Brainsway Deep TMS

What is Deep TMS?

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) is a safe, non-invasive, outpatient procedure shown to help patients who have not benefited from antidepressant medication. Deep TMS utilizes repeated magnetic pulses to safely and effectively regulate neural activity related to various mental health conditions. There are currently two kinds of TMS devices available as a form of therapy: the earlier, standard rTMS and the more advanced Deep TMS. While they share certain similarities, each holds its own unique attributes, with standard rTMS being the first on the market, and Deep TMS being the only non-invasive therapy FDA-cleared to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Standard rTMS and Deep TMS activate a series of magnetic pulses that safely reach the brain structures shown to be related to a number of mental health conditions. The repeated pulses influence and regulate targeted brain structures’ neural activity thereby reducing adverse symptoms of MDD and OCD.

Why Choose Deep TMS vs standard rTMS?

A 2019 study on MDD, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research reported that when examined across all MDD levels of severity, both standard rTMS and Deep TMS treatments resulted in significantly higher remission rates when combined with pharmacology, as opposed to pharmacotherapy alone. Response rates, however, were found to be significantly higher for Deep TMS and pharmacotherapy than both standard rTMS and pharmacotherapy, and pharmacotherapy alone.

Differences between Deep TMS and standard rTMS occur on a number of levels, including their FDA clearance status, scope of influence, and treatment effectiveness.

BrainsWay Deep TMS was FDA approved for MDD in 2013 and OCD in 2018. The magnetic pulses generated by Deep TMS are able to achieve activation depths significantly greater and create a wider field of stimulation than standard rTMS. This is important given that the location of target structures involved in the symptoms caused by MDD and OCD varies by individual and the greater depth and size of the magnetic field lowers targeting issues and improves efficacy.

What should I expect in a Deep TMS session?

Deep TMS is administered by our providers and our Deep TMS Certified Technician. During a Deep TMS treatment session, the magnetic coil, fitted into a helmet, is secured snugly to the patient’s head. Patients will hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on the scalp

Treatment is targeted to the region of the brain called the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Each daily treatment lasts approximately 20 minutes and treatment is usually completed over a 6-9 week period. Daily sessions are conducted Monday through Friday, excluding holidays when Dallas CADT is closed.

This treatment does not involve any anesthesia or sedation, and patients remain awake and alert during each treatment. Deep TMS is associated with few side effects, the most common being mild scalp discomfort during treatment. Patients are able to drive themselves to and from appointments and continue with daily activities without modification.

How are referring psychiatrists or healthcare providers involved in Deep TMS?

Preston Hollow Psychiatry Group and the Dallas CADT work with referring healthcare providers to ensure open and efficient communication about patient progress in Deep TMS. Patients maintain their ongoing relationships with their current psychiatric provider, and treatment updates from our office will be shared periodically. Once treatment is complete, patients return for follow-up care to their primary psychiatric provider.