US Medical Term · procedures
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Estimulación magnética transcraneal
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation |
| Spanish (Español) | Estimulación magnética transcraneal |
| Chinese (中文) | 經顱磁刺激 |
| Korean (한국어) | 경두개 자기 자극 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Kích thích từ trường xuyên sọ |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Transcranial magnetic stimulation |
| Portuguese (Português) | Estimulação magnética transcraniana |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การกระตุ้นแม่เหล็กผ่านกะโหลกศีรษะ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 経頭蓋磁気刺激 |
What it means
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation therapy approved for treatment-resistant depression and certain other conditions. A device placed against the scalp delivers magnetic pulses that stimulate nerve cells in specific brain regions involved in mood regulation. Sessions last thirty to sixty minutes, and patients typically receive five sessions per week for four to six weeks. You remain awake throughout, and no anesthesia is needed. Common side effects are mild scalp discomfort or headache during sessions. TMS is an option for patients who have not improved with antidepressant medications.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My psychiatrist ordered transcranial magnetic stimulation after two antidepressants failed to help.
Mi psiquiatra ordenó estimulación magnética transcraneal después de que dos antidepresivos no me ayudaron.
I am receiving TMS sessions daily at a psychiatric outpatient clinic.
Estoy recibiendo sesiones de estimulación magnética transcraneal diariamente en una clínica psiquiátrica ambulatoria.
Does my insurer require prior authorization for TMS treatment?
¿Mi aseguradora requiere autorización previa para el tratamiento con estimulación magnética transcraneal?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026