Headaches after TMS sessions — when do they stop?
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Sign in to commentMy 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.
Headaches are the most common side effect of TMS, affecting about 40-50% of patients. The good news is they almost always diminish as treatment progresses — your brain adjusts to the stimulation. Some tips: - OTC pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) 30 min before treatment - Stay well hydrated on treatment days - Ask your technician about adjusting the coil position slightly - Some clinics can gradually ramp up intensity over the first few sessions If headaches persist past week 3 or become severe, definitely discuss with your provider. In rare cases, the motor threshold calibration may need adjustment.
Mine stopped completely around session 12. Hang in there! I also found that eating a good meal before my session helped. Going in on an empty stomach made headaches worse for me.
I barely had any headaches, but I did get this weird scalp soreness at the treatment spot. Almost like a sunburn feeling. That also went away after a couple weeks.
Update: I'm now on session 14 and you all were right — the headaches have gotten much milder. Taking ibuprofen before the session was a game-changer. Thanks everyone!
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Update from my end — headaches basically vanished by session 14. Magnesium glycinate at night and 64oz of water a day made the biggest difference for me.
Adding to the chorus — pre-hydrating with electrolytes (LMNT or homemade) cut my post-session headache time in half.
Mine eased around session 10. The tech adjusted the angle slightly and that helped a ton — ask them to recheck the F3 placement if it persists.
I clench my jaw during sessions without realizing it. Once my tech pointed it out and I focused on relaxing, the temple soreness dropped 70%.
Anyone else find that headaches got worse on the days they doubled up sessions? I had to space mine back out.
Tylenol 30 min before each session was a game-changer. Doc said it doesn't blunt the antidepressant effect, only the muscle activation pain.
Acetaminophen is fine, ibuprofen is fine — just avoid anything that suppresses neuroplasticity (high-dose NSAIDs daily, per my psychiatrist).
Session 8 here, and the headaches finally feel like a 2/10 instead of a 6/10. Hang in there OP.
On session 22 now and headaches are completely gone. Hang in there, the first 2 weeks are the worst.
Sleeping with a slightly elevated pillow helped me. Ear pressure + tension was making it worse overnight.
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.
Just finished today's session — first one with zero headache. Took almost 4 weeks for me. Everyone's timeline is different.
Closing the loop on my own thread from last month — done with course, headaches gone for the last 14 sessions. It does end.
Cold compress on the forehead immediately after the session helped me when nothing else did.