TMS is a non-invasive depression treatment with usually temporary effects such as scalp discomfort and headache; screening for seizures, implants and metal helps manage risks.
TMS side effects and safety in Florida
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It is commonly considered for depression when other treatments have not helped enough, have caused difficult side effects, or are not suitable.
TMS was cleared by the FDA for major depressive disorder in 2008, and for depression with comorbid anxiety in 2021. It does not involve surgery, anaesthesia or electrical current being passed through the body. Most people remain awake during treatment and can usually return to their usual activities afterwards.
Like any medical treatment, however, TMS has possible side effects and risks. A proper assessment is important before starting, particularly if you have a history of seizures, an implanted medical device, certain metal in or near the head, or changes in your medicines or health.
TMS Therapy Florida lists 316 published clinics across the state, including clinics in Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, Delray Beach, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Clearwater, Boca Raton and other Florida communities. Safety assessments should be individual to the clinic, treatment device and patient.
Common side effects of TMS
The most common side effects are temporary scalp discomfort and headache. These are usually mild to moderate, particularly after the first few sessions, and often settle as a person becomes used to treatment.
During a session, you may feel tapping, knocking or tingling on the scalp where the treatment coil is placed. The muscles around the forehead, jaw or eye may also twitch slightly during pulses. This sensation can be uncomfortable for some people, but it should not be unbearable.
Common effects can include:
- Scalp tenderness or discomfort during treatment
- Headache after a session
- Facial muscle twitching during pulses
- Temporary tiredness
- Light-headedness in some people
- Discomfort from the sound of the machine
Clinicians can often make practical adjustments if the treatment feels too uncomfortable. For example, they may review the coil position, gradually adjust the treatment intensity, or discuss whether simple pain relief is appropriate for you. Do not change medicines or take pain relief specifically for TMS without checking with your prescribing clinician or TMS team.
TMS machines produce a repeated clicking sound. Clinics normally provide ear protection during treatment. It is important to use it as directed, both for comfort and to protect hearing.
Headache and scalp discomfort
Headache is among the most frequently reported TMS side effects. It may happen shortly after a session or later in the day. For many people, it improves over time rather than becoming worse across the course.
Tell the treatment team if headaches are severe, persistent, unusual for you, or accompanied by concerning symptoms such as confusion, weakness, fainting, vision changes or severe vomiting. These symptoms may not necessarily be caused by TMS, but they need appropriate medical assessment.
Scalp discomfort may also improve with small changes to treatment delivery. It is useful to describe exactly what you feel and when it happens. For example, tell the clinician whether discomfort occurs only during pulses, continues after the appointment, or is getting more intense.
A standard TMS course often involves about 36 weekday sessions over roughly six to nine weeks. Because treatment involves repeated visits, it is sensible to raise side effects early rather than trying to tolerate them in silence.
Rare but serious risks
The most serious recognised risk of TMS is a seizure. This is rare, but it is important to discuss because certain health conditions, medicines and lifestyle factors can affect seizure risk.
A clinic should screen you before treatment and continue to review relevant changes during your course. If you have a seizure history or another neurological condition, this does not automatically mean TMS cannot be considered. It does mean that the clinician needs a careful, individual review of the potential risks and benefits.
You should tell the clinic immediately if you experience anything that could suggest a seizure or another significant neurological event, including loss of awareness, uncontrolled movements, confusion afterwards, or a collapse. Seek urgent medical help if you or someone else has a medical emergency.
Mood changes should also be discussed promptly. TMS is used to treat depression, but people can still have worsening depression, agitation, unusual mood elevation, or suicidal thoughts during any period of mental health treatment. Contact your treating clinician, mental health team or emergency services if you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else.
Metal, implants and other contraindications
TMS uses a powerful magnetic field close to the head. Some metal or implanted devices may make treatment unsuitable, or may require specialist assessment before treatment begins.
In particular, tell the clinician about any non-removable metal in or near your head. This can include certain aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, implanted electrodes, shrapnel or other metal fragments. Some implanted devices elsewhere in the body may also need review, depending on the device and its location.
Dental fillings, braces and many dental implants are not usually a reason to rule out TMS, but you should still mention them. Do not assume that an implant is safe or unsafe based on general information online. The TMS provider may need details such as the device name, manufacturer, model and date of implantation.
Your assessment should cover:
- Any metal fragments, clips, plates or implants in the head or neck
- Cochlear implants or hearing devices
- Brain stimulators, implanted electrodes or pumps
- A pacemaker, defibrillator or other implanted electronic device
- Previous brain surgery or serious head injury
- Stroke, epilepsy or a history of seizures
- Neurological conditions that affect the brain or nervous system
The clinic may ask for records from another doctor or surgeon before confirming whether TMS is appropriate.
What to tell your clinician before and during treatment
A full and honest health history helps the clinician plan treatment safely. Bring a current list of all prescribed medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements and recreational substances. This includes medicines that may affect seizure threshold or interact with your wider mental health treatment.
Tell your clinician about any changes in:
- Medicines, doses or missed doses
- Alcohol use or recreational drug use
- Sleep, especially significant sleep deprivation
- New headaches, fainting episodes or neurological symptoms
- Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Recent illness, fever or hospital treatment
- Changes in your depression, anxiety, mood or suicidal thoughts
It is particularly important not to make abrupt changes to medicines, alcohol consumption or substance use without medical guidance. Changes in these areas can affect your wellbeing and may alter safety considerations for TMS.
Before each appointment, the team may ask whether you have slept normally, started a new medicine or experienced any health change. These questions are not a formality. Answering accurately gives the clinic an opportunity to pause, adjust or seek further advice if needed.
Practical safety during a course of TMS
Ask the clinic what to expect on the day of treatment, including whether you can drive yourself afterwards. Many people can continue normal daily activities, but your own situation may differ if you feel unwell, have a headache or take medicines that affect alertness.
Keep appointments consistent where possible and let the clinic know if you miss sessions. Ask how interruptions may affect the treatment plan. If side effects are uncomfortable, request a review rather than stopping treatment on your own.
It can also help to keep brief notes on sleep, mood, headaches, medicines and other symptoms. This gives you and the clinician a clearer picture over several weeks.
Getting help in Florida
Use the TMS Therapy Florida clinic listings to find published providers across Florida, including options in larger cities and local communities. The directory’s insurance guide can help you understand commonly seen plans such as Florida Blue, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Medicare, TRICARE East and Florida Medicaid-related coverage. For further support using the directory, visit the contact page.
This is educational information, not medical advice.
This page is informational and is not medical advice.