Deep TMS vs. TMS

As mental health treatments continue to evolve, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a promising non-invasive therapy for conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). There have been many innovations in this field over the last decades, with new techniques offering better results, shorter procedure time, and higher safety. Traditional TMS and Deep TMS represent two distinct approaches to brain stimulation therapy, each with unique characteristics and benefits. While both technologies use magnetic fields to stimulate neural activity, their mechanisms, effectiveness, and treatment protocols differ significantly and are worth exploring.

Deep TMS vs. TMS

Home > About us > Blog > Deep TMS Vs. TMS

Table Of Contents

Differences Between Deep TMS and rTMS

04 -

TMS vs. tTMS: Summary

05 -

Which One Is Better for Treating Major Depressive Disorder?

06 -

Mindset TMS Offers Top-Quality TMS Procedures in Greeley, CO

What Is Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS)?

Deep TMS is a proprietary technology developed by BrainsWay®. Its unique H-coil design reaches deeper brain regions than traditional TMS systems. This innovative technique creates a broader and more intense magnetic field, allowing practitioners to stimulate extensive neural networks. The specialized helmet-like device in Deep TMS enables the pulses to penetrate up to 4 centimeters (1.57 inches) beneath the skull, offering more comprehensive treatment coverage.

Procedure

What Is Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)??

rTMS is a traditional form of brain stimulation that uses a figure-8 coil to target specific neural areas. The procedure involves placing the device against the scalp to module more superficial layers, typically reaching depths of 0.7 centimeters (0.28 inches). Through repeated magnetic pulses, rTMS activates or inhibits neural activity in targeted areas associated with various mental health conditions.

Procedure

Differences Between Deep TMS and rTMS?

Treatment Depth

One of the most significant distinctions between these technologies is their ability to penetrate brain tissue. While rTMS can reach approximately 0.7 centimeters beneath the skull, Deep TMS treatment may effectively stimulate neural pathways up to 4 centimeters deep. This substantial difference in penetration depth is achieved through the unique H-coil design, which generates a broader magnetic field. The enhanced reach allows clinicians to target deeper brain structures that may play crucial roles in mental health conditions, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients who haven’t responded well to traditional treatments.

Coil Type

The fundamental engineering difference between these therapies lies in their coil designs. Traditional rTMS employs a figure-8 coil that produces a focused, concentrated magnetic field at the intersection of the two rings (see a picture below). In contrast, Deep TMS utilizes specialized H-coils, which are more complex in design. They can generate broader and deeper magnetic fields. The H-coil technology has evolved to include several variants, each optimized for specific conditions:

The H1 coil is designed for treating MDD, anxious depression, and late-life depression.
The H4 coil specifically targets neural pathways associated with smoking addiction.
The H7 coil has demonstrated effectiveness in treating major depression, OCD, and anxious depression.

FDA Approvals

After extensive clinical trials, both technologies have received FDA clearance for multiple psychiatric conditions. Deep TMS has secured approval for treating MDD, OCD, anxious depression, and smoking addiction, with the unique distinction of being the only technique forlate-life depression (ages 68-86). Traditional rTMS received similar approvals for these conditions (except for late-life depression). NeuroStar® is currently the only FDA-approved rTMS system for addressing adolescent depression. This is a significant advancement in therapeutic options for younger patients with treatment-resistant depression. The regulatory approvals reflect each technology’s safety and efficacy in controlled clinical settings.

Session Duration

Session length varies depending on the treatment plan, although both techniques require relatively comparable time commitments. Traditional rTMS procedures typically range from 18 to 40 minutes, with newer accelerated protocols potentially reducing the duration of sessions. Deep TMS treatments span 20 to 40 minutes, with the length determined by the mental health condition and the chosen stimulation parameters. The flexibility in procedure duration allows clinicians to tailor therapy plans to individual patient needs while maintaining high efficacy. When selecting between these options, you should consider that the total time investment extends slightly beyond the actual stimulation period to include setup and positioning.

Targeted Brain Regions

While both technologies stimulate nerve cells in specific brain areas, their approaches to targeting differ significantly. Traditional rTMS delivers focused pulses to precise locations, primarily the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), with limited spread to surrounding regions. Deep TMS, however, creates a broader magnetic field that simultaneously affects multiple brain networks and interconnected zones. This comprehensive stimulation pattern can be particularly advantageous when treating conditions that involve several neural circuits. The more extensive coverage area of Deep TMS also decreases the likelihood of targeting errors, potentially leading to more consistent results across sessions.

Side Effects

Both Deep TMS and rTMS are considered significantly safer alternatives to more invasive treatments like vagus nerve stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy, or deep brain stimulation. TMS side effects are generally mild and transient, including scalp discomfort and occasional headaches that typically diminish after the first few sessions. While both treatments share similar safety profiles, Deep TMS patients might experience slightly more adverse reactions due to the broader stimulation zone. However, this difference is minimal and usually well-tolerated. Importantly, neither treatment carries the cognitive side effects often associated with medications or more invasive procedures. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after each session.

