What Does TMS Therapy Feel Like?
With the rise of TMS therapy as a depressive disorder treatment, we’ve been helping answer questions regarding the procedure. For the most part, prospective patients want to know how it feels. Does it hurt? Is it uncomfortable? These questions, and many more like them, are on everyone’s minds. Prime Behavioral Health would like to shed a little light on the therapy treatment procedure as a whole. Let’s dive right in!
What Does TMS Therapy Feel Like?
For the most part, patients enjoy a comfortable experience during their sessions. Some feel a slight tapping sensation along the scalp, which eventually dissipates as they become accustomed to the procedure. There are a few who experience minor discomfort. This discomfort often arises more because of anatomy than issues with the equipment. Most often, the discomfort in patients is caused by unintentional stimulation to the scalp or facial nerves.
If this is the case, there are a few options the physician has to reduce discomfort.
- By slightly moving the magnetic coil off the nerve, it is possible to reduce or eliminate any discomfort.
- The motor threshold can be set to a lower setting to improve comfort levels.
- The treatment location or pulse sequence may be altered.
- Another TMS device may be used (There are five FDA-approved devices).
Again, most patients do not experience any discomfort. If you do, it will likely only occur in the first few sessions as you become used to the new sensation. Of course, if the discomfort worsens or continues, you should speak with your physician immediately. You’re here for treatment, after all.
If you find yourself suffering from depression and feel alone and hopeless, contact Prime Behavioral Health. We believe in the power of TMS therapy and have witnessed firsthand how it can help patients with depressive disorder.
For your first appointment, please call 817-778-8884!