This article will explore whether TMS can cause brain damage, the evidence on safety, and what patients should know before treatment.
Today, there are many questions and concerns centering on the safety of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), specifically regarding brain damage. TMS is a safe, non-invasive procedure that has been FDA-approved to treat several mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.
What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a safe and FDA-approved form of non-invasive treatment for several mental health conditions. It relies on a physical device like a helmet or electrodes that are placed on top of the head from which magnetic pulses are sent into the brain.
Professionals determine the layout of different parts of the brain, specifically the parts associated with an individual patient’s symptoms. From there, the electrodes are sent into deep areas of the brain responsible for those symptoms to activate and increase blood flow to these regions, helping to reverse the direct cause of many symptoms for conditions like OCD and depression.
Understanding the Concern: Can TMS Cause Brain Damage?
Does TMS cause brain damage? This is a common concern but one that is rooted in misunderstandings and myths.
Many people have preconceived notions about how brain treatments might lead to brain damage, particularly when considering outdated treatments in psychiatric wards hundreds of years ago. Moreover, a lack of understanding of how TMS actually works, as well as misleading information on the internet, can cause people to worry about side effects, including brain damage.
There is no scientific evidence linking brain damage to TMS, and TMS has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of things like depression because it is safe and efficacious and does not cause any structural brain changes.
Magnetic stimulation affects the brain by stimulating those areas, stimulating blood flow to areas that might have hypertrophied, and there is a difference between temporary side effects and actual damage, something that has led to a lot of misconceptions about the link between TMS and brain damage.
It is not uncommon to experience temporary side effects like headaches, but these are not an indicator of brain damage.

Scientific Evidence on TMS and Brain Damage
Dozens of clinical studies and trials have confirmed that transcranial magnetic stimulation is very safe and does not cause brain damage.
Incidence of Serious Adverse Effects
Current data shows that the rates of serious adverse side effects from transcranial magnetic stimulation are very low, with less than 1% of people in clinical studies reporting seizures.
Long-Term Safety Data
TMS has been used for decades and received FDA approval for well over ten years. To that end, long-term safety data has confirmed there is no evidence of any long-term adverse effects on patient health, including brain damage or brain tumors. While individuals might experience mild side effects like scalp discomfort or headaches, these are manageable and temporary.
The same long-term safety data concludes:
- There are no adverse effects on cognitive function
- TMS does not cause seizures or amnesia, unlike electroconvulsive therapy
- there are minimal side effects that are local, including scalp discomfort and headaches
- TMS is well tolerated as a treatment option
- There is no evidence of any long-term adverse effects on health
FDA Approval
The FDA has reviewed and approved TMS over the last 10 years as a non-invasive procedure, one that is an effective treatment option for individuals. The FDA has approved the following:
- 2013 approval for treatment-resistant depression
- 2018 approval for obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment
- 2020 approval for smoking cessation
- 2021 approval for anxious depression
- 2023 approval for major depressive disorder in adolescents
Can TMS Damage Your Brain? Myths vs. Facts
There are common myths surrounding TMS, which have fed questions and concerns like “Can TMS cause brain damage?” or “Does TMS make conditions worse?”
#1: The TMS Dip
Sometimes, individuals experience temporary side effects, one of which is called the “TMS Dip” and refers to a temporary worsening of symptoms before symptoms subside. This dip can be misinterpreted as brain damage, where individuals experience something negative immediately after treatment and correlate that to treatment failure or harm.
In fact, this is a known side effect, one that is not experienced by many patients, and it dissipates rather quickly.
#2: Headaches
One common though mild side effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation is a headache. This does not affect everyone, and if it does, it tends to go away after the first few sessions. This is akin to feeling pain in your muscles after a heavy workout.
However, some people misinterpret these headaches as a sign that they are experiencing brain damage. There is no scientific evidence behind this, and patient experiences indicate that over time, these headaches if experienced, will diminish.

Who Should Be Cautious With TMS?
Before starting with transcranial magnetic stimulation, you will undergo a screening process and receive safety protocols. Those who have a history of certain conditions like epilepsy, are pregnant or nursing, or have any type of implants in or near the brain may not qualify for TMS.
After an initial screening process, you may be provided a list of ways to manage side effects, including taking things like Tylenol or Ibuprofen prior to your initial sessions to help manage things like headaches.
How Safe Is TMS Compared to Other Treatments?
TMS is singularly safe, especially compared to other treatments for the same conditions, including things like depression.
Comparison With Medication
If you are seeking treatment for something like depression, the medication you are prescribed comes with several serious side effects. Common side effects can include:
- Gastrointestinal issues, including loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea
- Sleep disturbances like excessive sleepiness, drowsiness, or insomnia
- Sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and problems achieving orgasm
- Weight gain or severe weight loss
- Low sodium levels in the blood lead to seizures and coma
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and violent behavior, especially in the first few weeks of treatment
TMS has been clinically proven to reverse symptoms of things like depression and suicidal thoughts rather than increase them.
Comparison With Invasive Procedures
Participation in invasive procedures for things like mental health treatment can lead to side effects like:
- Headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, drowsiness, and blurred vision
- Memory loss, disorientation, and confusion
- Unusual or unexpected changes in mood and behavior, including depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicide attempts
- Risks of seizures, hardware complications, infections, hearing loss, or increased psychiatric symptoms
By comparison, transcranial magnetic stimulation does not have these risks aside from mild headaches that will go away after the first several sessions.
Summing Up
Does TMS cause brain damage? No, it does not when administered properly. Can TMS damage your brain when used as a treatment for mental health? Again, no, not when administered properly. Moreover, TMS is FDA-approved for the treatment of several conditions, in large part because of its safety and efficacy.
If you are concerned about TMS brain damage or have any other questions about the process, it’s important that you consult qualified healthcare providers to discuss TMS therapy and address any safety concerns.