Deep TMS to Treat PTSD
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is a type of neurostimulation therapy believed to improve brain activity by stimulating specific parts of the brain. Although this technology is relatively new, it has already shown effectiveness in treating mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Common questions about TMS treatment for PTSD
You may have heard about this treatment option if you have PTSD. Your psychiatrist may recommend TMS as an alternative or supplement to your current medication and therapy if traditional treatment does not prove effective. When traditional treatment is not enough to improve a patient's quality of life with PTSD, they may decide that it is time to look into other options. Here are common questions and answers about TMS.
What is Deep TMS™?
Deep TMS is a technology developed by BrainsWay to treat various mental health diagnoses. It works by stimulating the brain with gentle electromagnetic pulses that increase activity in the brain.
Compared to standard TMS, Deep TMS can stimulate deeper structures in the brain. This enables it to treat a wider variety of mental health disorders more effectively.
Does Deep TMS treat PTSD?
A 2019 study from the Journal of Psychiatric Research showed promising results about the effectiveness of Deep TMS. Although the FDA in the U.S. has not yet cleared Deep TMS for PTSD treatment, it has received the European CE certification mark for PTSD treatment. BrainsWay continues to work toward expanding Deep TMS’s FDA certification to even more mental health conditions.
How long has TMS technology been around?
Scientists have explored the idea of stimulating the brain with electricity since 1985. In 1995, scientists published a study showing its effectiveness in treating depression.
TMS technology has continued to improve. In 2008, the FDA cleared standard TMS as a treatment for depression. Deep TMS, developed by BrainsWay, was approved for treating depression in 2013. In 2018, it was approved to treat OCD too.
In Europe, Deep TMS has received the CE certification mark for various conditions, including PTSD, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, bipolar disorder, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. It has also received the CE certification mark for post-stroke rehabilitation, chronic pain, and smoking cessation therapy.
Is TMS therapy risky or painful?
TMS treatment is painless and noninvasive. Some patients experience minor side effects, while others report no adverse side effects at all.
Headaches and scalp discomfort are the most common side effects, although they tend to subside after the first week of treatment. Some patients also report temporary discomfort during treatment, such as dizziness, discomfort, or facial twitching.
