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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffTranscranial magnetic stimulation is the least invasive of the brain-stimulation procedures used for depression. Unlike vagus nerve stimulation or deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation doesn't require surgery or implantation of electrodes. And, unlike electroconvulsive therapy, it doesn't require seizures or complete sedation with anesthesia. However, transcranial magnetic stimulation does have some risks and can cause some side effects.
Common side effects
Transcranial magnetic stimulation often causes minor short-term side effects. These side effects are generally mild and typically improve after the first week or two of treatment. They can include:
- Headache
- Scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation
- Tingling, spasms or twitching of facial muscles
- Lightheadedness
- Discomfort from noise during treatment
Uncommon side effects
Serious side effects are rare. They can include:
- Seizures
- Mania, particularly in people with bipolar disorder
- Hearing loss due to inadequate ear protection during treatment
More study is needed to determine whether transcranial magnetic stimulation may have any long-term side effects.
- Padberg F, et al. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the prefrontal cortex in depression. Experimental Neurology. 2009;219:2.
- Kim D, et al. Transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Current Psychiatry Reports. 2009;11:447.
- Loo CK, et al. A review of the safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a clinical treatment for depression. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2008;11:131.
- George MS, et al. Nonpharmacological somatic treatments. In: Hales RE, et al. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aid=338825. Accessed June 21, 2010.
- Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2009.
- Rossini, Paolo M, et al. Transcranial magnetic stimulation: Diagnostic, therapeutic, and research potential. Neurology. 2007;68:484.
- Fitzgerald, Paul B, et al. The use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagal nerve stimulation in the treatment of depression. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 2008;21:25.
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