When you first hear the clicking of a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device, you may ask yourself: “Is TMS safe?” This question is crucial for many patients who are searching for an effective, non‑invasive treatment option after medication has failed to deliver the desired relief from their symptoms. Learn how safety is built into every stage of TMS therapy, what research reveals about the risks, and how The Holiner Psychiatric Group delivers neurostimulation treatments that prioritize your comfort and well‑being.
TMS uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive regions of your brain associated with mood regulation. As the energy is delivered from outside your body, no surgery or anesthesia required, TMS avoids many of the systemic side effects linked to oral medications. In our treatment centers, the TMS technology is calibrated to your individual motor threshold, meaning the machine emits just enough energy to activate your neurons without overstimulation.
This built‑in modulation keeps the TMS procedure safe and gentle while still delivering therapeutic benefits.
TMS therapy, while judged to be harmless, can have some side effects, although most people complete their sessions without significant discomfort. In fact, the largest clinical trials report that fewer than five percent of participants discontinue TMS treatment because of side effects (O’Reardon et al., 2007). Side effects that do arise are generally mild and fade quickly after treatment:
These effects are usually most noticeable during the first week, then diminish as your brain adjusts to the treatment. If you have concerns, we can fine-tune the intensity or positioning of the coil to improve your comfort.
Although TMS is considered low risk, it is not suitable for everyone. You should discuss alternatives if you have a history of seizures or epilepsy, implanted cardiac pacemakers or defibrillators situated near the treatment area, or unstable heart conditions that could be affected by the mild physiological arousal TMS sometimes creates. A thorough screening during your initial consultation ensures you meet FDA‑approved criteria, protecting you from avoidable complications.
Safety is not a single checkbox; it is a multilayered system. At The Holiner Psychiatric Group, every team member follows rigorous protocols that include:
These steps align with evidence‑based guidelines and industry best practices, ensuring that our neurostimulation treatment patients receive consistent, safe, and high‑quality care.
You sit upright in a comfortable chair while a small magnetic coil rests against your scalp. As pulses begin, you hear rhythmic clicks and feel gentle taps on your head. Many people compare the sensation to someone lightly flicking their fingernail against your skull. Sessions last 20-40 minutes and, because TMS does not impair alertness or memory, you can drive yourself home or return to work immediately.
Since the first FDA clearance in 2008, clinicians have administered more than twenty million sessions delivered worldwide (Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2024). Long-term follow-up studies show no lasting cognitive deficits or structural brain changes after repeated TMS courses (Janicak et al., 2010). In addition, naturalistic outcome research demonstrates that about half of initial responders remain in remission one year after treatment, with safety profiles unchanged over time (Carpenter et al., 2012).
This data reinforces that TMS therapy is not only effective and harmless, but also a sustainable option for ongoing mental health management.
To answer the key question, “Is TMS safe?” the evidence, and the experience of millions of patients, points to a resounding yes. By combining advanced technology, personalized protocols, and careful monitoring, we can help you pursue relief without compromising safety. If you are ready to explore this low‑risk, high‑reward therapy, schedule a consultation with The Holiner Psychiatric Group and take the next step toward a brighter outlook.