapy are temporary and include:

  • Headache
  • Scalp soreness
  • Tingling sensation
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
TMS Therapy helped this patient enjoy having dinner with family and friends again

Results and ongoing treatment

The results of transcranial magnetic stimulation vary from person to person, and it may take a couple of weeks for you to see symptom relief. On average, about one-third to one-half of people who choose TMS treatment see partial or complete remission of their depression. These results last anywhere from a few months to more than a year.

Depending on your results, your care team may recommend that you continue other treatments, such as psychotherapy or medications. If your symptoms return, you may choose to pursue transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy again.

doctor discussing TMS treatment results with a patient