What Disqualifies You From TMS?

Knowing what disqualifies you from NeuroStar TMS therapy can help you make informed and confident choices about care. At Chrysalis Psychiatry, our role is to carefully review your history, explain risks in plain language, and determine whether NeuroStar TMS therapy is appropriate for your mental health goals.

What Can TMS Therapy Be Used For?

NeuroStar is FDA-cleared to treat adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) or anxious depression who have not achieved adequate relief with medication. It is also an adjunct treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), meaning patients should continue other treatments they are using. Results usually develop over four to six weeks, and the duration of benefits in responders varies but often last a year or longer.

What Can Disqualify You and Why?

Candidacy for TMS therapy is individualized, but certain factors can make transcranial magnetic stimulation unsafe or inappropriate. Some are absolute (cannot proceed), while others are relative (may delay or modify treatment). We will review each item with you before starting.

Absolute or Likely Disqualifiers

• Non-removable metal or implanted devices in or near the head (for example, aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, deep brain stimulators, certain metallic fragments) because magnetic fields can move or heat metal
• Implanted devices sensitive to magnets in the stimulation field (some older cardiac or neuro devices), due to potential malfunction
• Active seizure disorder or recent unprovoked seizures, because TMS can very rarely trigger a seizure

Relative Disqualifiers (Require Case-by-Case Review)

• History of epilepsy in remission, significant head injury, brain tumor, or recent stroke, which may alter your seizure threshold
• Current substances or medication situations that raise seizure risk
• Unstable medical or psychiatric status, including untreated mania or psychosis, where stabilization is needed first
• Metallic facial tattoos or permanent makeup with ferromagnetic pigments near the coil site, which can heat or tingle during stimulation
• Pregnancy is not a strict exclusion, but evidence is limited; we will discuss risks and coordination with your obstetric provider.

In addition, individuals with certain neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, may be ineligible. Your provider will also screen for practical safety details. Dental work is typically fine; standard fillings and crowns are not an issue. If a factor is modifiable, such as sleep deprivation, dehydration, or medication timing, we address it before proceeding to keep non-invasive brain stimulation as safe and comfortable as possible.

Learn More About Whether Something Disqualifies You From Receiving NeuroStar TMS Therapy

Eligibility for NeuroStar is best decided in a one-on-one evaluation that balances benefits and risks for your situation. We will review your history, current medications, implanted devices, and goals, and confirm whether TMS therapy is a fit, or outline alternatives if it is not. To get clear, personalized answers on whether you are disqualified from TMS, contact Chrysalis Psychiatry in Albuquerque to schedule a consultation.