Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation involves electromagnets to stimulate particular regions in the brain, which can produce various effects. Since this form of treatment has only been around since the late 20th century, many questions regarding safety and effectiveness are still under research. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is being used in anger management, hoping to enhance cognitive function and memory, depression treatments, and pain relief.

Despite the medical possibilities of this procedure, there are still many ethical issues to be considered. There is little data on what happens when this treatment is done over several sessions, and long-term effects are not well known or studied. While most studies have shown few severe side effects, they have also uncovered some occurrences of mild seizures. Before getting this treatment, you need to consult with a specialist in TMS in Phoenix to understand all aspects.

Who is a Candidate?

While Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is FDA-approved for depression treatment, it’s also used off-label to treat other health problems. This treatment may benefit people with mental illness or conditions that don’t respond well to medication. It can help those who do not want drugs interfering with their daily lives, cannot take certain medications due to side effects, and do not respond well. It is also promising for people with neuropathic pain and bipolar disorder.

What Are the Risks?

The FDA warns that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation should only be used behind the ears, on the top of your head, and your forehead. Areas closer to your eyes have a higher risk of seizures. When you schedule an appointment for this treatment, you will need to consider some risks.

Since this treatment targets the brain, you need to consider off-label uses and impact other health conditions. There’s also a risk of seizure as well as mood changes such as mania or hypomania. It can be dangerous if certain medications are taken with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Taking antidepressants, seizure medications, blood thinners, or certain pain medications can increase your risk of unusual bleeding. You need to be carefully screened before the treatment and fight any risks with an open dialogue between you and your doctor.

Side Effects

Since this treatment is relatively new, most studies have only focused on the short-term effects. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation has been linked to fewer side effects than other brain stimulation treatments, but it can still cause mild discomfort or pain at the treatment site. You may experience some tingling sensations during the procedure and headaches afterward, but these generally go away within a few hours.

During and immediately after the procedure, you may experience:

• headache
• tingling sensation in the face or limbs
• dizziness
• nausea or vomiting

These side effects generally don’t last longer than a few days and often disappear when treatment sessions end.

In summary, transcranial magnetic stimulation involves electromagnets to stimulate particular regions in the brain, which can produce various effects. While it mainly treats depression, it also helps patients with mental illness or conditions that don’t respond well to medication. However, it can result in seizures and mania or hypomania. Side effects include headaches, tingling sensations, nausea, and dizziness.