Can You Drive After TMS Therapy? Safety, Tips & What to Expect at Neuralia TMS

Most patients can safely drive immediately after TMS therapy, as the treatment uses no anaesthesia or sedating medication and leaves individuals fully alert and conscious. Neuralia TMS uses targeted magnetic fields to stimulate brain regions involved in mood regulation, with mild side effects like headaches or scalp discomfort affecting fewer than 20% of patients. The extremely rare occurrence of seizures (fewer than 1 in 10,000 sessions) would require alternative transport arrangements.

Understanding TMS Therapy and Its Effects

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy uses targeted magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Clinicians at Neuralia TMS in Melbourne apply a coil to the scalp, delivering magnetic pulses that affect regions involved in mood regulation. Each session lasts 20-40 minutes and follows a protocol approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for depression and related conditions, including anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

TMS therapy is non-invasive and doesn’t involve medication or anaesthetics, so patients stay fully awake and conscious throughout treatment. Most patients don’t experience lingering side effects after a session, with mild headaches or scalp discomfort noted in fewer than 20% of cases, according to local clinical data. No significant changes in cognitive or motor function occur during or immediately after TMS, according to studies reviewed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

Clinics like Neuralia TMS regularly advise patients that the effects of TMS don’t impair driving ability. Staff monitor for rare after-effects, and guidance about daily activities, including driving, follows the latest evidence from TMS research trials and Melbourne health authorities. All eligible patients receive individual safety assessments at their initial appointments.

Driving After TMS Therapy: What to Expect

Patients usually return to normal activities right after a TMS session, including driving. TMS therapy at Neuralia TMS in Melbourne doesn’t use anaesthesia, so most people feel alert and safe to drive once treatment finishes.

Safety Considerations

TMS therapy remains safe for driving in nearly all standard treatments. Clinicians at Neuralia TMS keep patients awake throughout each session, with no sedating medication used. Clinical guidance from major centres states that patients rarely experience side effects that restrict driving. A critical exception exists if a patient experiences a seizure, but this occurs in fewer than one in 10,000 sessions.[3] In this rare case, clinicians recommend not driving immediately after due to possible coordination issues.

Potential Side Effects Impacting Driving

Common side effects seen in TMS include mild headache, lightheadedness and scalp discomfort—these affect under one in five patients[1]. These usually resolve soon after the session and don’t interfere with driving. In uncommon situations, if someone experiences strong side effects after TMS, especially during a first session at Neuralia TMS, they may ask a friend or family member to drive them home. For most people, resuming driving and daily routines poses no significant risk following treatment[4][5].

Guidelines from Medical Professionals

Clinical guidance confirms that driving after TMS therapy is safe for most people at clinics across Melbourne, including Neuralia TMS. Patients stay alert throughout their session, as TMS doesn’t use sedatives or anaesthesia.

What Experts Recommend

Medical professionals from the Mayo Clinic, the UNC Department of Psychiatry and Northwell Health report that patients can usually drive themselves after TMS therapy, including their first appointment. At Neuralia TMS in Melbourne, clinicians reinforce that sedation is not needed, so most people continue daily activities after each session without supervision. Data show rare but serious complications, such as seizures, in fewer than one in 10,000 sessions. In the event of a seizure caused by TMS, driving is not advised, and a responsible adult should transport the patient home. Most clinics, including Neuralia TMS, implement comprehensive safety protocols to minimise such risks and review each patient’s medical history before treatment.

Personal Circumstances to Consider

Patients with pre-existing neurological conditions, a history of seizures or frequent migraines should consult their healthcare provider at Neuralia TMS before driving post-treatment. Some individuals report minor side effects—such as mild headache, lightheadedness, or scalp discomfort—after TMS sessions, which could affect driving comfort; these symptoms affect fewer than 20% of patients and usually resolve rapidly. Medical professionals recommend self-assessment in these cases, and patients at Neuralia TMS receive tailored guidance before leaving the clinic. If more severe or persistent side effects arise, or after an initial session, patients may choose to arrange alternate transport. Clinics across Melbourne address these concerns during initial consultations, ensuring safety and clear instructions.

Practical Tips for Patients

Check for side effects such as headache, scalp discomfort or lightheadedness before driving after TMS therapy. At Neuralia TMS Melbourne, clinicians inform patients that nearly 80% of TMS sessions cause no side effects affecting driving.

Consider arranging transport for the first session if concerned about comfort or confidence, though most patients safely drive themselves from the clinic.

Observe medical advice closely if there’s a personal history of neurological conditions, seizures or frequent migraines. Neuralia TMS clinicians discuss individual risks and provide advice on return to driving for such cases.

Assess alertness and physical coordination before leaving the premises, especially if a rare adverse effect occurs. Less than 1 in 10,000 sessions involve a seizure, and driving is not advised in this situation.

Notify clinic staff about any symptoms that linger or worsen post-treatment. At Neuralia TMS, patients receive tailored instructions before each session ends.

Plan sessions at preferred times to avoid stress and fatigue, with Melbourne clinics offering flexible scheduling.

Carry contact information for Neuralia TMS and personal emergency contacts, particularly when leaving alone, to keep safety as a priority.

Review all safety protocols and aftercare guidelines provided by healthcare professionals or published by regulatory bodies such as the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

About Neuralia TMS

Neuralia TMS, located in Moonee Ponds, VIC, specialises in innovative, non-invasive, drug-free mental health treatments.

Under the leadership of Medical Director Dr. Shanek Wick, Neuralia offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy for conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, and Parkinson’s disease. The clinic also provides transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for at-home neuromodulation therapy and pharmacogenetic testing to personalise treatments based on individual genetic profiles, ensuring optimal care tailored to each patient.

Contact:
Dr. Shanek Wick, Medical Director

Phone: 03 9122 5246
Email: [email protected]
Address: Suite 102/149-155 Pascoe Vale Rd, Moone Ponds 3039 VIC
Website: www.neuralia.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy?

TMS therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain, often targeting mood regulation. It is commonly used for depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and is administered without medication or anaesthesia.

Can I drive immediately after a TMS session?

Yes, most patients can drive straight after a TMS session. The therapy does not use sedating medication or anaesthesia, and most people remain alert and safe to drive. Always check for any side effects before driving.

What are the common side effects of TMS therapy?

Common side effects include mild headaches, scalp discomfort, or lightheadedness, affecting fewer than one in five patients. These symptoms usually resolve on their own and do not typically affect the ability to drive.

Are there any situations where I should not drive after TMS?

Yes, if you experience a seizure (extremely rare) or feel unusually unwell after your session, you should not drive. If you have a history of seizures or neurological issues, always discuss your risk with your clinician beforehand.

Should I arrange alternative transport for my first TMS session?

It can be helpful to have someone else drive you for your first session, especially if you are concerned about how you might feel afterwards. Most patients, however, can drive themselves without issue.

How long does a typical TMS session take?

A standard TMS session lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, allowing most patients to return to daily activities, including driving, soon after treatment.

Does TMS therapy impact cognitive or motor skills?

Research shows that TMS therapy does not significantly affect cognitive or motor function during or immediately after treatment, meaning most individuals can resume normal activities right away.

What should I do if I feel unwell after a TMS session?

If you experience any lingering or unusual symptoms after a TMS session, notify the clinic staff immediately and avoid driving until you feel well. In rare cases, seek medical advice or arrange for alternative transport.

Is TMS therapy safe for everyone?

TMS is generally safe, but those with a history of seizures, certain neurological disorders, or frequent migraines should consult with their clinician about potential risks before starting treatment.