“Will it hurt?” It’s the most common question we hear before a first TMS session. The honest answer: most people describe TMS as strange at first, then easy. Here’s exactly what to expect.
Before your first session
Your first treatment visit includes a few setup steps:
- You’ll remove metal items — earrings, hair clips, glasses with metal frames, and your phone and cards (magnets can affect them).
- You’ll sit in a comfortable reclining chair. You stay fully awake. No needles, no IV, no sedation.
- We find your “motor threshold.” We place the coil over the part of your brain that controls your hand and give a few pulses until your thumb or fingers twitch slightly. It’s a quick calibration that tells us the right strength for your brain.
- We mark your treatment spot so every session hits the same target.
What the pulses feel like
When the session starts, you’ll feel a repetitive tapping or knocking on your scalp under the coil — like a woodpecker tapping lightly, or someone flicking your head with a fingertip. Pulses come in short trains with rests in between.
Some people also notice:
- Facial or jaw muscle twitching near the coil, because the magnetic field stimulates nearby nerves and muscles
- A clicking sound from the coil — you’ll wear earplugs
- Mild scalp discomfort that’s strongest during the first week
What you won’t feel: electricity running through your body, pain inside your head, or any change in your thinking during the session.
Does TMS hurt?
For most people, no — it’s uncomfortable at first, not painful. If it bothers you:
- Tell your technician. We can adjust the coil position slightly.
- We can ramp up gradually over the first few sessions.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers before a session help some people (check with your clinician).
Most people get used to it within a week. Many patients read, listen to music or a podcast, or chat with the technician during treatment.
What PrTMS feels like
Personalized PrTMS uses a lower amplitude (strength) than many standard protocols and may stimulate several brain areas during a session. Patients often find it more comfortable. Learn about PrTMS.
After a session
You can get up and go. There’s no recovery period and no restriction on driving. Some people feel a little tired or have a mild headache early in treatment. Others feel nothing at all.
When will I feel it working?
Not during the session itself. Changes show up gradually over weeks — often first in sleep, energy, or motivation, then mood. Family members sometimes notice before you do.
Tips for your first week
- Eat and hydrate beforehand.
- Bring earplugs or headphones if you prefer your own (we provide them).
- Wear comfortable clothes and skip hair products with metallic particles.
- Get decent sleep — it can help with comfort and results.
- Ask questions. Your technician is there for you every session.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be put to sleep?
No. You’re awake and alert the entire time.
How long does a session take?
Often under 30 minutes, depending on the protocol.
Can I drive after TMS?
Yes. TMS doesn’t impair you.
See it for yourself
Call (951) 625-3733 or book a free consultation. We’ll show you the equipment and answer every question before you decide. What to expect at EmpowerTMS.
