# Is TMS Therapy uncomfortable?

- Link: https://www.alquimedez.com/is-tms-therapy-uncomfortable
- Published: 2021-09-13T07:36:43+00:00
- Author: alquimedezhemo

Will I be uncomfortable during my TMS therapy? Is TMS Therapy painful? These are
some of the common concerns people have when they are considering TMS therapy for
the treatment of depression. The answers to the questions aren’t simple and straightforward
because while some people report having headaches, slight numbness, or a tapping
sensation during and after the treatment. Other patients have reported not feeling
any pain or discomfort.

In this blog, our Bronx TMS technicians will explain if TMS Therapy is uncomfortable
and why you should consider TMS Therapy as a treatment for depression.

For most people, depression can be debilitating and painful. Depression can affect
not only how you feel emotionally and mentally, but it can also take its toll on
your physical health and wellbeing. Understandably, people with depression are wary
of treatments that are not adequately effective and will cause them more stress 
and discomfort.

**What Is Transcranial Stimulation Therapy? What Is Involved In A TMS Session?**

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive and safe therapy in which
magnetic pulses are used to stimulate the brain. The treatment aims to correct the
imbalance in the brain cells that affects mood and leads to mental disorders like
depression.

The treatment consists of placing the magnetic coil of the TMS device on the scalp
of the patient, which produces focused magnetic pulses that penetrate the scalp 
and skull bone. The pulses produce small electrical currents in a specific area 
of the brain, which is responsible for mood control. The stimulation of these particular
parts of the brain helps in reactivating underactive neurotransmitters. This can
improve brain connectivity within the different regions of the brain.

**Discomfort During Treatment**
 TMS is painless and has no to little side effects.
Patients undergoing treatment remain alert and conscious throughout the session,
and most people do not report having any discomfort. Additionally, unlike other 
depression treatment therapies like ECT, TMS is a lot safer and does not affect 
other bodily systems.

Some patients receiving TMS therapy have reported experiencing some facial during
the first few sessions of the treatment. However, this side effect isn’t harmful,
and most people do not feel the tingling sensation at all. If the facial twitching
is bothering you, talk to your doctor or TMS technician. They can reduce or eliminate
the discomfort by slightly repositioning the angle of the coil placed on your scalp.

Another common and harmless sensation patient report having is a minor tapping sensation
on the scalp where the magnetic coil is placed, but this too is painless.

The FDA approved TMS treatment in 2008 for commercial use, and there is limited 
clinical trial data regarding the efficacy of TMS for the treatment for depression.
However, the currently available data is extremely positive. The studies reported
50% of people with depression who did not benefit from antidepressants experienced
a clinically meaningful positive effect from TMS therapy.