Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive method of delivering electrical stimulation to the brain. The technique involves the placement of a coil over the scalp and passing a rapidly alternating current through the coil wire. The electrical current produces a magnetic field that passes unimpeded through the scalp and bone and activates neurochemical events, including the release of neurotransmitters, thus helping to normalize neurotransmitter function.
BrainsWay's Deep TMS employs an H-coil helmet designed to encompass a broader surface area and stimulate deeper brain structures than conventional TMS, thus bringing significant improvements to patients. BrainsWay's Deep TMS devices are FDA-cleared to treat depression, anxious depression, OCD and aid in smoking cessation in adults.
What Is Deep TMS Therapy?
BrainsWay’s Deep TMS devices are FDA-cleared non-invasive treatments that stimulate the regions of the brain responsible for depression and OCD.
The treatment reaches deep structures of the brain, bringing significant improvements to patients.
It is an outpatient treatment that does not require hospitalization or anesthesia and entails no memory loss or systemic side-effects.
How does Deep TMS work?
Deep TMS transmits pulsed magnetic fields repetitively to the regions of the brain responsible for depression and OCD, stimulating nerve cells to activate neurochemical events, including the release of neurotransmitters, thus helping to normalize neurotransmitter function.
How effective is the Deep TMS treatment?
Depression:
In an international clinical study, 32.6% of the patients achieved remission and 38.4% attained response after five weeks. In real-life clinical settings, Deep TMS has proven to be effective for three out of four patients. Citation Harel et al. (51% remission rate and 75% response rate).
OCD:
In a multicenter, randomized controlled study, 38% of patients achieved a response to the treatment, corresponding to a greater than 30% reduction in OCD symptoms (as measured by the Y-BOCS scale, and 54% achieved a partial response, corresponding to a greater than 20% reduction in OCD symptoms.
Smoking Cessation:
A large study in 14 centers examined adults who had been long-term heavy smokers, all having failed prior quit attempts using medication, therapy or other methods. Of those that completed Deep TMS treatment, 28% achieved four consecutive weeks without smoking, most of them not smoking for at least three months after treatment. Among all participates in the study, the average number of cigarettes smoked per week over the course of treatment was reduced by 75%.
What are the risks?
There is no recovery time and the procedure has minimal side effects, allowing patients to drive freely to appointments at their convenience without any additional support.
How long is a course of Deep TMS treatment?
A course of treatment for depression typically consists of 36 treatments, with treatments occurring 5 days per week for 4 weeks or 4 days per week for 5 weeks, then decreasing to 2 days per week for 8 weeks.
A course of treatment for OCD typically consists of 29 treatments, with treatments occurring 5 days per week for 5 weeks, then 4 days per week in the final week.
A course of treatment for OCD typically consists of 29 treatments, with treatments occurring 5 days per week for 5 weeks, then 4 days per week in the final week.
Is Deep TMS covered by insurance?
Deep TMS for depression is covered by Medicare and most private payers. The rates are different for each carrier. Payers typically pre-authorize patients for 30 treatment sessions which can be continued.
The OCD treatment just recently gained approval, and insurance coverage is increasing.
Smoking cessation is self-pay only.
Why should you choose Deep TMS treatment?
May reduce the need for medications or reduce the dosage
Proven to be effective for treatment-resistant patients
Non-invasive treatment
Outpatient procedure that uses no anesthesia
Short treatment sessions
No long-term side effects, including systemic side effects from antidepressant medication