Learning About Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a treatment that sends quick magnetic pulses into the brain. It's used to treat certain conditions, like depression or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It may also be used to help with nicotine dependence and migraines. But it doesn't work for everyone. Experts don't know exactly how TMS helps relieve symptoms. It may work by changing brain activity.

You will be in a doctor's office or hospital for the treatment. You'll be awake and will sit in a chair. The TMS device makes loud clicking sounds, so you will get earplugs to protect your hearing.

Your doctor will place the device against your head. You will get a few test pulses, and your doctor will adjust the device until your thumb twitches. This is how your doctor finds the right level for you.

You may feel some discomfort or muscle twitching during the treatment. You may feel this less as you have more treatments. If it's too strong, your doctor can turn down the level.

You'll be closely watched for any problems during the treatment. It will last about half an hour.

TMS therapy may be a helpful addition to your current treatments, like medicine and counseling, if you are not getting the relief you expect.

You can drive and go back to your usual activities. You may have a headache, and your scalp may hurt. Some hearing loss is also possible. These problems usually don't last long.

TMS may be helpful for certain mental health conditions, such as depression or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It can also be used to help with nicotine dependence and migraines. Sometimes it's used to try to help with other things, like chronic pain or anxiety. But more research is needed to understand how well it works for these uses.

If TMS works for you, you may need several treatments before your symptoms start to get better. Most people need daily treatments for several weeks to get the full benefit of TMS.

If your first course of treatment helps with your symptoms, your doctor may recommend continuing treatments to help keep your symptoms under control. Or you may be able to switch to treatments that you get less often.

Some people faint during this procedure. There is also a small risk of seizure with TMS, but this is rare.