Risks Associated with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy (TMS therapy) is an outpatient, non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain and alleviate depression symptoms. TMS therapy is also used for treating other mental health issues, including bipolar disorder.

Though TMS is safe and effective for most patients, there are some risks associated with the treatment. If you’re wondering whether TMS therapy is right for you, you’ll want to consider these risks.

Does Transcranial Magnetic Therapy Work?

Studies have shown that TMS is a safe, effective treatment for depression in many cases. Neuronetics, the first company to have transcranial magnetic stimulation cleared as a treatment for depression by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), conducted a clinical trial of TMS therapy in 2008. All the patients in the study were clinically depressed, had not been helped by at least one previous treatment and were adult patients who did not show psychosis as a symptom of their depression.

At the end of six weeks, approximately one third of patients in the clinical trial experienced complete relief of their depression symptoms. Approximately half the patients in this same clinical trial experienced significant relief of their depression symptoms.

Common Side Effects of TMS Therapy

Some patients in the TMS depression treatment study did experience mild side effects. Those who did have adverse effects usually reported the following:

Discomfort from the noise made during the treatment (the magnets make a tapping sound which some people find difficult to tolerate)
Headaches
Lightheadedness
Scalp discomfort at the site of the stimulation
Tingling, twitching or spasms of facial muscles.

Fewer than 5 percent of patients in the clinical research study done by Neuronetics chose to discontinue the treatment due to adverse effects.

Rare, Serious Side Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

In rare cases, magnetic brain stimulation may cause more serious side effects, including seizures, mania or hearing problems. A patient who has a history of seizures should discuss this with a health care provider before receiving TMS therapy as treatment for depression.

Magnetic brain stimulation should not be used by patients who have non-removable metallic implants in the head or by patients with pacemakers, vagus nerve stimulators or similar devices. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also talk to their doctors before beginning treatment with TMS therapy. The effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on pregnancy and nursing infants have not yet been studied.

Long-term Risks of TMS

According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, some studies have shown evidence of structural changes in the brains of people who have received TMS. The long-term effects of these brain changes are not known. Ongoing research is studying the long-term effects of exposure of strong magnetic fields.

Resources
Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Transcranial magnetic stimulation. Retrieved May 23, 2010 from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/MY00185.

Neuronetics Staff. (2010). Efficacy and safety. Retrieved May 23, 2010 from the Neuronetics website: neuronetics.com/Prod-Efficacy.aspx.

Neuronetics Staff. (2010). How TMS therapy works. Retrieved May 23, 2010 from the Neuronetics website: neuronetics.com/Prod-How.aspx.

Neuronetics Staff. (2010). NeuroStar TMS Therapy® clinical trial results. Retrieved May 23, 2010 from the Neuronetics website: neuronetics.com/Research-Clinical.aspx.

Neuronetics Staff. (2010). The NeuroStar TMS Therapy® system. Retrieved May 23, 2010 from the Neuronetics website: neuronetics.com/Prod-System.aspx.