Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is designed to treat depression, OCD, and other common disorders safely and effectively. Deep TMS works by emitting gentle magnetic pulses to the area of the brain that regulates mood. These pulses activate specific areas of the brain and decrease symptoms of depression. Patients will sit comfortably in a chair during their 20-minute session and can drive themselves home after treatment.

By targeting the prefrontal cortex, Deep TMS produces neuronal activity to positively affect mood regulation. Magnetic pulses pass through the brain which then induce activity in the brain cells. Depending on the protocol used for a specific patient, the pulse frequency is tuned to either stimulate or de-stimulate brain activity.

Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT for short, is a treatment based on electrically induced seizures, whereas BrainsWay’s Deep TMS treatment stimulates brain regions using brief magnetic pulses similar to those used in MRI systems. ECT requires anesthesia and has severe side effects, including memory loss. BrainsWay’s Deep TMS does not involve anesthesia, has no effects on memory, and is generally well tolerated.

Deep TMS is unsuitable if you have metal implants in or around the head (except for standard amalgam “silver” dental fillings). Those who have suffered any form of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) within the last 5 years, recent episodes of epileptic seizure, or any other brain-related conditions are unable to receive Deep TMS treatments.

BrainsWay’s treatment has been proven safe and effective, and has no side effects as commonly seen in medication. Common side effects of Deep TMS are headaches and scalp discomfort, generally temporary and mild. Other side effects may include muscle twitching and jaw pain during treatment. These can be treated with over the counter pain relievers.

Typically, patients hear a tapping sound and feel a tapping sensation in the head area during the 20 minute treatment. To diminish the sound, the patient is provided with earplugs.

As Deep TMS deals with stimulation of the brain, it is recommended to abstain from alcohol and illicit substances during your course of treatment. Changes to daily caffeine intake are not needed and Deep TMS does not cause any level of impairment. Once you are done with your daily treatment, you are free to resume your daily schedule.

Studies, and our own results, have shown Deep TMS treatment to be effective for patients with depression and anxiety, regardless of how many medications were tried in the current episode.