Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapy that has shown promising results for people who don’t respond well to traditional mental health treatments. It has been FDA-approved for people with hard-to-treat depression and OCD, and has very few side effects.

What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation involves using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, targeting specific areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation. This innovative treatment offers new hope to those struggling with hard-to-treat depression.

TMS involves placing an electromagnetic coil against the scalp near the forehead. This coil generates focused magnetic pulses, which pass painlessly through the skull and stimulate brain cells involved in mood.

Here’s how the treatment works:

• Targeted stimulation: TMS specifically targets areas of the brain known to be involved in depression.
• Non-invasive: No surgery or implantation of electrodes is needed, and the patient remains awake and alert during the session. Plus, there’s no anesthesia involved, so clients can drive themselves home after treatment.
• Minimal side effects: Compared to other depression treatments, TMS has few side effects, the most common being scalp discomfort during treatment sessions.

Is TMS Safe?

Yes, TMS is considered incredibly safe. Researchers and clinicians have been vigilant about maintaining safety frameworks for people undergoing TMS, spanning over 20 years of clinical use. The magnetic pulses used are similar in strength to those in MRI machines.¹

The most serious side effect, seizure, is incredibly rare, happening in seven per 100,000 clients. Seizures typically occur early in treatment and among people who were at a higher risk.²

Possible Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Side Effects

TMS is generally very well tolerated, with mild scalp irritation and headaches being the most common side effects. Some people also report muscle twitches in the face, scalp, jaw, eye, or neck, since the magnetic pulses can stimulate nerves in the face. Very few people also report nausea, dizziness, or hearing-related issues from the tapping noise that the machine makes.

Common side effects of TMS include:²

• Headache
• Scalp, jaw, eye, or neck pain
• Nausea and dizziness
• Hearing-related effects like tinnitus

These symptoms typically fade within a day or so after treatment, and many people have fewer adverse effects after the first couple of sessions.

Potential Rare but Serious Side Effects of TMS

The most serious side effect of TMS is the potential risk of seizure. This is incredibly rare, happening in seven out of 100,000 cases, typically for those who were already at a higher risk. That’s why TMS is not recommended for those with a history of epilepsy, brain lesions, or who are on medications that lower the seizure threshold.²

Are the Benefits Worth the Side Effects of TMS Therapy?

The benefits of TMS therapy extend far beyond its non-invasive nature, offering a new lease on life for many who have dealt with persistent depression symptoms. While treatments are intensive, typically involving five sessions a week for four to six weeks, clients can drive and operate normally after appointments. Plus, it often starts working quickly, with many people starting to feel better after a few weeks.³

Our psychiatric providers can help review your specific risk factors and determine whether TMS is the right choice for you.

Here are some of the benefits of TMS therapy:

• Effective for treatment-resistant depression: For people who have not benefited from medication or psychotherapy, TMS offers a viable alternative, with 83% of clients experiencing improvement in their symptoms.
• Quick and convenient sessions: Each TMS session lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, with clients typically undergoing four to five sessions per week for at least a month.
• No down time: Clients can drive themselves home immediately after sessions.
• Few side effects: Some people have mild discomfort or a headache, but even these feelings often subside after the first few sessions. Less than 5% of patients reported any notable side effects after receiving TMS therapy.
• Sustainable results: Many clients experience long-lasting relief from depression symptoms after completing a course of TMS therapy.
• Improved quality of life: By alleviating the symptoms of depression, TMS can significantly enhance overall well-being and functionality.

Connect with Northeast Health Services for TMS Therapy Services in New England

At Northeast Health Services, we recognize the courage it takes to seek help, and our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way in your depression treatment. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality, individualized mental health treatments. Our goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment for our neighbors across Massachusetts, where you can embark on your journey to emotional well-being with confidence and support.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, call 508.794.8711 or fill out a brief form to get in touch with our dedicated intake specialists. If you’re an existing client, please find your office location to contact them directly.

 

Footnotes:

1. MacMillan, C. (2025). Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-tms-what-you-need-to-know
2. Thomas van der Velde, Johanna Swartswe, Koen Schruers, Teresa Schuhmann. (2026). Monitoring adverse effects in TMS: From controlled trials to clinical reality. Current Opinion in Psychology 67, 102187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2025.102187
3. Transcranial magnetic stimulation. (2023). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625