Depression and other mental health conditions have been widely treated with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy. However, many people do not know that there are different types of TMS treatment, such as deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS).
At Cedar Park TMS, we want to make sure members of our community understand all of their mental health treatment options. As the first provider of TMS therapy in the area, we aim to educate our patients on how these treatments work and what makes each one unique. What is the difference between TMS and dTMS? Read on to learn more and meet with us today if you have any questions.
To understand the differences between TMS and dTMS, you must first understand what standard TMS therapy is. TMS therapy stimulates brain regions involved in mood regulation with magnetic pulses. This FDA-cleared treatment has been available since 2008 and is often recommended for people with depression who do not respond to traditional medication.
Cedar Park TMS is the first in the area to offer TMS therapy. Unlike large, impersonal chains, we are a local, hometown company that values personalized care. We work to help our patients achieve long-lasting results in a supportive atmosphere.
Though both TMS and dTMS use magnetic stimulation to target brain activity, the major difference between the two is how deeply the magnetic waves penetrate. Traditional TMS therapy involves stimulation of the prefrontal cortex with a figure-eight coil. It works well for depression and is used nationwide.
In dTMS therapy, an H-shaped coil allows magnetic pulses to enter deeper brain structures. This variation between TMS and dTMS means dTMS may target broader networks in the brain, making it useful for conditions beyond depression, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The ability to reach deeper brain structures makes dTMS a popular choice when traditional TMS therapy does not work.
Another important difference between TMS and dTMS is their effectiveness. Traditional TMS therapy is well-studied and effective in treating treatment-resistant depression. Many Cedar Park TMS patients have experienced relief from their symptoms with TMS therapy.
Newer dTMS has shown promising results, especially with OCD. Since dTMS reaches deeper brain structures, it may also benefit patients with severe symptoms. However, the effectiveness of both depends largely on the person’s condition and response to treatment.
Patients often want to know the difference in the treatment experience of both TMS and dTMS. With traditional TMS therapy, a coil is placed on the scalp and magnetic pulses are delivered precisely. Sessions last about five minutes, with patients in and out of the office in less than 15 minutes. Additionally, treatments are generally tolerated with little discomfort.
In dTMS therapy, a different coil design stimulates deeper brain regions. Some patients report slightly more intense sensations with dTMS because of increased stimulation depth, but both treatments are safe and well-tolerated.
At Cedar Park TMS, we strive to ensure every patient feels comfortable and informed throughout the procedure. Our team is here to address any concerns you have and support you through your mental health journey.
After learning the differences between TMS and dTMS, you might be wondering which treatment is right for you. It depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, and response to previous treatments. Our team at Cedar Park TMS can explain your options.
We live and work in this area, and we care for our patients. Unlike large corporate TMS providers, we focus on providing individualized care for each client. If you would like to learn more about the two therapies, we can discuss which one is best suited for you.
So, what is the difference between TMS and dTMS? The primary difference lies in how deeply they reach the brain and what conditions they can address. TMS therapy is a dynamic field, and ongoing research is seeking new ways to improve treatment efficacy.
Cedar Park TMS is at the forefront of these advancements while remaining a small-town and patient-first facility. If you are considering TMS therapy, contact us today. We are the first TMS therapy practice in the area and look forward to helping you on your mental health journey.
