Sarah M.
Community Member
Replied to Just finished my 36-session TMS course — here is my honest review
Bookmarking this. The honesty about the rough patches mid-course is what I needed to read.
Replied to Can I do TMS if I have a metal dental implant?
Cleared and finished a full course with three crowns and a titanium implant. Zero issues. Don't let this be the thing that stops you.
Replied to Free virtual Q&A — "Ask a TMS Specialist Anything" — April 19
Please do another one focused on maintenance and what to do if symptoms creep back at month 9-12.
Replied to Headaches after TMS sessions — when do they stop?
If your headache is one-sided and very sharp, ask them to lower the intensity 5%. They can usually keep efficacy and lose the pain.
Replied to TMS for anxiety (not just depression) — my experience
Six months in, still taking my SSRI but at half the dose. Provider doesn't want me dropping it for another year. Patient with that.
Replied to How long do TMS results typically last?
The 2018 Carpenter study showed ~50% maintained response at 12 months. Real-world for me has been close to that.
Replied to Headaches after TMS sessions — when do they stop?
Sleeping with a slightly elevated pillow helped me. Ear pressure + tension was making it worse overnight.
Replied to From barely surviving to actually living — TMS changed everything
@above — for me it was around session 20. Don't lose hope, the back half is where it really clicked.
Replied to Headaches after TMS sessions — when do they stop?
On session 22 now and headaches are completely gone. Hang in there, the first 2 weeks are the worst.
Replied to TMS for anxiety (not just depression) — my experience
Yes — Brainsway's deep TMS has an FDA clearance for OCD. Different coil shape than standard depression treatment.
Replied to Free virtual Q&A — "Ask a TMS Specialist Anything" — April 19
The part about right-sided treatment for anxiety was new to me. My current provider only mentioned left-sided.
Replied to Headaches after TMS sessions — when do they stop?
Acetaminophen is fine, ibuprofen is fine — just avoid anything that suppresses neuroplasticity (high-dose NSAIDs daily, per my psychiatrist).
Replied to Free virtual Q&A — "Ask a TMS Specialist Anything" — April 19
Will there be another one in May? My sister couldn't make it and would've loved this.
Replied to Can I do TMS if I have a metal dental implant?
My TMS provider had me bring my dental records. Took 10 minutes and I was cleared. Don't let this stop you from asking.
Replied to From barely surviving to actually living — TMS changed everything
Saving this. I'm 4 sessions in and still in the dark phase. Reading stories like this is the only thing keeping me going some days.
Replied to Just finished my 36-session TMS course — here is my honest review
@Rachel — they used the NeuroStar system. My doctor said it's the most studied one with the strongest evidence base. I didn't look into deep TMS much but I know some clinics offer it.
Replied to Headaches after TMS sessions — when do they stop?
My headaches were worst during the first 2 weeks, then gradually faded. By session 15 I barely noticed them anymore. I found that taking ibuprofen about 30 minutes BEFORE my session worked better than waiting until after.
Replied to Struggling with the waiting period before TMS starts
I had a 3-week wait and used the time to prepare. I read about other people's experiences (this forum would have been great), figured out my schedule for daily appointments, and told my employer what was coming. The waiting is awful but you CAN get through it.