Questions about side effects are common before starting TMS. Patients want to know what treatment will feel like, which effects are common, and which risks need to be considered before treatment begins. At The Mind Grove TMS Center in Colorado Springs, we review those questions directly so patients understand both the expected treatment experience and the less common risks before deciding whether to proceed.
What the Research Says
TMS has a generally favorable safety and tolerability profile. Common acute side effects include headache and scalp or stimulation-site discomfort, while serious adverse effects such as seizure are rare (Trapp et al., 2025). TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, and patients remain awake during treatment. We review both common side effects and individual safety considerations before treatment begins.
TMS uses magnetic pulses delivered through a coil positioned against the scalp. It does have potential side effects, and individual experiences vary. Most commonly reported effects are temporary and occur during or shortly after treatment, although other adverse effects can occur (Mayo Clinic, 2023; Trapp et al., 2025). Medication can remain part of a patient’s care plan when clinically appropriate.
The Most Common Side Effects
During TMS, patients typically feel a tapping or knocking sensation where the coil is positioned against the scalp. Scalp discomfort or pain can occur, particularly during early treatments, and tolerability often improves over repeated sessions (Trapp et al., 2025). We ask patients to tell us if treatment is uncomfortable so we can assess what they are experiencing throughout the course.
Headache is another common side effect. Patients may also experience scalp tenderness or discomfort at the stimulation site. These effects are generally temporary, but patients should tell us about symptoms that are persistent, significant, or changing so we can evaluate them appropriately (Mayo Clinic, 2023; Trapp et al., 2025).
TMS does not require routine recovery from anesthesia or sedation, and patients can resume their usual activities after an appointment. Individual experiences vary, and temporary effects such as headache, scalp discomfort, dizziness, or fatigue may affect how a patient feels after a session (Trapp et al., 2025).
Other Safety Considerations
TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, and medication is not typically administered as part of the TMS procedure. In addition to headache and scalp discomfort, some patients can experience dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and other temporary symptoms (Trapp et al., 2025).
For patients that are taking medications prior to starting TMS, they can usually continue medication when clinically appropriate. We review current medications during the initial comprehensive evaluation because they can be relevant to both TMS safety and effectiveness.
Seizure is a rare but serious risk associated with TMS, and can vary based on the protocol and individual clinical factors (Trapp et al., 2025). Those with a history of seizures, or those with co-occuring conditions or taking medications that can increase the risk fo seizures may be at an increased risk of having a seizure during TMS treatment.
Certain implanted metallic or electronic devices in or near the head can make TMS unsafe, so patients should provide complete information about implanted devices during their initial evaluation.
Before treatment begins, Dr. Bowers reviews seizure history, current medications, implanted devices, and other safety considerations to determine whether TMS is appropriate.
How We Monitor Tolerability During Treatment
We monitor tolerability throughout treatment via daily check-ins before treatment sessions begin.. Patients are encouraged to tell us about headaches, scalp discomfort, dizziness, fatigue, or any other symptoms that develop during or after treatment sessions so we can assess whether any adjustments to the treatment need to be made.
The effectiveness of TMS relies on patients to return for their daily treatments, and to complete a full treatment course, which is typically 36-40 sessions. TMS won’t work if patients are so uncomfortable with the experience that they are not willing to receive the treatments. This is why the tolerability and safety of TMS is a high priority and essential for treatment success.
What to Expect Specifically at The Mind Grove TMS Center
We offer standard rTMS, iTBS, and Accelerated TMS using MagVenture technology. Before treatment begins, Dr. Bowers reviews your diagnosis, treatment history, current medications, implanted devices, and other safety considerations to determine whether TMS is appropriate and which protocol to recommend. We also explain the common side effects and less common risks associated with treatment so you know what to expect.
Treatment takes place in our Colorado Springs office while you are seated and awake. TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, and most patients can resume their usual activities after an appointment. Individual experiences vary, so we encourage patients to tell us about any symptoms or concerns before treatment begins and throughout the treatment course.
FAQ
Will TMS feel painful?
Patients generally feel a tapping or knocking sensation where the coil is positioned, and scalp discomfort or pain can occur. Tolerability often improves over repeated sessions. If treatment is uncomfortable, tell us so we can assess what you are experiencing and make clinically appropriate adjustments when possible.
Can TMS cause memory problems?
Current evidence supports a generally favorable cognitive safety profile for TMS. Persistent memory loss is not considered a typical adverse effect, although individual experiences vary and cognitive symptoms should be discussed with the treating clinician if they occur (Trapp et al., 2025).
How long do TMS side effects last?
Common effects such as headache and scalp discomfort are generally temporary and may improve over repeated treatments. The duration and severity can vary by patient and protocol. We ask patients to report symptoms that persist, worsen, or interfere with normal activity so we can evaluate them during treatment.
Are TMS side effects different for adolescents?
MagVenture TMS Therapy is FDA-cleared as an adjunct treatment for MDD in adolescents ages 15–21 (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025). Current research supports a generally favorable safety and tolerability profile in younger patients(Wang et al., 2026). Dr. Bowers is dual board-certified in Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and evaluates each adolescent individually before recommending treatment.
What if I have a low tolerance for discomfort?
Tell us about concerns with discomfort during your evaluation and throughout treatment. If you experience significant discomfort during a session, we can assess what you are feeling and determine whether clinically appropriate adjustments can be made.
Key Takeaways
Common TMS side effects include headache and scalp or stimulation-site discomfort, and these effects are generally temporary.
Other acute effects can include dizziness, fatigue, or nausea, while serious adverse effects such as seizure are rare.
Before treatment begins, Dr. Bowers reviews current medications, seizure history, implanted devices, and other safety considerations to determine whether TMS is appropriate.
We monitor tolerability throughout treatment and ask patients to report symptoms or changes rather than assuming every patient will have the same experience.
TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, and most patients can resume their usual activities after treatment. Individual experiences vary.
Side effects and safety considerations are an important part of deciding whether TMS is appropriate. At The Mind Grove TMS Center in Colorado Springs, we review common side effects, known risks, current medications, contraindications to treatment, and other individual factors before treatment begins and continue monitoring tolerability throughout care. If you are considering TMS, contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific history and treatment options.
References
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Transcranial magnetic stimulation.https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625
Trapp, N. T., Purgianto, A., Taylor, J. J., Singh, M. K., Oberman, L. M., Mickey, B. J., Youssef, N. A., Solzbacher, D., Zebley, B., Cabrera, L. Y., Conroy, S., Cristancho, M., Richards, J. R., Flood, M. J., Barbour, T., Blumberger, D. M., Taylor, S. F., Feifel, D., Reti, I. M., McClintock, S. M., Lisanby, S. H., & Husain, M. M. (2025). Consensus review and considerations on TMS to treat depression: A comprehensive update endorsed by the National Network of Depression Centers, the Clinical TMS Society, and the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Clinical Neurophysiology, 170, 206–233.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39756350/
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025). MagVenture TMS Therapy System (K251125).https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf25/K251125.pdf
Wang, X., Zhang, Z., Li, Y., Gao, Y., & Cao, Q. (2026). Efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of children, adolescents and young adults with depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Affective Disorders, 392, 120132.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40865772/
Medical Disclaimer
The information in this blog is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. TMS therapy should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed psychiatric or medical provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.