According to Wikipedia, the most common adverse effects of rTMS are:
Discomfort or pain from the stimulation of the scalp and
associated nerves and muscles on the overlying skin. This is more common with
rTMS than single pulse TMS.
Rapid deformation of the TMS coil produces a loud clicking sound which increases
with the stimulator intensity that can affect hearing with sufficient exposure,
particularly relevant for rTMS (hearing protection may be used to prevent this).
rTMS in the presence of EEG electrodes can result in electrode heating and, in
severe cases, skin burns.^14
- CONCLUSIONS:
TMS has been found effective for treatment-resistant major depression and has been
approved for this use in Europe, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Other
promising areas of research include treating the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
However, the Cochrane Collaboration seriously questions the efficacy of TMS.
Nonetheless, TMS needs more investigation, directed to an understanding of the
neurophysiology of magnetic stimulation of the brain, and how it compares with DC or
AC stimulation of the brain. These are fascinating findings in search of good clinical
studies and needed developments in our understanding of the effects of various kinds of
brain stimulation.
TMS is experimental, not supported by persuasive clinical evidence, and usually not
reimbursed by insurance. Moreover, treatments require a therapist and are very
expensive compared to CES. However, though apparently greater than CES, the low
incidence of side effects with TMS and the suggestive – though controverted --
findings in small studies require additional research attention and counsel responsible
consumer use as the data are being developed.
