[Outofmymind21]

I am receiving treatment for Anxiety/Depression via Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. I am beginning my second full week of treatment. I am concerned because the chair that patients sit on during treatment had a reclining head rest, and because the cap is too big for my head (it was the smallest size they had) It is somewhat big for my head so the doctor checks the alignment of the cap and I rest my head but as soon as I lay my head back I feel like the cap shifts slightly as I place my head down. So when the magnet is placed on my head I am worried it's never where it is supposed to be. I expressed this concern twice but was met with "it's fine" and I felt my concern was minimized and not addressed since at this clinic they are always in a hurry to get the tms clients through on time. Today I had the single pulse treatment which is once per week and it really felt off. So I shifted my head slightly under the magnet and it felt even more off. I feel like they think I am crazy or paranoid already so I didn't say anything. Right after I left, and maybe I am imagining this but my head felt more tender than normal. I am quite positive that the magnet was not in the proper place for almost the entire session today. I am very anxious about this. I am wondering if there is any adverse affects or damage that can be caused to me if the magnet was not on the precise marked spot every time I go in for a treatment? I want to know if this has harmed me. I can't stop thinking about it. Thanks!

[Travelinglady]

Hi, Outofmymind21, and welcome to Psych Central! I am not familiar with this kind of therapy and am a bit suspicious about its value.

But let's see if someone will come along who knows something about it.

[TheWell]

TMS is valid and I have had a discussion with Doc John about it. He actually mentioned it as a viable alternative for people with MDD

I'm starting TMS on Monday.

As for the original poster, can you make an appointment to see the doc who is running your TMS to tell him your concerns?

[ChangingMyMind]

Hi Outofmymind21,

I understand your concerns. I am also on week 2 of TMS. I find that if I have the same technician operating the NeuroStar device I have similar results with placement, although it never seems exactly the same. However, when another technician does it, it seems off, way off, as if the magnet doesn't fit my head right. I haven't been too concerned with the placement since I think the general area is correct (settings with the machine are the same each time and the laser lines up to my head the same).

I am much like you in that I am panicked/worried about the treatment. It's supposed to be free of side effects for the most part but I feel like I'm having a hard time with it. My body aches so much more now, I have shooting pain in my arm/back/chest. I think it's likely because the magnet stimulates my muscles quite a bit (twitching and what not). Although I am still worried it's affecting my brain negatively. It may just be my anxiety getting the best of me but I definitely feel different.

I will ask my technician today about the issue you're having. Maybe they'll give me a different answer?

Best of luck!

Just out of curiosity, do you feel any better yet? Do you happen to feel the pain anywhere like I do?

[Wysteria]

I had the treatments short term and had bad experiences with the techs who administered it. I would demand that the doctor be present for the placement and set up.

Ethically I have a real problem with how it's efficacy is monitored and reported, and that non medical personnel give the treatments.

I went to another place to try the treatments and two DOCTOR's could not place it properly and the stimulation cause jerking and involuntary movements in arms etc. One doctor had to keep me sitting in her office for over a half hour to monitor me. I ended up with additional trauma from the treatments.

I hope things improve and that the treatments bring you the relief you seek. I wish only well for people, but feel like I have to be honest about my experiences as well.

Wysteria

[ChangingMyMind]

Originally Posted by Wysteria

I had the treatments short term and had bad experiences with the techs who administered it. I would demand that the doctor be present for the placement and set up.

Ethically I have a real problem with how it's efficacy is monitored and reported, and that non medical personnel give the treatments.

I went to another place to try the treatments and two DOCTOR's could not place it properly and the stimulation cause jerking and involuntary movements in arms etc. One doctor had to keep me sitting in her office for over a half hour to monitor me. I ended up with additional trauma from the treatments.

I hope things improve and that the treatments bring you the relief you seek. I wish only well for people, but feel like I have to be honest about my experiences as well.

Wysteria

@Wysteria what other trauma did you experience? Did it end up helping at all? Did you do a full 6 weeks and did the trauma/side effects last?

[Wysteria]

I had to be honest about my negative experiences with TMS, but am honestly not trying to tell you not to continue with the treatments. Yes, I had trauma both with doc 1 and with the other 2 due to the bad experiences. But each person has their own reactions. Just make sure that you ask questions and if you have concerns that you get them addressed.

I truly hope that you have the healing experience you want.

Wysteria

[ChangingMyMind]

Thanks! I hope it is healing for me. The last few days I've been feeling close to normal. Still in pain but I'm pushing through.

I hope you get the answers you're looking for as well outofmymind21!

[kiwi33]

Outofmymind21, I have no direct experience of TMS but a member of my mood disorders therapy group does.

She has "treatment-resistant depression" and has found TMS (which is a well-recognized approach) very helpful.

I hope that it helps you as well.

[ChangingMyMind]

Hi outofmymind21, I actually talked to my TMS doc about pain I was having and we purposely moved the magnet up by 1cm, he indicated this is well within procedure and is necessary sometimes to find the best spot. So I don't think the magnet moving around a bit in your case is that big of a deal. It's impossible for them to get it exactly in the same spot each time. The goal is to use the same settings and get it near the same spot each time. Which has worked for many people so I will keep faith it will work for us both as well.

Don't let anxiety get the best of you. I am fighting my anxiety with TMS daily so I know how it feels but I'm pushing on, waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel, which really shouldn't be too far away. 😊 good luck and stay strong, you'll be fine.