Pros and Cons of TMS Therapy
Table of Contents
Understanding TMS Therapy
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation procedure. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for the treatment of psychological disorders like major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).1
The procedure is usually recommended for patients with treatment-resistant depression or who experience the unwanted side effects of antidepressant medications. Understanding the pros and cons of TMS therapy will help patients understand the value of this procedure.

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How Does TMS Therapy Work?
TMS Therapy Time Frame
TMS therapy lasts thirty to sixty minutes per session and should occur five days a week for about four to six weeks. The procedure may be completed in a clinic or hospital. Before the procedure, the physician will explain the pros and cons of TMS therapy, what each session entails, and how to prepare for it.
How Effective Is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation pros and cons begin with how well it works. The effectiveness of TMS therapy has been proven many times. Research has shown that up to 60% of patients with depression who could not benefit from medications have reported improved symptoms in their TMS therapy reviews.2
TMS Therapy Pros
High Success Rate
Non-Invasive
When considering the pros and cons of TMS therapy, a major advantage is its non-invasive nature. TMS does not require general anesthesia or any other invasive practice. The magnetic coil is simply placed on the patient’s scalp, and the waves are transmitted to the target region. This means that the patient experiences minimal to no discomfort and recovers swiftly.
Effective
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Chronic pain
- Loss of muscle movement and dysphasia caused by stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Posttraumatic-stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
No Medications Needed
Patients cleared for TMS may notice improvements as soon as a few weeks. In most cases, TMS patients do not continue to use antidepressant medications. This is a significant addition to the pros and cons of TMS therapy.
Covered By Medicare
Minimum Side Effects
TMS Therapy Cons
Time Commitment
Medicare Criteria Can Be Strict
Another factor to consider when evaluating the TMS pros and cons is the cost. A complete TMS treatment can cost between $6,000 and $12,000 without insurance or subsidies. Most patients who want to enjoy the TMS therapy benefits would require Medicaid or another health insurance provider. The criteria for qualifying may be strict and difficult to meet.
Mild Scalp Discomfort
Risk of Seizure
Availability
Not Recommended for Everyone
Treatment With TMS Therapy
Benefits of TMS Therapy
Negative Side Effects of TMS Therapy
- Lightheadedness
- Mild headaches
- Neck pain
- Scalp pain
- Sleepiness
- Tingling sensation
Can TMS Make You Worse?

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TMS Therapy Programs at Profound
We offer biofeedback and TMS therapy options. Biofeedback involves being connected to electrical sensors that detect physiological functions, such as heart rate and brain activity. These detections help increase physiological awareness and gain more control of the body.
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If you are still curious about the pros and cons of TMS therapy or want more information about our programs, contact Profound Treatment today at (310) 929-9546 or virtually here: https://profoundtreatment.com/contact-us/!
Resources
- 1https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-permits-marketing-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-treatment-obsessive-compulsive-disorder
- 2https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-dysfunctional-family-5194681
- 3https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22689344/
- 4https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-020-01055-2
- 5https://www.healthline.com/health/tms-therapy#potential-benefits
- 6https://www.brainsway.com/patients-faqs/are-there-any-safety-concerns-or-side-effects-related-to-deep-tms-therapy/
- 7https://nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/ECT-TMS-and-Other-Brain-Stimulation-Therapies
- 8https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25271871/
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