Starting transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment can feel overwhelming. People scheduled for their first TMS procedure often wonder what to expect and how to prepare. Getting ready properly helps reduce anxiety and sets the stage for better treatment outcomes. A little advance planning makes the whole experience go much more smoothly.
What TMS Actually Involves
The TMS procedure uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions involved in mood regulation. A magnetic coil sits against the scalp and delivers these pulses, creating small electrical currents in targeted brain areas. No anesthesia, no surgery, and no recovery time are needed.
Sessions typically run 20-40 minutes, during which patients stay fully awake and alert. Most people drive themselves to and from appointments. The TMS procedure for depression generally requires daily sessions five days per week for 4-6 weeks, totaling 20-30 treatments.
The magnetic pulses create a tapping feeling on the scalp and produce rhythmic clicking sounds. While not painful, the sensation takes getting used to during the first few sessions. Most people adapt quickly and find later treatments much more comfortable.
Before Your First Session
Preparation begins before the first appointment. The treatment center will provide specific instructions, but several general preparations apply to most people.
Medical information needs gathering and organizing. This includes a complete list of current medications, dosages, and any recent changes. Previous psychiatric treatments and their outcomes should be documented. Any history of seizures, brain surgery, or metal implants in the head needs disclosure.
Hair should be clean and dry, with no styling products, oils, or sprays. These can interfere with coil positioning and may affect treatment delivery. Simple, comfortable clothing works best since sitting for 30-40 minutes is required.
Metal objects near the head must be removed. This includes earrings, facial piercings, hair clips, and magnetic eyelash extensions. Regular glasses are fine, but magnetic therapy devices or metal-containing cosmetics should be avoided.
What to Bring
Items for the first session include:
- Insurance cards and identification for registration
- Complete medication list including over-the-counter supplements
- Comfortable clothing appropriate for sitting still
- Reading material or headphones if the center allows them
- Written questions to ask the treatment team
- Transportation backup if nervous about driving afterward
The Initial Mapping Session
The first appointment involves more than just treatment. Clinicians need to figure out the optimal stimulation location and intensity for each person. This process, called motor threshold testing, takes longer than regular sessions.
During mapping, the clinician moves the magnetic coil around to find the motor cortex. When positioned correctly, the magnetic pulse causes a finger or thumb to twitch involuntarily. This response helps calibrate treatment intensity to the individual’s brain.
The mapping process can take 30-60 minutes and involves multiple magnetic pulses at different locations and intensities. Some people find this initial session more uncomfortable than later treatments because of repeated repositioning and testing.
Daily Treatment Preparation
Once initial mapping is done, daily treatments follow a more consistent routine. Preparation for each TMS procedure session becomes simpler as patients develop their own habits.
Arriving 10-15 minutes early allows time for check-in and settling in. Being rushed or stressed before treatment can make relaxation harder. This buffer time also accommodates any paperwork or brief staff check-ins.
Eating beforehand helps maintain energy and prevents hunger. However, a heavy meal might cause discomfort while sitting still. A light snack 30-60 minutes before treatment usually works well.
Bathroom visits before the session prevent discomfort. While sessions can be paused if necessary, avoiding interruptions helps.
Handling Side Effects
Most people tolerate TMS well, but some side effects can occur. Being prepared makes the treatment process easier.
Scalp discomfort or headaches are most common. These typically occur during or right after treatment and fade within hours. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen usually work if needed.
The tapping sensation may cause temporary scalp tenderness. This typically decreases over the first week as people adapt. Adjusting coil position slightly can sometimes reduce discomfort without affecting treatment.
Some people experience temporary lightheadedness after sessions. Sitting for a moment before standing and having a snack ready can help. Staying well-hydrated throughout treatment days also reduces lightheadedness.
Jaw discomfort occasionally develops from unconscious clenching. Being aware of jaw tension and consciously relaxing facial muscles helps prevent this.
Scheduling and Logistics
The demanding schedule of daily TMS treatments requires careful planning. Finishing the full course depends on managing logistics well.
For those pursuing TMS treatment in Brooklyn and other urban areas, access to multiple clinic locations and public transportation options can help make the daily commitment more manageable and reduce travel-related stress.
Work schedules need accommodation for 4-6 weeks of daily appointments. Some people schedule treatments early morning before work or during lunch. Others take medical leave or work reduced hours. Planning these arrangements before starting prevents stress.
Childcare arrangements become necessary for parents. The consistency of daily treatments makes reliable arrangements important. Some people coordinate with partners, family members, or friends to cover treatment times.
Transportation needs consideration, especially early on when people don’t know how they’ll respond. While most people can drive themselves, having backup options for the first few sessions provides peace of mind.
Tracking Progress
Monitoring symptoms throughout treatment helps both patients and clinicians assess effectiveness. Keeping a simple mood journal provides valuable information.
Daily ratings of mood, energy, sleep quality, and other relevant symptoms help identify patterns. Changes often occur gradually, making them easy to miss without tracking. Written records reveal improvements that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Regular check-ins with the treatment team allow for adjustments if needed. Being honest about side effects, adherence challenges, or lack of improvement helps clinicians optimize treatment.
Staying Committed
Completing the full TMS procedure course is necessary for optimal outcomes. The cumulative effect of repeated sessions drives improvement, so missing treatments can reduce effectiveness.
Strategies that help people stay committed include:
- Scheduling treatments at consistent times daily to build routine
- Setting phone reminders for appointments to prevent forgetting
- Arranging backup transportation in case of car problems or weather
- Communicating with employers early about schedule needs
- Planning around anticipated conflicts like vacations or work events
- Remembering that benefits often take several weeks to appear
Motivation may waver, especially if improvements aren’t immediately apparent. Remembering that TMS typically takes several weeks to show full effects helps maintain commitment during slower periods.
After Treatment Ends
Planning for treatment completion helps maintain gains. While TMS can provide lasting benefits, some people eventually need maintenance sessions.
Following up with the treatment team after completing the course allows for assessment and planning for ongoing care. Some people benefit from periodic booster sessions, while others maintain improvement without additional TMS.
Continuing other treatments like therapy and medications as recommended supports long-term success. TMS works best as part of comprehensive depression treatment rather than alone.
Proper preparation makes the TMS procedure more comfortable and increases the likelihood of success. Understanding what to expect, managing logistics well, and maintaining adherence throughout treatment helps people get the most benefit from this depression treatment approach.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.