Risks
Adverse effects of magnetic stimulation.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (PMS) is a safe and effective treatment and has few side effects.
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
Common adverse effects of TMS treatment are as follows:
- Headache
- Scalp discomfort
- Tingling, facial muscle twitching
- Noise related discomfort (patients wear ear plugs during TMS therapy)
Rare adverse effects of TMS are as follows:
- Seizure if the brain is targeted. The incidence of seizure is 1:30,000, which is lower than the seizure rate for patients treated with antidepressants. Please note that in the unlikely event that you do experience a seizure during treatment, this will affect your fitness to drive.
- Syncope (fainting)
- Mood elevation (elevated mood tends to settle on cessation of treatment)
Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) TMS causes NO adverse cognitive effects.