An In-Depth Look at Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in 2025
TMS therapy or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive FDA-approved treatment to stimulate nerve cells in the brain with magnetic fields. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS for short, is of modern interest as a treatment for depression that has not responded well to traditional methods, especially since it lacks many side effects. So, in this blog post we are going to look into what TMS therapy even means, how it works, how you can benefit from it and how to get treatment in New Delhi NCR.
As 2025 rolls around, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) emerges as an innovative therapy in mental health treatment. As there has been an increase in the number of people seeking alternative solutions to traditional methods, TMS provides a non-invasive approach to address conditions like anxiety, depression and such mood disorders. With such growing popularity, there have been advancements in the technology of TMS that refined its effectiveness, broadened its applications and improved patient outcomes. Here on this blog, we will be delving deep inside the changing landscape of TMS, and exploring the latest developments in the usage of TMS in modern medicine. Moreover, we’ll also touch upon the possible benefits it holds for those patients who want permanent solution and relief from mental health challenges.
How Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy Work?
The process of TMS therapy consists in placing a magnetic coil against the patient’s scalp, close to the forehead. The device uses painless magnetic pulses to excite nerve cells in the part of the brain that governs mood. TMS works on the same principle by applying a focused magnetic field to certain areas of the brain, in hopes of treating certain depression symptoms or other neurological conditions.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy works wonders by use of exact magnetic pulses, stimulating certain areas of the brain that are connected with one’s mood regulation and cognitive functions. Such kind of targeted stimulation encourages neural activities, and helps correct the imbalances in the brain chemistry that’s mostly seen in conditions like anxiety and depression. Such kind of non-invasive procedure is usually designed for activating the nerve cells, promoting improved brain function and offers a therapeutic alternative to the traditional treatments. As the technology evolves, TMS is used increasingly to address a wide range of mental health conditions with promising results.
TMS Therapy – The Science Behind It
Magnetic Pulses in TMS:
The strength of the magnetic fields created are very much like what you would see in a MRI machine. Such kinds of magnetic fields generated during TMS therapy are quite powerful – yet safe – and are similar to the strength of the magnetic fields that are exclusively used in the MRI machines. Such magnetic pulses are very carefully calibrated to target precise regions of the brain, without giving any kind of discomfort or such harm to the surrounding tissues. The precision and intensity of such fields allows for targeted stimulation of the areas in the brain which are usually involved in the regulation of the mood and the cognitive processes. This makes TMS an effective treatment for many mental health conditions.
How Neural Activation Works in TMS:
These pulses create tiny electrical currents in the brain which activate neurons. When these magnetic pulses go through the skull and the scalp, they easily induce small electrical currents in the brain, especially in the neurons of the targeted area. Such a process, which is called “Electromagnetic Induction”, stimulates the neurons and encourages them to fire and be more active. With the increase in neuron activity, there’s improved communication between different parts of the brain, and the result is restoration of balance to the areas that might be underactive in conditions like anxiety or depression.
Neuroplasticity in TMS:
Persistent activation may produce lasting brain activity changes known as neuroplasticity. The most exciting aspect of the TMS therapy is its ability to encourage neuroplasticity, which is the capacity of the brain to reorganize itself and even form a new connection between the neurons. With repeated stimulation of the neurons, in certain targeted areas in the regions of the brain, TMS induces long-lasting changes in brain activity. Such changes enhance cognitive function, offer relief from mental health disorders and improvise emotional regulation. Moreover, with continuous neural activation through TMS therapy, brain development becomes strong with adaptive pathways, resulting in sustained improvement in mood and mental well-being.
Conditions Treated with TMS
Although TMS is most well-known for being used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), even more research is being done right now on its effects on other disorders:
Anxiety Disorders:
TMS shows positive and promising results in treatment of various anxiety disorders. TMS Therapy stimulates the areas of the brain which are involved in emotional regulation. Moreover, it helps reduce the symptoms and improves one’s overall mood stability.
Obsession-compulsion disorder (OCD):
For a person having OCD, TMS targets the brain circuits which are responsible for repetitive behaviours and thoughts. This kind of therapy can potentially reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessions and compulsions.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):
TMS helps alleviate PTSD symptoms by promoting neural activity in areas of the brain that process memory and fear. This stimulation might support emotional healing, thus reducing any intruding memories.
Chronic Pain:
TMS is now explored as a treatment for chronic pain too, as it can regulate pain pathways in the brain. This can help decrease any pain perception, and offers relief for conditions like neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia.
Migraines:
TMS has been found effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines. By stimulating the brain’s motor cortex, it may help alleviate the neurological dysfunction that triggers migraine attacks.
Benefits of TMS Therapy
Non-Invasive:
It does not involve any surgery or anesthesia. TMS is a non-invasive treatment, which means it doesn’t need any surgery or anesthesia. The procedure is totally painless and involves no recovery time, allowing patients to do their daily activities immediately after receiving TMS Therapy Treatment.
Low Side Effects:
Most common side effects are mild (i.e. discomfort on the scalp, headache). These effects are typically temporary and resolve instantly after treatment.
