The Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Side Effect Scale (NIBS-SES) is a free, quick, multi-language screening of adverse effects in transcranial magnetic, electrical and ultrasound stimulation

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All language versions and digital implementation files can be downloaded from the OSF repository 

Key features

• Cross-modality: One questionnaire usable for transcranial magnetic (TMS), electrical (tES) and ultrasound stimulation (TUS)

• Repeated-measure: Suitable for routine session-by-session monitoring

• Development: Based on empirical session data and structured literature review

• Acute vs. delayed effects: Separates sensations during stimulation from effects between sessions

• Usability: Revised via expert review for clarity, structure, and layout

• Availability: Open Access & professional translations for 15 languages 

Publication

Citation: TBA

FAQ

Is the questionnaire available in multiple languages?

Yes. Questionnaire has been professionally translated and reviewed by field experts for Arabic, Basque, Catalan, Dutch, French, Galician, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Persian, Portuguese, Spanish. All translations were reviewed for conceptual accuracy by field experts.

Is there a digital version of the questoinnaire available?

In addition to a paper-and-pencil version, digital implementations are available via Qualtrics and SoSci Survey. A REDCap-compatible instrument file will be made available via OSF to support standardized data collection across research sites.

Can the questionnaire be used repeatedly across sessions?

Yes. The NIBS-SES was developed for repeated, session-by-session administration and is suitable for routine safety monitoring across multiple sessions.

Does the NIBS-SES distinguish between acute vs. delayed side effects?

Yes. The instrument distinguishes between sensations or effects occurring during stimulation and those occurring between sessions.

How was the NIBS-SES developed?

Development combined empirical session data and structured literature review of adverse effects across TMS, tES, and tUS. An initial item pool was informed by 851 TMS sessions and adverse effects reported in the literature. The questionnaire was refined using structured expert ratings. Psychometric analyses supported feasibility for repeated administration. The final NIBS-SES distinguishes effects occurring during stimulation from those occurring between sessions.

Can I freely use the NIBS-SES in my study or clinic?

Yes. The NIBS-SES is open access and released under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. You may use, share, and adapt it —including for clinical or commercial contexts—provided you give appropriate credit and cite the original source.

Can I adapt or translate the questionnaire?

Yes. Adaptations and translations are permitted under CC BY 4.0. You may use, share, adapt, and translate the questionnaire for any purposes, as long as you give appropriate credit and cite the original publication/source.

License and terms of use 

The NIBS-SES is licensed under CC BY 4.0. You may use, share, adapt, and translate the questionnaire for any purposes, as long as you give appropriate credit and cite the original publication/source.