How Safe is TMS treatment really?
Is TMS Safe? How safe is it compared to other treatments?
Let’s Understand How It Works
When people first hear that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS therapy) uses magnetic pulses to treat depression and other mental health conditions, it’s natural to have questions about safety. Some even confuse TMS with treatments like Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). At Altium Health, we want you to feel confident and reassured about your care—so let’s take a closer look at how TMS works, why it’s safe, and how it’s different from ECT.
TMS Works With Your Body’s Natural Electrical System
Our brains communicate through tiny electrical signals. Every thought, movement, and feeling involves neurons passing messages back and forth using this natural internal system.
TMS therapy for depression simply taps into that natural and internal process. During a session, a small device placed gently against your head delivers focused magnetic pulses to a specific part of the brain linked to mood regulation. These pulses don’t create foreign energy or “shock” the brain. Instead, they stimulate your neurons to fire in the same way they naturally do—helping re-activate underactive areas and strengthen healthy brain pathways.
How TMS Differs From ECT
It’s easy to see why people mix up TMS and ECT—they both involve the brain, but they couldn’t be more different in practice:
TMS treatment never uses electricity directly on the brain. Instead, it uses safe, painless magnetic fields—similar to what’s used in an MRI machine. No seizures, no anesthesia, and no recovery downtime are involved.
ECT treatment involves applying electricity to the brain under anesthesia, a more intensive approach that can cause memory and cognitive side effects many patients wish to avoid. While effective for certain severe cases, it requires anesthesia and can cause memory side effects.
Safety and Comfort at the Core
TMS therapy in Utah has been FDA-cleared for depression since 2008 and is backed by extensive research and clinical use worldwide. Most patients report only mild scalp sensations during treatment, which typically gets better or lessons as sessions continue.
There are no systemic side effects like weight gain, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction—common concerns with medications.
At Altium Health, your non-invasive depression treatment sessions are guided by trained providers in a comfortable, supportive setting. You’re awake the entire time, and after a session you can drive yourself back to work, school, or home with no interruption to your day.
A Safe, Natural Step Toward Healing
If you or a loved one are considering TMS, know that it is not a “shock therapy.” Instead, it’s a safe, modern treatment that works with your body’s natural systems to restore balance in the brain.
At Altium Health, we’re here to answer all of your questions and walk with you every step of the way. If you’d like to learn more about TMS therapy for depression in Utah or schedule a consultation, contact our team today—we’re happy to help you explore if TMS is the right path forward.
