If you’re considering treatment for depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, you may have heard of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.
It’s an FDA – approved alternative treatment for depression that has proven to be effective for many people. TMS therapy is mainly used when other treatments, such as medication or psychotherapy, have not been successful.
How Does TMS Work?
TMS works by sending magnetic pulses through the skull and into the brain. These pulses stimulate the nerve cells in the area of the brain responsible for mood regulation. The stimulation helps improve communication between different parts of the brain – which boosts mood and alleviates other symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and Alzheimer’s disease.
TMS is typically performed five times per week for 4-6 weeks. Each session lasts about 20-40 minutes, during which time you will be awake and alert. Some people experience minor side effects such as headaches or scalp discomfort during and after treatment, but these typically go away within a few hours or days.
Traditional TMS Therapy VS Deep TMS Work
One recent advancement in TMS therapy is called Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS), which is considered more effective in treating depression than traditional TMS therapy. Here are some of the key differences between Traditional TMS and Deep TMS.
Stimulation Depth
Deep TMS differs from traditional TMS in that the magnetic pulses penetrate deeper into the brain. This allows for more precise targeting of areas that are involved with mood regulation, resulting in higher success rates.
Coil Type
The traditional TMS uses an 8-shaped coil, while Deep TMS uses a specialized H-coil that emits magnetic pulses in multiple directions. The H-coil shape is designed to penetrate the skull more deeply, resulting in better coverage of the targeted areas in the brain.
Session Length
Deep TMS treatments are shorter in duration than traditional TMS treatments – thanks to the high level of penetration. Each Deep TMS session lasts 20 minutes or less, compared to the 40-minute sessions of traditional TMS.
Which Is Right For Me?
TMS is a safe, non-invasive treatment that offers relief from depression and anxiety. While traditional TMS is effective for many people, Deep TMS has proven to be more successful in treating depression, especially where other treatment options have failed. Ultimately, the decision of which treatment is right for you should be made in consultation with your doctor.
The Takeaway
Both traditional TMS and Deep TMS are effective options for treating depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Both treatments involve the use of magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain responsible for mood regulation.
However, Deep TMS has been found to be more effective than traditional TMS therapy due to its ability to penetrate more deeply into the brain. Ultimately, it is best to speak with your doctor about which treatment option is right for you.