TMS Side Effects: What’s Real and What’s a Myth
By Counseling & Treatment Center of Utah · 2026-05-20
If you’ve been searching online, you may have run into scary-sounding claims about brain stimulation. Let’s separate fact from fiction. TMS is well studied and well tolerated — and it’s very different from older treatments people sometimes confuse it with.
What’s real
The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort or a light headache during or after the first few sessions, which typically fades. Serious side effects are rare.
What’s a myth
TMS is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). There’s no anesthesia, no seizure, and no memory loss. You’re awake, and there’s no “recovery” period — you drive yourself home. TMS also doesn’t cause the weight, mood, or sexual side effects associated with many antidepressants.
Frequently asked
Does TMS cause memory loss?
No. Unlike ECT, TMS does not cause memory loss or require anesthesia.