Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a revolutionary treatment for people struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, especially when medications or therapy alone aren’t enough. But one of the most common questions patients have is: why does TMS require multiple sessions?
Unlike medications that work throughout the body, TMS targets specific areas of the brain with magnetic pulses. These treatments are delivered consistently over some time—usually five sessions per week for four to six weeks—to create lasting results. But why so many sessions? Why not one or two powerful treatments?
In this blog, we’ll break down the science behind TMS therapy, why multiple sessions are necessary, what happens during treatment, and what patients can expect from their journey. If you’re exploring TMS Therapy in Palm Springs, centers like Karma TMS can guide you through the process with clarity and care.
What is TMS Therapy?
TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It’s a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, particularly areas involved in mood control—most notably the prefrontal cortex.
TMS is FDA-approved for treating:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety (in some cases)
Unlike medications that circulate throughout the body, TMS delivers targeted stimulation to specific brain circuits involved in emotional regulation.
How does TMS Work?
During a TMS session, a magnetic coil is placed gently against the scalp. The device emits short pulses that pass through the skull and stimulate the neurons beneath. This stimulation helps improve activity in brain regions that are underactive in people with depression.
Each session usually lasts around 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the type of protocol used. Patients remain awake and alert, and there’s no need for anesthesia or recovery time.
Why does TMS Require Multiple Sessions?
Now, let’s answer the main question: why does TMS require multiple sessions? Here are the key reasons:
1. Gradual Brain Adaptation
The human brain doesn’t change overnight. It requires consistent stimulation over time to rewire itself. TMS works by slowly encouraging neural plasticity—this is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new connections between nerve cells.
Multiple sessions allow the brain to adapt and respond gradually. Just like physical therapy trains your muscles over time, TMS therapy trains your brain.
2. Cumulative Effects Over Time
Each TMS session builds upon the last. One session may temporarily improve mood or focus, but consistent sessions are needed to create long-term improvements. The effects are cumulative, meaning benefits increase with repeated exposure.
Studies show that most patients start noticing results between the 10th and 20th session, although some feel improvements earlier or later.
3. Frequency Strengthens Neural Pathways
Think of your brain like a pathway system. When the same neural pathway is stimulated repeatedly, it becomes stronger and more efficient. This is exactly what TMS does.
By stimulating the same brain region over multiple sessions, TMS helps build stronger communication between neurons, which improves mood and mental clarity.
4. Safety and Tolerability
Spreading treatment over many sessions helps ensure safety and reduces side effects. Giving too much stimulation in one sitting could be overwhelming or counterproductive.
By keeping each session short but frequent, TMS remains well-tolerated. Most patients report only mild scalp discomfort or a tapping sensation during sessions.
5. Long-Term Results Require Repetition
Mental health issues like depression and anxiety develop over time. Similarly, reversing the effects of these conditions takes time. Repetition is key to long-lasting improvement.
That’s why most standard TMS protocols involve 20–36 sessions across 4 to 6 weeks, followed by optional maintenance sessions.
What happens if You Miss a TMS Session?
Missing a session occasionally is okay, but consistency is important. Skipping too many sessions in a row may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. If you’re undergoing TMS Therapy at Karma TMS, your care team will work with you to reschedule and keep you on track.
Benefits of Completing All TMS Sessions
Completing your full course of treatment increases your chances of success. Here’s what many patients report after finishing their sessions:
- Improved mood
- Better sleep
- Increased energy
- Clearer thinking
- Reduced anxiety or OCD symptoms
- Less reliance on medications
Just like going to the gym regularly leads to stronger muscles, sticking to your TMS schedule leads to stronger mental resilience.
Is It Worth Committing to So Many Sessions?
If you’ve struggled with depression or anxiety for years and haven’t found relief through medication or talk therapy, TMS could be the breakthrough you need.
Yes, it takes time and commitment—but the results can be life-changing. Many patients who complete a full course of TMS report significant improvements in their mental health and quality of life.
Conclusion
So, why does TMS require multiple sessions? Because lasting change takes time. Just like physical therapy helps your body recover through repetition, TMS helps your brain heal through consistent stimulation. Each session moves you closer to better mental health, improved mood, and renewed energy.
If you’re considering TMS Therapy in Palm Springs, Karma TMS offers personalized care designed to fit your life and mental health goals. Though the journey may take time, the reward is worth it—a chance to feel better, think clearer, and live more fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need so many TMS sessions?
TMS requires multiple sessions because the brain needs time and repetition to adapt. The changes are gradual and build with each session, helping to improve long-term mental health.
2. How many sessions are usually needed?
Most treatment plans include 5 sessions per week for 4–6 weeks, totaling around 20–36 sessions. Some people may need fewer or additional sessions based on their response.
3. What happens if I miss a session?
One missed session won’t ruin your progress, but missing several can reduce effectiveness. Always let your provider know and try to reschedule missed appointments.
4. When will I start feeling better?
Some people feel improvement after a few sessions, while others may not notice changes until halfway through the treatment. Everyone’s brain responds at a different pace.
5. Are the results of TMS permanent?
TMS provides long-lasting benefits for many people. However, some may need maintenance sessions or follow-up care to sustain the effects, especially in severe or long-standing depression.
6. Can I do fewer sessions and still get results?
Cutting sessions short may limit effectiveness. Each session is part of a carefully designed protocol. Skipping or reducing sessions may prevent the brain from fully adapting.
7. Does everyone need the same number of sessions?
No. The number of sessions may vary depending on your condition, symptoms, and how your brain responds. Your provider will adjust your plan as needed.