What happens during one-day TMS treatment?
The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the clinic and protocol, but here’s what you can expect. You’ll remain fully awake and alert throughout the entire day—no sedation or altered state is involved.
Brain Mapping + Motor Threshold Determination:
Your clinician will deliver single magnetic pulses to a specific area of your brain while observing your thumb’s response. This helps personalize the treatment settings before sessions begin.
Treatment Sessions:
You’ll receive 20 short iTBS sessions throughout the day. Each session lasts about three minutes, followed by a 30-minute break to give your brain time to rest between treatments.
What It Feels Like:
During each session, you’ll feel rapid tapping or knocking sensations on your scalp. This can feel unusual or slightly uncomfortable, but is not typically painful.
Between Sessions:
You’ll have time to relax, hydrate, and eat. Lunch is provided, and we recommend bringing headphones, a book, or a tablet to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Fatigue and Side Effects:
It’s normal to feel physically or emotionally tired as the day progresses. The most common side effects are scalp discomfort, headache, and fatigue, which usually resolve within hours to a day.
Completing the Protocol:
The treatment consists of 20 sessions in total. The coil is used only during each session and removed afterward. By the end of the day, you will have completed the full course of treatment in a single visit. The full day typically takes about 10–11 hours.
Heading Home:
You should not drive or return to work after treatment. Plan for transportation home, as the day can be physically and mentally demanding.