Efficacy for Specific Conditions

Clinical studies have demonstrated varying response rates between Deep TMS and rTMS across different conditions. Both technologies show significant therapeutic benefits. Understanding these distinctions in treatment outcomes can help you make informed decisions about your journey toward mental wellness:

Major Depressive Disorder

Deep TMS: 80% response rate
rTMS: 40-60% response rate

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Deep TMS: 38-73% response rate
rTMS: 58% response rate

Smoking Cessation

Deep TMS: 28% quit rate at 1 month
rTMS: 23.8% quit rate at the target date

Equipment Design

The physical configuration of the two technologies reflects their distinct approaches to brain stimulation. Deep TMS utilizes a helmet-like device containing the H-coil, which encompasses a more significant portion of the patient’s head and provides more comprehensive coverage. This design allows for a more comfortable and stable treatment experience, as the helmet maintains consistent positioning throughout the session. In contrast, rTMS employs a more compact figure-8 coil mounted on an articulating arm, requiring precise positioning and maintenance of the location during sessions. While both systems include sophisticated cooling mechanisms and computerized control interfaces, the Deep TMS helmet design offers more stability and potentially reduces the need for continuous adjustments during procedures.

Deep TMS vs. rTMS: A Summary

Feature

Deep TMS

rTMS

Penetration Depth

Up to 4 cm beneath the skull

Nearly 0.7 cm beneath the skull

Coil Type

H-coil with a broader magnetic field

Figure-8 coil with focused magnetic field

FDA Approvals

MDD, OCD, anxious depression, smoking addiction, late-life depression

MDD, OCD, anxious depression, adolescent depression

Session Duration

20-40 minutes, depending on the protocol

18-40 minutes with accelerated options

Targeted Brain Regions

Broader coverage of multiple neural networks

Focused targeting, primarily DLPFC

Side Effects

Mild discomfort, headaches, muscle twitches, lightheadedness.

Mild discomfort, headaches, muscle twitches, lightheadedness

Efficacy (MDD)

80% response rate

40-60% response rate

Efficacy (OCD)

38-73% response rate

58% response rate

Efficacy (Smoking Cessation)

28% quit rate at 1 month

23.8% quit rate at target date

Equipment Design

Helmet-like device with stable positioning

Compact coil mounted on an articulating arm

Deep TMS

rTMS

Penetration Depth

Up to 4 cm beneath the skull

Penetration Depth

Nearly 0.7 cm beneath the skull

Coil Type

H-coil with a broader magnetic field

Coil Type

Figure-8 coil with focused magnetic field

FDA Approvals

MDD, OCD, anxious depression, smoking addiction, late-life depression

FDA Approvals

MDD, OCD, anxious depression, adolescent depression

Session Duration

20-40 minutes, depending on the protocol

Session Duration

18-40 minutes with accelerated options

Targeted Brain Regions

Broader coverage of multiple neural networks

Targeted Brain Regions

Focused targeting, primarily DLPFC

Side Effects

Mild discomfort, headaches, muscle twitches, lightheadedness.

Side Effects

Cognitive enhancement, motor learning, stroke rehab, chronic pain, and depression.

Efficacy (MDD)

80% response rate.

Efficacy (MDD)

40-60% response rate

Efficacy (OCD)

38-73% response rate

Efficacy (OCD)

58% response rate

Efficacy (Smoking Cessation)

28% quit rate at 1 month

Efficacy (Smoking Cessation)

23.8% quit rate at target date

Equipment Design

Helmet-like device with stable positioning

Equipment Design

Compact coil mounted on an articulating arm

Which One Is Better for Treating Major Depressive Disorder?

When evaluating the effectiveness of these technologies in treating depression, clinical evidence suggests that Deep TMS may hold a slight advantage. Its ability to stimulate broader and deeper brain regions has demonstrated higher efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms, with studies showing response rates of up to 80% compared to rTMS’s 40-60%. However, individual patient factors, such as the severity of the condition, previous treatment history, and specific symptom patterns, play crucial roles in determining the most appropriate therapy choice. Both technologies represent significant advances in non-invasive brain stimulation, and the selection between them should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s needs, anatomical considerations, and treatment goals rather than solely on general efficacy rates. Our experienced specialists at Mindset TMS help each individual select the safest and most effective treatment.

Mindset TMS Offers Top-Quality TMS Procedures in Greeley, CO

At Mindset TMS in Greeley, our distinguished team of mental health professionals delivers comprehensive TMS therapy. We combine cutting-edge technology with personalized treatment approaches supported by skilled nurse practitioners, certified TMS technicians, dedicated staff members, and a board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Nicholle Peralta. Our comprehensive care model integrates innovative therapies with traditional psychiatric services, offering hope to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and OCD. With a mission focused on transforming mental health care, Mindset TMS provides a welcoming environment where patients can access advanced treatment options and expert guidance on their journey to recovery.

Deep TMS vs. TMS

What Is Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS)?

What Is Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)??

Differences Between Deep TMS and rTMS?

Treatment Depth

Coil Type

FDA Approvals

Session Duration

Targeted Brain Regions

Side Effects

Efficacy for Specific Conditions

Major Depressive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Smoking Cessation

Equipment Design

Deep TMS vs. rTMS: A Summary

Which One Is Better for Treating Major Depressive Disorder?

Mindset TMS Offers Top-Quality TMS Procedures in Greeley, CO

What Patients are Saying