TMS for depression can cause temporary scalp discomfort, headaches and fatigue, while screening, hearing protection and clinician monitoring help manage rare risks.
TMS side effects and safety in Illinois
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment in which a clinician places a magnetic coil against the scalp to deliver brief magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain. It is commonly considered for major depressive disorder when other treatments have not provided enough relief or have caused difficult side effects.
TMS was cleared by the FDA for major depressive disorder in 2008, and for depression with comorbid anxiety in 2021. Like any medical treatment, it has possible side effects and risks. A proper assessment before treatment is important, particularly if you have a neurological condition, an implant, take medicines that may affect seizure risk, or have had changes in your health.
TMS Therapy Illinois lists 218 published clinics across the state, including listings in Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Naperville, Orland Park, Arlington Heights, Decatur, Plainfield, Springfield, Libertyville, Buffalo Grove and St. Charles. Availability does not replace clinical screening: each clinic should assess whether TMS is suitable and safe for you personally.
The side effects people notice most often
The most common side effects are temporary scalp discomfort and headache.
During a session, the tapping sensation from the coil can feel unusual. Some people experience pressure, tingling, twitching of facial muscles, or discomfort on the scalp while pulses are being delivered. This is often most noticeable during the first few sessions, while the clinician is finding settings that are both tolerable and clinically appropriate.
Headaches can occur during or after treatment. They are usually mild to moderate and may settle as treatment continues. Your clinician may suggest simple measures such as rest, hydration, or an appropriate pain reliever if it is safe for you to take one. Do not start or change medication without checking first, especially if you take other medicines or have a medical condition.
Other temporary effects can include:
- Tiredness after a session
- Light-headedness
- Mild neck discomfort from the treatment position
- Brief discomfort around the jaw or face
- Anxiety or irritation related to the unfamiliar sensations of treatment
Tell the treatment team if discomfort is making sessions difficult. The coil position, seating position and treatment settings may sometimes be adjusted. It is better to raise concerns early than to try to tolerate significant pain.
Hearing protection and comfort during sessions
TMS equipment produces repeated clicking sounds. Clinics should provide hearing protection, such as earplugs, during treatment. Use it as instructed, even if the sound does not initially seem bothersome.
You remain awake during standard outpatient TMS and can usually return to normal daily activities afterwards. There is no anaesthetic and no recovery room in the way there would be for a procedure involving sedation. However, if you feel unwell, dizzy, unusually tired or distressed after a session, let the clinic know before you leave.
A standard course is often about 36 weekday sessions over six to nine weeks, although your clinician will discuss the treatment plan recommended for you. Side effects, wellbeing and any changes in medicines should be reviewed throughout the course, not only at the first appointment.
The rare risk of seizure
A seizure is the most serious recognised risk of TMS, but it is rare. Clinics reduce this risk through screening, careful treatment settings and ongoing checks during treatment.
A seizure can happen without warning in people with no known history, but certain factors may increase the concern. These include a personal history of seizures or epilepsy, some neurological conditions, significant head injury, severe sleep deprivation, heavy alcohol use or sudden alcohol withdrawal, and some medicines or substances that can lower the seizure threshold.
Having one of these factors does not always mean you cannot have TMS. It means the clinician needs a full picture of your circumstances and may need to consult other members of your healthcare team. Do not withhold information because you are worried it may rule you out; accurate information is the best way to make treatment safer.
Contact the clinic promptly if there has been a major change in your sleep, alcohol or drug use, physical health, or medication since your assessment. This is particularly important before attending a scheduled session.
Metal, implants and other reasons for careful screening
TMS uses a strong magnetic field near the head. Some implanted metal or electronic devices may make treatment unsuitable, especially if they are in or close to the head and cannot safely be exposed to magnetic fields.
Tell the clinician about any implant or previous surgery, including:
- Aneurysm clips, coils or stents
- Cochlear implants or other hearing implants
- Implanted brain stimulators or electrodes
- Shrapnel, retained bullet fragments or metal fragments from an injury
- Facial, eye or skull implants
- Implanted pumps, stimulators or other electronic medical devices
- Pacemakers or defibrillators
- Dental work, braces, retainers or permanent dental implants
Dental fillings and routine dental work do not automatically prevent TMS, but they should still be mentioned. The important point is not to decide for yourself whether an implant matters. Provide the clinic with the type of device, when it was fitted and, if available, its manufacturer details. The clinician can determine whether additional information is needed.
Your mental health and medical history matter
TMS assessment is not only about physical safety. Your clinician should ask about your depression symptoms, previous treatments, current support and any history of other mental health conditions.
For example, people with bipolar disorder need careful assessment because treatments for depression can sometimes be associated with a change towards mania or hypomania. Tell the clinician if you have ever had periods of needing little sleep, unusually high energy, racing thoughts, impulsive behaviour, markedly elevated mood or unusual irritability.
Also tell them about any history of psychosis, severe anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, post-traumatic stress symptoms, eating disorders or substance use. These do not necessarily exclude TMS, but they can affect the most appropriate treatment plan and the support you may need alongside it.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself, feel unable to stay safe, or have an urgent mental health crisis, seek immediate help through emergency services or a local crisis service. Do not wait for a future TMS appointment.
What to tell your TMS clinician
Bring an up-to-date list of all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins and supplements. Include medicines prescribed by other clinicians. Some drugs can affect seizure threshold, and sudden changes to medicines can be important even when the medicine is not related to mental health.
Before treatment begins, and whenever something changes, tell the team about:
- Previous seizures, epilepsy, fainting episodes or unexplained loss of consciousness
- Head injuries, concussion, stroke, brain surgery or neurological conditions
- Implants, metal fragments and previous operations
- Current medicines, recent dose changes and any missed doses
- Alcohol, cannabis, recreational drugs or other substance use
- Major changes in sleep, including several nights of very poor sleep
- Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy or breastfeeding
- New severe headaches, visual changes, fever or other significant illness
- Changes in mood, agitation, suicidal thoughts or symptoms of mania
You can also ask practical safety questions. For example: who will monitor you during treatment, how will side effects be recorded, what should you do if you miss a session, and whom should you contact outside appointment times if you have concerns.
Insurance and planning for treatment
Before starting, ask both the clinic and your insurer about authorisation, referral requirements and any documentation needed. Insurance arrangements vary by plan and by the clinical reason for treatment.
In Illinois, insurers commonly seen in relation to TMS include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Meridian / Illinois Medicaid, Medicare including Advantage plans, and TRICARE East. Coverage is not guaranteed simply because a carrier is listed, so it is sensible to confirm your individual benefits directly.
Getting help in Illinois
Use the TMS Therapy Illinois clinic listings to find published clinics in your area, review the insurance guide for general coverage information, and use the contact page if you need help navigating the directory.
This article is educational information, not medical advice.
This page is informational and is not medical advice.