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.

Dr. Lisa Johnson, MDVerified Specialist

3mo agoedited

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.