Understanding TMS Therapy

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐓𝐌𝐒?

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS™) is a unique, non-invasive treatment that utilizes magnetic fields to treat various mental health conditions, by effectively regulating the neural activity of brain structures found to be associated with those conditions. FDA-cleared to treat both depression and OCD, Deep TMS has been shown to be well-tolerated and proven effective in alleviating adverse symptoms.

During the Deep TMS treatment process, a padded helmet containing BrainsWay’s patented H-coil is fitted over the patient’s head. The helmet then sends out magnetic pulses that influence the neural activity of the relevant brain structures. The non-invasive treatment process does not require anesthesia and each session lasts about 20 minutes, allowing you to incorporate them into your daily routine.

With Deep TMS technology at the forefront of mental health therapy, BrainsWay continues to strive to offer relief to patients in need.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞

A growing body of research has found Deep TMS to successfully alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions. These studies use gold-standard benchmarks, such as randomized, double-blind protocols and in-depth analyses, to reach solid, evidence-based conclusions. They have been published in such well-regarded journals as The American Journal of Psychiatry, World Psychiatry and the Journal of Psychiatric Research.

Due to its success in offering symptom relief and its favorable safety profile, Deep TMS has already been granted FDA clearance to treat both major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐓𝐌𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

A 2015 study published in World Psychiatry highlighted Deep TMS’s effect on treatment-resistant participants with MDD. The study, aggregating data from 20 academic medical centers, concluded that Deep TMS treatment led to remission in roughly one in three participants following the acute phase’s four weeks of treatment. Study participants were treatment-resistant patients who had previously not significantly benefited from antidepressant medication. Results from this study were considered so conclusive as to earn Deep TMS its first FDA clearance status.

𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐓𝐌𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐂𝐃

In addition to depression, Deep TMS has also been FDA-cleared (De Novo) to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Its efficacy in treating this condition was demonstrated in a 2019 publication in the American Journal of Psychiatry. The study utilized the Y-BOCS rating scale, considered the gold standard tool used by psychologists and psychiatrists to measure the severity of OCD.

𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐓𝐌𝐒 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬

Individuals undergoing Deep TMS treatment may experience a mild headache or scalp discomfort during the procedure itself, with some reporting a tapping sensation in the targeted area. Generally, side effects such as headaches that may arise following the Deep TMS procedure are mild, and tend to pass within a short amount of time. There is also a very rare risk of seizure associated with the treatment.

Side effects prevalent with other treatments like weight gain, sexual dysfunction or memory effects were not observed in patients following Deep TMS treatment.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a medical device treatment used to treat a number of different mental health and neurological disorders. Its technological apparatus sends out an electromagnetic field with the ability to safely reach brain structures found to take part in the appearance of the targeted condition. By influencing these structures, TMS is able to safely regulate their neural activity, creating a more stable cadence to their activation, thereby facilitating symptom alleviation and contributing to the patient’s well-being.

TMS treatment typically involves a series of 10-to-20-minute sessions over a period of several weeks. As it is noninvasive, TMS does not necessitate the use of anesthesia, nor does it require a lengthy recovery period. Patients are normally able to drive themselves to and from treatment sessions, allowing them to incorporate TMS into their daily schedules.

TMS does not cause any significant, long-lasting, or adverse side effects. Its most common side effect being a localized headache at the site of activation, which typically passes on its own after the first few sessions.

TMS therapy is offered by mental health clinics and professionals across the US and around the world, making the treatment more available than ever before. Its safety and efficacy have been recognized by research centers and national agencies across the globe.