Counseling in Rexburg & Driggs, ID | Cress Creek Counseling

Getting to Know BrainsWay® Deep TMS™

BrainsWay® Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, also called Deep TMS™, is an innovative, noninvasive treatment designed to help appropriate patients with mental health and addiction conditions such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), anxious depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and smoking addiction. Using advanced H-Coil technology, Deep TMS™ delivers electromagnetic pulses to stimulate neurons in specific areas of the brain that are associated with mood regulation, impulse behavior, and cognitive function.

BrainsWay® Deep TMS™ is FDA-cleared for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder, anxious depression, OCD, and smoking addiction in appropriate patients. Individual results may vary. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine whether Deep TMS™ is appropriate for their condition.

Deep TMS™ at a Glance

Deep TMS™ has no systemic side effects commonly associated with medication, and no potential for memory loss, as sometimes seen with ECT. Sessions are short, and most patients experience no significant downtime, making it easy to integrate into daily life.

Patients are awake and alert during the short treatment session, sitting in a comfortable chair under a padded and cooled helmet. The noninvasive nature of Deep TMS™ means no needles, no anesthesia, and no permanent implants.

Many patients report symptom relief after completing a full course of treatment, and maintenance sessions may help sustain results over time. Deep TMS™ has been studied in clinical trials and may significantly improve symptoms and quality of life for appropriate patients, including some patients who have not seen sufficient benefit from traditional treatment options. Individual results may vary.

10 Things to Know Before You Go

Noninvasive treatment: Deep TMS™ is a noninvasive procedure, meaning it does not require surgery or implantation of any devices.
Well-tolerated procedure: Side effects, such as mild headache and scalp discomfort, are usually mild and typically subside after a few sessions.
Treatment frequency: Typically, treatments are scheduled 5 days a week for 4-6 weeks, with subsequent maintenance treatments when recommended.
No downtime: After a session, many patients can immediately resume normal activities.
Duration of each session: Each treatment lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Personalized care: Treatments are customized to each patient, with a pre-treatment Mapping session to tailor the therapy.
No need for sedation: There are no needles, no anesthesia, and no recovery period required.
Clinical evidence: BrainsWay® Deep TMS™ is FDA-cleared and backed by randomized-controlled clinical trials demonstrating its safety and efficacy for appropriate patients.
Insurance coverage: Many Medicare and private insurance plans provide coverage for Deep TMS™ treatment for eligible patients. Coverage varies by plan.
Not everyone is a candidate: Individuals with ferromagnetic implants in or near the head may not be candidates for Deep TMS™ due to the strong magnetic fields used. Inform your doctor if you have metal implants near your head.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does TMS work?

Deep TMS™ is a neurostimulation technology that uses a magnetic coil to activate neural networks in target areas of the brain implicated in mental health and addiction disorders. Treatment involves sitting comfortably in a chair in your healthcare provider's office and wearing a helmet containing a patented magnetic coil for approximately 20 minutes. BrainsWay® treatment does not cause systemic side effects and does not require hospitalization or anesthesia.

What is the success rate of Deep TMS™?

Deep TMS™ has shown positive results in clinical trials, with many patients reporting improvements in mood, anxiety, and overall well-being. The success rate can vary, but many patients experience meaningful symptom relief, with some achieving longer-term benefits. BrainsWay® patient education materials report that greater than 4 out of 5 patients with depression and greater than 1 out of 2 patients with OCD will achieve a response. Success is generally higher when patients complete the full course of treatment and follow through with maintenance sessions if recommended. Individual results may vary.

Are there any safety concerns related to Deep TMS™?

Deep TMS™ is a noninvasive treatment that has been tested in clinical trials. It is generally well-tolerated, but as with any medical treatment, patients should consult their healthcare provider to determine whether it is appropriate based on their medical history.

The most common side effects include headaches and application site pain or discomfort. Although rare, seizure is the most serious potential side effect associated with TMS treatment. Individuals with metal implants in or near the head may not be candidates for Deep TMS™ due to the strong magnetic fields used.

Indication and Safety Information

BrainsWay® Deep TMS™ is indicated by the FDA for the treatment of depressive episodes in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder, who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous anti-depressant medication treatment in the current episode.

Patients should consult with their doctor before undergoing BrainsWay® Deep TMS™. Not all patients are candidates for Deep TMS™ treatment. Eligibility is determined during a clinical evaluation.

The most common side effects include headaches and application site pain or discomfort. Although rare, seizure is the most serious potential side effect associated with TMS treatment. Patients with metal in or around the head, such as metal plates, implants, and stents, should not undergo Deep TMS™ treatment unless their healthcare provider determines it is safe and appropriate.

Who this helps

Deep TMS™ may help treat MDD, anxious depression, OCD, and smoking addiction.
It may be an option when other treatments haven’t worked or caused side effects.
Deep TMS™ can be used with medication or therapy.
Eligibility is determined during a clinical evaluation.
Patients with metal implants near the head may not qualify.

What to expect

Treatments are usually 5 days a week for 4–6 weeks, with maintenance sessions if needed.
Each session lasts about 20–30 minutes.
Patients stay awake and seated comfortably during treatment.
No needles, anesthesia, or recovery time is required.
Most patients can return to normal activities right after treatment.
Consistent attendance helps maximize results.
Results vary, and eligibility should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)