Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood and other mental health symptoms. Unlike traditional repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), Deep TMS is designed to reach broader and deeper areas of the brain.
Our practice uses the BrainsWay Deep TMS system, an advanced technology designed to deliver targeted magnetic stimulation without surgery, anesthesia, or medication. Deep TMS may be recommended for patients who have not experienced enough improvement with other treatments, such as medication or psychotherapy.
What is Deep TMS?
Deep TMS is an advanced form of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It uses repetitive magnetic pulses to stimulate specific neural networks in the brain associated with mood, thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
While traditional rTMS generally uses a figure-8 coil to stimulate more superficial areas of the brain, BrainsWay Deep TMS uses specialized H-Coil technology designed to stimulate broader and deeper brain regions.
The treatment is completely non-invasive. There are no incisions, no anesthesia, and nothing is implanted in the body. Patients remain awake and alert throughout treatment and can return to their normal daily activities afterward.
How does Deep TMS work?
During a Deep TMS session, you’ll sit comfortably while the BrainsWay treatment helmet is positioned on your head. Inside the helmet is BrainsWay’s specialized H-Coil, which delivers carefully controlled magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain.
These magnetic pulses stimulate neural activity in brain regions associated with the condition being treated. Repeated stimulation over a series of treatments may help improve the activity and communication of these brain networks.
During treatment, you may feel a tapping sensation on your scalp. You’ll remain awake and alert throughout the session, and no anesthesia or sedation is required.
What conditions can Deep TMS treat?
Deep TMS is best known as a treatment option for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), particularly for patients who have not experienced sufficient improvement with antidepressant medications or psychotherapy.
BrainsWay Deep TMS technology also has FDA-cleared applications for certain other conditions, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and smoking addiction, using condition-specific treatment protocols.
Whether Deep TMS is appropriate for you depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and other individual factors. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your needs and determine whether Deep TMS should be included in your treatment plan.
What does Deep TMS treatment feel like?
Deep TMS is generally well tolerated. During treatment, you may notice a tapping sensation on the scalp and, in some cases, mild muscle movement or discomfort around the treatment area.
Most patients remain comfortable throughout the session. Because Deep TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, you can remain awake during treatment and return to your normal activities afterward.
Treatment times can vary depending on the specific protocol being used, but sessions are generally brief and performed on an outpatient basis.
How long does it take to see results?
Deep TMS works gradually over a series of treatment sessions rather than producing an immediate change after a single appointment.
Some patients may begin noticing improvements in symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment, while others may require additional sessions before experiencing meaningful changes.
Your response to treatment will be monitored throughout the process, and your provider will discuss your progress and treatment recommendations with you.
Is Deep TMS safe?
Deep TMS is a non-invasive treatment and is generally well tolerated. Common side effects may include temporary scalp discomfort or headache during or shortly after treatment.
A rare but more serious potential risk associated with TMS treatment is seizure. Before beginning treatment, your healthcare provider will review your medical history and other relevant factors to determine whether Deep TMS is appropriate for you.
Because treatment does not require anesthesia or sedation, patients can typically resume their normal activities immediately after a session.
Why BrainsWay Deep TMS?
Our practice uses the BrainsWay Deep TMS system, which utilizes patented H-Coil technology designed to stimulate targeted brain structures while reaching broader and deeper areas than traditional TMS coils.
The BrainsWay system delivers treatment through a specially designed helmet containing the magnetic coil. Different treatment protocols and coil configurations are used depending on the condition being treated.
Deep TMS provides patients with a non-invasive treatment option that does not require surgery, anesthesia, or medication administration during the procedure.
Is Deep TMS right for me?
Deep TMS may be an option for patients who continue to experience symptoms despite trying other treatments. For depression, it is often considered when antidepressant medication or psychotherapy has not provided sufficient relief or has caused unwanted side effects.
However, Deep TMS isn’t appropriate for everyone. Your provider will review your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment history, medications, and relevant medical considerations before recommending treatment.
In Summary: Deep TMS is an advanced, non-invasive form of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Using the BrainsWay Deep TMS system and its specialized H-Coil technology, treatment delivers magnetic stimulation to targeted brain networks associated with mental health symptoms. Patients remain awake during treatment, anesthesia is not required, and there is typically no downtime afterward.
If you’re interested in Deep TMS, our team can discuss the treatment with you, answer your questions, and determine whether it may be appropriate for your individual treatment plan.
How long and how many appointments are there?
Deep TMS treatment is provided through a series of appointments. Session length may vary depending on the treatment protocol being used.
The recommended treatment plan for this service is 36 sessions total, although your individual treatment schedule may vary based on your condition, response to treatment, and your provider’s recommendations.