Monitoring Adverse Effects in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Researchers at Maastricht University in the Netherlands have reported new findings on the adverse effects associated with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for psychiatric and neurological disorders. According to the study, TMS, while generally well-tolerated, is not without risks, with common adverse effects including headaches, scalp discomfort, nausea, and dizziness. The study highlights the need for standardized monitoring tools and open-access registries to ensure accurate reporting and transparency.

Key Takeaways:

• The study reports that seizures, the most serious event associated with TMS, are rare, occurring at a rate of 7 per 100,000 sessions.
• Seizures typically occur early in treatment among high-risk individuals and may be related to the specific protocol used.
• Psychological side effects, particularly nocebo responses, are underexplored and warrant attention due to their potential impact.
• Cognitive side effects are rare and typically mild or transient, with some evidence of cognitive benefit in specific protocols.
• The study concludes that expanded clinical use of TMS requires standardized monitoring tools and open-access registries to ensure accurate reporting and transparency.
• Research has been conducted in collaboration with Koen Schruers and Teresa Schuhmann from Maastricht University.

Statistics:

• Seizures associated with TMS occur at a rate of 7 per 100,000 sessions.
• Seizures typically occur early in treatment among high-risk individuals.
• The study reports that cognitive side effects are rare and typically mild or transient.

Sources:

• Monitoring adverse effects in TMS: From controlled trials to clinical reality (Current Opinion in Psychology, 2025;67:102187)
• Maastricht University, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands
• Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Clinical Trials Week, October 27, 2025; p 2131