Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Tms Side Effects

Although tissue damage is unlikely however cognitive and other adverse effects have been observed and the possibility of unintended long term changes in brain function are theoretically possible.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation tms side effects.

Furthermore although it is known that baseline excitability state plays a major role in rtms outcomes the role of spontaneous neural activity in metaplasticity. Tms risks and side effects. Scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation. Rtms is well tolerated and associated with few side effects and only a small percentage of patients discontinue treatment because of these.

Patients receiving treatment for mdd may report transcranial magnetic stimulation side effects that include mild to moderate headaches scalp irritation toothache or facial pain or twitching but these are transient effects that resolve without need for any medical intervention within the first two weeks of treatment. Unlike the oldest brain stimulation therapy electroconvulsive therapy ect tms has no effect on memory or mental clarity. The most common side effect which is reported in about half of patients treated with rtms is headaches. Side effects are generally mild to moderate and improve shortly after an individual session and decrease over time with additional sessions.

These are mild and generally diminish over the course of the treatment. Additionally single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation is currently used to assess cortical excitability and is not capable of providing consistent long term clinical effects. Generally rtms is considered safe and well tolerated. Long term effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation rtms have been associated with neuroplasticity but most physiological studies have evaluated only the immediate effects of the stimulation on neurochemical markers.

While tms isn t totally free of side effects the most commonly occurring are mild usually headaches and scalp discomfort. The most common side effects of ect are confusion short term memory loss and muscle aches. Upon comparison to pharmaceutical antidepressant side effects that can include. Weight gain sexual dysfunction stomach aches gastrointestinal pain constipation diarrhea and dry mouth tms side effects are considered relatively benign.

The side effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation are largely unexplored and the limits of safe exposure have not been determined except as regards the acute production of seizures.