TMS Frequently Asked Questions

TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a non-invasive, non-drug treatment that uses brief magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. During treatment, a TMS coil is positioned near the head while the treatment is delivered under clinician supervision.

TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain cells and specific brain circuits involved in regulating mood, thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Research suggests that TMS can help change patterns of brain activity associated with depression.

No. TMS and ECT are different treatments. TMS does not involve anesthesia, electrical current passing through the body, or intentionally inducing a seizure. TMS is generally not associated with the memory loss commonly associated with ECT.

No. TMS is a non-pharmacologic treatment. Unlike medication, TMS does not involve pharmaceuticals circulating throughout your body.

You remain comfortably seated during treatment. The TMS device rests lightly against your head and delivers magnetic pulses. You may hear clicking sounds and feel a tapping sensation on your scalp during the treatment.

TMS may be an option for people with depression who have not improved adequately with previous treatments. TMS is not appropriate for everyone. A clinician will review your medical history and determine whether TMS may be appropriate for you.

Yes. The Ampa One TMS system used at NeuroMend TMS is FDA-cleared for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression and is available by prescription.

Clinical studies and real-world data have found that many people with depression experience meaningful improvement with TMS. Individual results vary, and no treatment works for everyone.

The benefits of TMS may continue after the initial course of treatment, but they are not necessarily permanent. Some people may experience a return of depression symptoms over time and may benefit from additional treatment or ongoing depression care.

Some patients may benefit from additional TMS sessions or maintenance treatment. Others may continue medication, therapy, or other forms of depression care. Your ongoing treatment plan will depend on your individual needs.

TMS is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and temporary and may include scalp discomfort or headache.

TMS has been studied extensively and is generally well tolerated. A seizure is a possible but very rare side effect, occurring in fewer than 1 in 10,000 sessions according to the source material.Before treatment, the clinician will perform a safety screening and review potential precautions and contraindications.

TMS may not be appropriate for people with certain implanted metallic or electronic devices near the head. Your clinician will review your medical history and perform a safety screening before treatment to determine whether TMS is appropriate for you.

A traditional course of TMS typically involves one treatment session per day over multiple days. The number of treatments and schedule vary from person to person and are determined by the clinician.

NeuroMend TMS offers a One-Day TMS Program in which multiple TMS sessions can be provided during a single day. Sessions are spaced throughout the day with rest periods between treatments, allowing eligible patients to return home the same day.Schedules vary and are determined by the clinician. Ask whether the One-Day TMS Program is appropriate for you.

Traditional TMS schedules can require many visits over multiple days. An accelerated schedule may reduce the number of days required to complete a course of treatment. Some studies suggest that accelerated TMS schedules, like the One-Day TMS program, may lead to better results. Whether an accelerated schedule is appropriate depends on the individual patient and the clinician's treatment plan.

Not necessarily. TMS is one treatment option for depression, and some patients may continue medication, psychotherapy, or other forms of care during or after TMS.

Before treatment begins, the clinician will evaluate your history, discuss your treatment options, and perform the appropriate safety screening. If TMS is considered appropriate, the treatment plan and schedule will be individualized for you.

TMS is thought to influence brain activity and neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt and change. Your clinician may also recommend additional techniques intended to support neuroplasticity during treatment. These approaches vary by clinic and continue to evolve as research develops.

The best way to determine whether TMS may be appropriate is through a consultation with a qualified clinician. The clinician can review your history, previous treatments, current symptoms, and medical considerations and discuss whether TMS is an appropriate option for you.