1. What is TMS treatment and how does it work?

TMS is a new form of treatment for depression.  A particular region of the brain is stimulated using a magnetic coil placed on the head.  This stimulation activates cells in the brain which will go on to release a chemical. The imbalance of chemicals in the brains of depressed patients may be corrected. The effects of TMS will wear off over time.  

2. Is TMS treatment like Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

TMS is not ECT; they are two completely different procedures. In TMS you are awake the whole time and we would like you to relax in a comfortable chair. You can leave as soon as you finish and you can drive if you want. In ECT you would have an anaesthetic to put you to sleep. Patients who receive TMS treatment will not suffer memory loss or confusion as can sometimes be seen in ECT treatment.

3. Is TMS safe?

International trials have shown it to be a safe procedure. It is widely used in America, Canada, Australia and some European countries. It has been recommended for use in the NHS in the UK by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a treatment for treatment resistant depression. For further guidance visit the NICE website.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg542/ifp/chapter/What-has-NICE-said

4.  What are the common  side effects of TMS?

TMS is generally well tolerated, however, some of the common (short-term) side effects include headache and nausea, discomfort at the site of stimulation, and neck stiffness.

5. What are the rare side effects of TMS?

A small proportion of people (1 in 1000) may experience a seizure upon receiving TMS. In the current study we have taken necessary precautions to manage this, including choosing the strength of stimulus and reducing the total duration of stimulation. TMS team members have training in administering first-aid, in the event of a seizure. We will not administer further treatments if someone experiences a seizure. The two types of treatment used in the study are expected to have similar side effects.

Back to BRIGhTMIND homepage