What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

For many individuals struggling with depression and other mental health disorders, traditional treatments such as medication and talk therapy don't always provide the relief they desperately seek. The frustration of going through multiple treatments with little or no improvement can leave people feeling hopeless, but that’s where Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) comes in. A cutting-edge, FDA-approved therapy that's changing the landscape of mental health treatment.

It’s a safe and effective option for those who may not have responded to conventional therapies, offering a new path forward without the side effects commonly associated with antidepressant medication. In this article, we'll break down what TMS is, how it works, who it's for, and why it's gaining traction in the field of behavioral health.

How Does TMS Work?

TMS works by using a medical device that sends magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain. A magnetic coil is gently placed on the scalp, and when activated, it delivers these pulses to targeted cortical regions.

The pulses create tiny electrical currents that stimulate nerve cells, helping them become more active. Over time, these TMS sessions help form healthier patterns and improve the way it communicates with itself. The four main benefits of TMS include increase of blood flow and neurotransmitter, decrease of inflammation, and creation of neuroplasticity.

The goal of TMS is to improve how different brain regions interact, which can lead to lasting relief from symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions. Because it directly targets the brain circuits involved in mood regulation, TMS offers a personalized and science-backed approach for people who haven’t found success with other treatments.

The Science Behind This Treatment Course

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is designed to "reset" or reawaken areas of the brain that play a role in mood, motivation, and emotional response. In people with depression and certain other mental health conditions, these areas — particularly the prefrontal cortex — can become less active, making it harder to feel motivated, find joy, or manage stress.

Since 1985, research has been conducted on TMS to treat a number of conditions — from migraines to Parkinson’s disease to depression — and it has been understood that it causes neurons to change their firing pattern within the brain.

For individuals with depression, the activity of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is decreased, so by stimulating this area, TMS can improve mood, cognitive function, and emotional regulation. TMS can also influence the release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate, which also significantly contribute to mood regulation, bringing chemical balance to the brain.

This effect creates neuroplasticity in the brain, which is its ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. The FDA has approved this treatment option for major depressive disorder for adults who have not responded effectively to medication.

What Conditions Can TMS Help Treat?

TMS goes beyond major depressive disorder (MDD), and has been proven to be an effective treatment for conditions such as:

Emerging research is also finding TMS to be effective for treating and preventing chronic pain, such as migraines and fibromyalgia, as well as for substance use disorders.

Benefits and Limitations of TMS

This highly-studied, non-invasive treatment has many advantages (and a few drawbacks) to consider for the treatment of severe depression or other mental health disorders – even addiction.

Benefits

TMS offers several convincing advantages for individuals looking for an alternative to medications or other conventional treatments for mood disorders. Some of these reasons include:

Limitations

While TMS can be highly effective for some, it’s not a universal solution. There are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind when deciding if it’s the right option for you, including:

Is TMS Safe?

TMS is generally considered safe and well-tolerated for most people. It has received FDA clearance for several uses, including the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults, particularly for those who haven’t responded to traditional antidepressant medications.

Most people experience only mild side effects of TMS, if any. These can include lightheadedness, mild headaches or slight scalp discomfort at the treatment site.

For individuals with bipolar disorder, there’s a small chance it could induce mania or hypomania. Temporary hearing changes can also occur if proper ear protection isn't used.

While TMS is highly effective, it is NOT recommended for everyone. People with a history of seizures or epilepsy, those with certain neurological conditions, or individuals with metal implants in or near the head, such as pacemakers, stents, aneurysm clips, or cochlear implants, should avoid TMS. It’s extremely important to discuss your medical history with your health care provider.

What To Expect from a TMS Treatment Session

If you're a good candidate for TMS, your first session will start with brain mapping, also known as motor threshold determination, to customize the treatment based on your brain activity. Your provider will apply magnetic pulses to your motor cortex to identify the lowest level of magnetic energy needed to cause a slight twitch in your hand or fingers. This minimum intensity is your “motor threshold,” and it helps guide exactly how strong the treatment pulses need to be for your sessions to be both effective and safe.

Once your motor threshold is determined, your provider will place a small magnetic coil on your scalp to ensure that the magnetic pulses reach the right part of your brain, using either anatomical landmarks or computerized guidance tools.

As the session begins, you’ll feel a series of tapping or pulsing sensations on your scalp where the coil is placed. You’ll also hear a clicking sound that corresponds with each pulse. Some people may feel mild discomfort during the first few sessions, but this often fades as they get used to the sensation.

Earplugs are provided to reduce the noise from the machine, and you'll be seated in a comfortable recliner chair throughout your sessions. Each treatment usually lasts from 9 to 20 minutes, and is most effective when done five days a week over the course of four to six weeks. The exact treatment protocol will vary for each individual and their needs.

How TMS Is Used in Addiction Treatment

While TMS is best known for treating depression, clinical trials show it may also benefit people struggling with substance use disorders by targeting the neurological roots of addiction. Addiction can disrupt the brain’s normal communication and reward systems, especially in areas that control cravings, decision-making, and emotional regulation. These changes often make it harder for individuals to resist urges, cope with stress, or maintain recovery.

TMS Therapy at Caron Treatment Centers

At Caron, we believe that lasting sobriety requires a complete, personalized approach that addresses the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. That’s why we incorporate TMS into our therapeutic programs and complement it with other evidence-based treatments for a customized, thorough treatment plan. Along with therapy, group work, detox, and much more, TMS is a smart addition to staying sober for the long term.

We provide both inpatient and outpatient programs tailored to meet your unique needs, helping you build a strong foundation for recovery. Explore our programs and discover how Caron can support your recovery.