A well-tolerated treatment, Explained
TMS is one of the better-tolerated treatments in psychiatry. There is no anaesthesia, no effect on memory and no systemic side effects. As with any medical treatment, your psychiatrist will discuss what to expect, and anything specific to your circumstances, before you begin.
A tapping sensation
Where the coil sits, most people feel a steady tapping. It is most noticeable in the first week and usually becomes much less so as you get used to it.
A mild headache
Some people have a mild headache early in the course. It typically passes within an hour of a session and responds to ordinary pain relief.
Muscle movement near the coil
Small muscle twitches near the treatment site can occur while the pulses run. They stop as soon as the session does.
- Hearing protection is provided in every session
- You are awake, able to talk, and in control: a session can be paused at any time
- A trained TMS clinician is with you for the whole session
- There is no sedation and no recovery period, so you can drive yourself home
- Short check-ins through the course let your clinician see how you are responding
Before your first session, your psychiatrist reviews your medical history with you and talks through anything relevant to your situation. You receive written information and a consent form, and there is time to ask questions.
Most people return to work or their day straight after a session. If anything feels different between sessions, tell your clinician: small adjustments early in the course often make the rest of it more comfortable.
Wondering if TMS is a fit for You?
The first step is a conversation. You do not need a referral to ask a question, and an enquiry creates no obligation.