What Is TMS Therapy? How Is It Applied? Its Effect on Parkinson’s Disease

What Is TMS Therapy? How Is It Applied? Its Effect on Parkinson’s Disease

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy is a non-invasive neuromodulation method that stimulates specific regions of the brain by generating a magnetic field within a short period of time. During the procedure, a specialized coil placed on the patient’s scalp produces brief magnetic pulses. These pulses regulate communication between neurons in the targeted brain area. Performed as an outpatient procedure, each session lasts approximately 15–30 minutes. So, what is TMS therapy? What is its effect on Parkinson’s disease and other clinical details?

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS therapy is a treatment method that aims to regulate the functioning of nerve cells by delivering short-duration magnetic stimuli to targeted regions of the brain. The generated magnetic field activates cortical neurons without direct contact with the scalp, thereby reorganizing neural communication in the stimulated area. Today, TMS therapy is used in various brain-related conditions such as depression, Parkinson’s disease, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

First developed in 1985, this treatment method is based on the combined principles of electricity and magnetism in physics. The main characteristics of TMS therapy include:

• No electrical current is directly delivered to the brain; the effect is created indirectly through magnetic stimulation.
• The patient remains fully conscious, and the procedure is painless.
• The target area is determined based on the patient’s symptoms; therefore, an individualized treatment protocol is applied.
• The method can regulate activity in brain regions where neurons are underactive, as well as in areas where neural activity is excessive.
• It can be applied in cases where medication is insufficient in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, OCD, or depression.

Aiming to restore a healthier functional brain structure, TMS therapy is completed while the patient is seated and fully conscious. Patients can resume their daily activities immediately after each session.

How Is TMS Therapy Applied?

TMS therapy begins after a clinical evaluation performed by a specialist physician and identification of the target brain region. Short magnetic pulses generated by a specialized device are directed to the determined area of the head. The patient completes the session while seated and fully conscious. During the procedure, equipment such as a special cap, magnetic coil, and motor cortex targeting tools may be used.

In TMS therapy, magnetic pulses are delivered to the target area at a frequency and intensity determined by the physician. The procedure is performed without anesthesia and is entirely painless. Each session lasts approximately 15–30 minutes. The total duration of treatment depends on the type of disorder, severity of symptoms, and other clinical findings identified by the physician.

Is TMS Therapy Effective for Parkinson’s Disease?

TMS therapy can provide clinically meaningful improvements in certain motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s patients by regulating neural networks responsible for movement through magnetic stimulation. Magnetic pulses are highly effective in modulating neuronal activity in targeted regions. As neural function becomes more organized, Parkinson’s symptoms such as muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, and gait disturbances related to dopamine deficiency may be alleviated.

Reviews from patients undergoing TMS therapy for Parkinson’s disease commonly report noticeable improvement within 4–6 weeks. Patients indicate faster movements and reduced rigidity with regular treatment. Although TMS therapy does not directly alter the progression of Parkinson’s disease, it is highly effective in reducing symptoms and improving overall quality of life.

When Does TMS Therapy Start to Take Effect?

The onset of TMS therapy effects varies among patients depending on the type and severity of the disease and the treatment protocol applied. In Parkinson’s patients, initial effects are generally observed after the fourth week. During this period, improvements such as increased movement speed, reduced muscle stiffness, and more stable tremor control may be expected.

What Conditions Does TMS Therapy Help With?

TMS therapy aims to regulate neuronal activity by delivering electromagnetic waves to specific brain regions and can lead to significant improvement in many neurological and psychiatric conditions. By restoring neural communication, magnetic stimulation helps reduce symptoms associated with various brain-related disorders.

Conditions in Which TMS Therapy Is Commonly Used:

• Major depressive disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-stroke rehabilitation
• Reduction of nicotine craving and dependence-related episodes

Are There Any Side Effects of TMS Therapy?

Although TMS therapy is generally considered safe, some individuals may experience potential side effects. Known for its low side-effect profile, the treatment must be planned following a psychiatric and neurological evaluation conducted by specialist physicians.

Possible Side Effects of TMS Therapy:

• The most common side effect is headache, which may occur due to stimulation of scalp muscles during the procedure.
• Another commonly reported effect is a change in energy levels, with some patients experiencing mild increases or decreases. These changes are typically not severe enough to affect daily life.

Rare side effects include seizures, hearing changes, scalp discomfort, skin irritation, tinnitus, muscle twitching, and nausea. The risk of seizures is reported to be extremely low.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is considered a highly safe treatment method with a low side-effect profile. However, since each patient’s neurological structure and accompanying health conditions differ, a detailed evaluation must always be performed prior to treatment.

Is TMS Therapy Harmful?

TMS is a non-surgical treatment method that regulates communication between nerve cells by stimulating targeted brain regions with electromagnetic waves. As the procedure does not involve any surgical intervention, it is considered safe. Its main advantages include a high success rate and the ability to be performed without damaging brain tissue. Based on these factors, TMS therapy is not considered harmful; on the contrary, it is regarded as beneficial in alleviating symptoms of many brain-related disorders.

TMS Therapy Cost 2026

The cost of TMS therapy may vary depending on several factors, with the primary determinant being the number of sessions required. The total number of sessions is determined by the type and severity of the condition and the patient’s response to treatment. Since treatment protocols are individualized, total costs may vary between patients.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sorar Neurosurgery Clinic provides professional TMS therapy services for Parkinson’s disease with an experienced medical team. For detailed information regarding the treatment process, number of sessions, and pricing, you may contact us.

Legal Disclaimer

This content has been prepared solely for informational purposes in accordance with the Regulation on Promotional and Informational Activities in Health Services. The information provided does not constitute medical diagnosis or treatment advice. As each individual’s health condition is unique, definitive and personalized information regarding treatment or other medical interventions can only be determined following a physician’s examination. For detailed information and individual evaluation, professional consultation may be obtained from our specialist physician at our center.