Patient Education

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BrainsWay’s 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.

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).

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. 

 The study demonstrated efficacy even among patients who had previously been found unresponsive to either psychotherapy or medication—which make up a large percentage of those battling OCD. Furthermore, these patients’ improvement was sustained for several weeks following the treatment’s conclusion. 

Deep TMS is a well-tolerated treatment option with a favorable safety profile. The Deep TMS system is operated by trained professionals required to follow specific guidelines that are designed to ensure the patient’s safety. It is a non-invasive treatment course that is not associated with any systemic side effects. Extra care is provided to facilitate a comfortable experience for the patient.

A 2019 study published by the Journal of Psychiatric Research underscored Deep TMS’s advantages, by finding that a combination of Deep TMS with antidepressant medication was a safe treatment course that offered significantly greater symptom relief than antidepressant medication alone. These results show that Deep TMS has the ability to enhance existing therapies, while offering its own unique advantage when treating issues of mental health. 

 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.

All individuals considering Deep TMS are encouraged to discuss this treatment with their doctor, to determine whether this treatment is right for them.

Out of concern for their personal safety, individuals included in the following categories should not undergo Deep TMS treatment:

• Patients with magnetic metal plates or devices implanted in or around their heads (this does not include standard amalgam dental fillings).
• Patients with implanted electronic devices in their bodies.
• Patients who have undergone a seizure, a medical condition or change in a medical condition that may put them at increased risk of having a seizure.

Additionally, the safety and efficacy of Deep TMS have not specifically been established in the following patient populations through a controlled clinical trial:

• Patients who have a suicide plan or have recently attempted suicide.
• Patients who do not meet DSM criteria for the relevant mental health condition.
• Patients less than 18 years of age or older than 68 years of age.
• Patients with a history of substance abuse.
• Patients with a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenic disorder, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disease, or major depression with psychotic features.
• Patients with psychoses or with psychiatric emergencies where a rapid clinical response is needed, such as immediate suicide risk.
• Patients with neurological conditions that include epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, increased intracranial pressure, having a history of repetitive or severe head trauma or with primary or secondary tumors in the CNS.
• Patients with metal in or around the head, including metal plates, aneurysm coils, cochlear implants, ocular implants, deep brain stimulation devices, and stents.
• Patients with implants controlled by physiological signals, including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and vagus nerve stimulators.
• Patients who are pregnant or nursing.