Minimal Systemic Side Effects:
TMS does not travel around the body like medication, so risk of having systemic side effects is less. Unlike other medications which affect one’s entire body, TMS mostly targets brain activity. Such a localized approach can reduce the risk of systemic side effects and makes it a very safe alternative for people who cannot tolerate traditional medications.
What Happens in a TMS Session
Prep:
Before the therapy gets started, you would be comfortably seated in a chair and to help reduce any sound from the magnetic pulses, you would be given earplugs to ensure that you experience total relaxation throughout your session.
Mapping:
The clinician will identify the best location for the coil and its required magnetic intensity. He will be performing a mapping process in order to pinpoint the exact area of your brain that needs stimulation. This step includes identifying the optimal location for the coil and to determine the correct magnetic intensity for your specific treatment.
Stimulation:
The coil generates magnetic pulses, which are administered in intervals throughout a session that lasts between 30 and 40 minutes. During such a session, the TMS coil will deliver magnetic pulses to the targeted brain regions in certain allotted intervals. Each session of the specified minutes has the pulses applied in a comfortable and controlled manner.
After Session:
You can resume life right after the TMS Therapy session. Meaning, once your therapy session gets completed, you can instantly start to do whatever you want to do, whether it’s about cooking, traveling or doing other chores. Mostly patients have reviewed that there weren’t any lingering effects, allowing for smooth transitions back to their normal days.
Treatment Duration
The usual routine course of TMS treatment usually includes sessions of 5 days a week, lasting anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks. It depends on the specified condition of being treated and individual response. During this time, the patients usually undergo daily sessions that last about 30 to 40 minutes each. The total number of sessions needed can vary as per how the body responds to the treatment and the severity of the medical diagnosis. For some patients, noticeable improvements may occur within the first few weeks, while for others it may need extended treatment. The clinician will accordingly adjust the plan as needed to ensure optimal results.
Safety and Side Effects
Overall, TMS therapy is well tolerated. Some patients may experience. TMS therapy is generally known to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment option for most patients. Unlike many medications, it doesn’t include systemic side effects, and makes it an attractive choice for those seeking non-invasive therapies. While most individuals tolerate the sessions without significant issues, some may experience mild, temporary side effects that typically resolve on their own. These effects are minor compared to the potential benefits, and the overall risk profile of TMS remains very favourable.
Mild Headaches:
A common side effect of TMS therapy is mild headaches that might occur during or shortly after the session. These are usually temporary and subside on their own within a few hours or with over-the-counter pain relief.
Pain site in the scalp (at the treatment):
Some patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness at the site where the TMS coil is placed, usually on their scalp. This sensation is generally brief and fades away after the session or after a few treatments.
Light-headedness:
A small number of patients may feel lightheaded or dizzy during or after the treatment session. This side effect is usually mild and short-lived, disappearing shortly after the session ends.
Seizures:
While rare, the most serious potential side effect of TMS is a seizure. However, the risk is extremely low, and safety measures are in place to minimize this risk during the treatment process. TMS is closely monitored by trained professionals to ensure the highest level of safety.
Is TMS Therapy Right for You?
Primarily TMS Therapy is recommended for people who haven’t found any relief or solution from any traditional treatments like psychotherapy or by any antidepressant medications, mostly in cases of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It is mostly known for patients who are struggling with long-term depression or such mental health conditions without any satisfying results from other forms of treatments. But, not every person is a candidate for TMS. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is mandatory to assess your certain needs and medical history too, to ensure that TMS is the best option for you. Such an evaluation would consider factors like previous treatments, the severity of your health condition and any important health concerns to know whether TMS Therapy would give you the best benefit for your specific situation.
Contraindications Include:
Ear or head metallic implants or devices (e.g., cochlear implant, metal plate)
TMS therapy is not recommended for patients who have metallic implants or devices in or near their head, like cochlear implants or metal plates. The magnetic fields used in TMS can interact with these metal objects, potentially causing harm or even affecting the functionality of the device.
History of seizure or epilepsy
People with a history of seizures or epilepsy may not be suitable candidates for TMS therapy. The magnetic pulses involved in TMS, while generally safe, could potentially trigger a seizure in those with a predisposition to them. A healthcare professional like Dr. Anuranjan Bist would help you as he is a reputed doctor in one of the best clinics in New Delhi, at the Mind Brain Institute and he would carefully assess this risk before recommending treatment.
Conclusion:
The TMS Therapy process is just one method that you can take to cure depression, anxiety or OCD — TMS therapy sessions offer hope for those who suffer from difficult-to-treat neurological conditions. For patients in search of new therapeutic avenues, this is quite an appealing treatment alternative due to its non-invasive nature and benign side effect profile. If you are interested in TMS therapy, you can talk with a qualified healthcare provider or a clinic, like Mind Brain Institute in Delhi NCR and ask for guidance from Dr. Anuranjan Bist to figure out if this is the right treatment for you. This innovative therapy offers a promising solution for those who are seeking effective, long-term relief from mental health challenges.
