TMS, short form of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a treatment procedure used to reduce mental health illnesses symptoms, especially depression. It is an effective mental health treatment with an impressive success rate. As 50-60% of people who undergo this treatment process experience significant improvement in depression disorder.
If you are considering TMS therapy, it’s important to understand which type will suit you best. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy has three major types: Repetitive TMS (rTMS), Deep TMS (dTMS), and Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS). Each type has a different process, so choosing one based on your specific needs is crucial. Selecting an unsuitable type may result in temporary side effects. However, if a psychiatrist recommends the appropriate type for you, TMS is considered completely safe and should not cause side effects, not even a headache.
Today’s guide is designed to help you. We will understand every TMS type, explore its process, compare them, and highlight the most effective one. Let’s find out!
What is TMS Therapy?
Unlike brain surgery, TMS therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-approved (no skin-cutting) treatment. It uses magnetic pulses to activate the underactive brain cell responsible for mood regulation and depression relief.
For Which Mental Conditions is TMS Therapy Effective?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a “final-option” mental health treatment. Although this treatment is effective for OCD, smoking cessation, and other neurological conditions. But it is mainly used for treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Mostly, depression can go away with psychotherapy and medication. But for people whose depression has hit the severity level and almost no treatment works, “TMS Therapy” becomes the last hope.
How TMS Therapy Works?
In mental conditions like depression, some areas of the brain with important jobs become inactive. The reason behind chronic stress. And that’s the purpose of TMS therapy: to activate these areas. Ensure they function well and perform their jobs.
In this therapy, the magnetic pulses are used. These electric pulses pass through the skin and skull safely and target brain issues. The main purpose is to “activate” or create a “wake-up alarm” for neurons through little electrical currents in those areas that are inactive. Doing this, the neurons become activated.
After, they connect with active brain cells. This communication with cells responsible for mood regulation helps reduce depression. Also, TMS clears brain fog caused by major depressive disorder, as NAMI state 94% of patients with depression also have cognitive dysfunction.
Further, you can learn more about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in our detailed guide here.
Different Types of TMS Therapy
TMS therapy has three main types, including Repetitive TMS (rTMS), Deep TMS (dTMS), and Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS).
In all three types, Repetitive TMS is the standard and most commonly used. Further, the frequency and session change depending on the type. Also, each category addresses a specific condition according to the individual’s needs. Let’s explore each type of TMS system therapy in detail:
Repetitive TMS (rTMS)
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a widely recognized type of TMS. In this process, the coil placed on the scalp produces and delivers repetitive magnetic pulses to the brain. This constant delivery of powerful, yet painless, harmless electric current into the brain triggers neurons and improves mood regulation.
How rTMS Feels?
During this process, the patient sits on a machine, and the coil is placed on the head, and the process starts. The process is relaxed and irritation-free. As repetitive magnetic fields enter, the patient just feels “tapping” sensations. The frequency or intensity of these fields is very low and usually can’t cause any pain. However, in some people, this process can cause a temporary headache.
rTMS Treatment Duration
rTMS for depression is a non-surgical treatment process. It includes several sessions personalized to the severity of the patient’s condition. The sessions are divided by week, typically lasting 4 to 6 weeks.
Effectiveness of rTMS
rTMS mainly targets such brain regions responsible for cognitive functions, mainly the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC). That’s why the success rate of rTMS is highly impressive.
Research shows that 50 to 60% of patients who underwent rTMS experience significant improvements. Also, around 30% get fully recovered from depression disorder.
Here, it’s important to understand that the effectiveness of rTMS, or any other TMS therapy, depends on several factors. Results show that the patients with severe symptoms that medication doesn’t resolve have a lower ratio of being beneficial from rTMS. Similarly, a patient who notices a significant positive change in symptoms in the very initial few sessions might fully recover from the mental condition by the end of therapy sessions.
Deep TMS (dTMS)
Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or H-coil stimulation, is another type of TMS. Instead of sending magnetic fields through the coil in standard TMS, it uses a helmet-embedded H-coil.
dTMS is used for patients with chronic, resistant pain. The purpose of this type is to send electromagnetic fields more deeply. Plus, the H-shaped, helmet-inspired coil covers a massive head region, ensuring that the fields are equally distributed from all directions and a broader brain region is covered. Deep TMS is primarily used for the treatment of mental health illnesses like anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and major depressive disorder, etc.
How Does dTMS Feel?
The sensation will be the same as in standard TMS, maybe a little higher contrast to rTMS. As electromagnetic fields go deeper, a moderate sensation in the scalp can be felt. However, the process is completely safe and pain-free.
Some people may experience a headache or discomfort during the initial session, but after that, they become accustomed to these sensations. Moreover, healthcare professionals often provide you with earplugs to avoid irritation from the machine’s “clicking” noise.
How Deep TMS Helps Calm Brain
This non-invasive TMS therapy form targets deeper. It helps stabilize complex neural activity. Unlike rTMS, where magnetic fields go 1 to 2 cm below the scalp, the electromagnetic fields sent by dTMS go 4 to 6 centimeters deeper. This helps activate more profound brain cells linked to mind calmness and mood regulation.
Effectiveness of Deep TMS (dTMS)
Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is also very beneficial for patients with serious mental health illnesses, including persistent sadness and hard-to-manage depression. Research shows that approximately 70-80% of patients who undergo dTMS therapy experience major improvements in mental well-being. In contrast, around 50% or more enjoy a full recovery from mental conditions.
Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS)
TBS or Theta Burst Stimulation is another form of TMS treatment. With the same process and purpose as standard TMS, it helps improve the neural network by activating brain cells. TBS produces and sends high-frequency, powerful magnetic pulses in the brain in a specific rhythmic pattern that matches the brain’s theta rhythm. These “theta waves” are linked to memory, learning, and emotion regulation.
How Does Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) Work?
TBS is a last and modern TMS treatment process. It sends a powerful burst of magnetic fields at a frequency set to theta. So, instead of sending 600 pulses slowly and steadily, it sends 3 magnetic pulses at a time. Then a pause. The process repeats 5 times per second, sending a total of 600 pulses in a few minutes.
Theta Burst Stimulation Helps in Mental Conditions
This rapid, non-invasive form of TMS, Theta Burst Stimulation, helps people experience calmness, feel physiologically lighter, and be happy. TBS is used for treating several other mental health conditions, but has a high efficiency against depression and anxiety. The quick magnetic pulse burst and the multiple repetitions in one second help reset the brain and rebalance inactive regions. This improves mood regulation, reduces symptoms, and delivers mental relaxation.
Effectiveness of Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS)
Theta Burst Stimulation is a short-term treatment compared to the other two TMS types: rTMS and dTMS. Also, it’s a cost-effective alternative. Despite TBS’s time and cost-efficiency, it has maintained a meaningful success ratio. Recent reports show that patients with MDD notice significant symptom reductions after completing TMS sessions.
How Are All TMS Types Different From Each Another? rTMS vs dTMS vs TBS
Understanding the list of TMS by type individually, let’s identify how they are different from one another.
First, you have to understand that all treatment types are free from brain surgery (non-invasive). The purpose of all types is to deliver patient results, either meaningful symptom reduction or complete relief. But the approaches vary depending on several factors.
However, here are four main factors that differentiate these treatment types. These include:
- Coil Design (producing specific magnetic fields)
- Stimulation Depth (how far electric fields penetrate)
- Protocol Intensity (strength of magnetic fields to deliver)
- Sessions Duration (how long each session usually runs)
| Factors | rTMS | dTMS | TBS |
| Coil Design | Figure-8 coil | H-coil | Figure-8 coil |
| Stimulation Depth | Superficial | Deep | Superficial |
| Protocol Intensity | Patient Personalized | Patient Personalized | Patient Personalized |
| Session Duration | 19 to 40 min | Upto 20 min | 3 – 10 min |
Despite these factors, the other main factor is “primary target.” Means a specific brain area that each treatment type mainly focuses on. rTMS focuses on the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC). dTMS targets the border region (including DLPFC and ACC). Left DLPFC by TBS.
The Difference Between TMS & RTMS
This is another big confusion among the majority of people: TMS vs rTMS, same or different? The major reason behind this confusion is the interchangeability of names.
TMS is a treatment technology, while rTMS is a specific type of it. Just like transportation is a need, traveling via car, bus, or train is a choice. Because the use of synonymous names, like promoting rTMS treatment titled as TMS therapy, confuses people.
Here’s what they actually are:
- TMS: It is a term of general treatment technology in which treatment is provided by using magnetic fields.
- rTMS: A specific application of TMS treatment. It has its own unique stimulation depth and frequency values to send repetitive electromagnetic fields into the brain, slow and steady.
Which TMS Therapy Type is Best for You?
This is the question that raises many questions. Although rTMS is widely recognized and effective for treatment-resistant depression. But, it doesn’t mean it works for everyone, including one.
The selection of effective TMS therapy depends on a person’s psychological condition and severity. Also, it depends on the response to healthcare professionals during clinical assessments, medical history, personal life challenges, etc. These factors help determine which TMS therapy can be a life-changing treatment for you: rTMS, dTMS, or TBS.
Moreover, in some people, standard TMS treatment doesn’t work. Similarly, if you already get rTMS therapy, but can’t experience relief. Then, consulting with a healthcare professional might suggest Deep TMS or TBS to you. Also, people with hectic life schedules usually prefer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) for time efficiency. Mean, your psychological, physical, and life situation decides the best TMS treatment therapy for you.
When Should I Get Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
TMS therapy works as a “last-hope”, “life-changing” treatment method for many people with treatment-resistant depression. Usually, people seek, and professionals suggest TMS, when other effective treatments of depression, like psychotherapy and medication, don’t work. In other words, when multiple therapies and medications don’t appear as effective as they should be in offering patient relief from overwhelming thoughts, persistent sadness, and other depression symptoms impacting daily life.
If the same happens to you, no improvement is noticed after medication and trying therapies. You can go with TMS only on your healthcare professional’s recommendations. Also, this mental health treatment approach is non-invasive, meaning free from pain and faster mental health recovery.
What to do Next if TMS Doesn’t Work?
Undergoing the right TMS therapy helps many patients experience significant improvements. However, going through the chronic conditions that Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), the standard, doesn’t work for you, consulting with a professional, you can go with a second treatment approach, Deep TMS. And this is the beauty of TMS therapy, having tailored solutions for patients with mental health illnesses.
Moving to dTMS, the wider the area covered and the deeper the magnetic fields go. This can help solve complex neural networks. In case none of the treatment approaches works, which is rare, you can ask your psychiatrist for the crucial, immediate actions.
How Brain Power Wellness Institute Can Help With TMS Treatment?
Brain Power Wellness Institute is a trustworthy mental health services provider in California. We offer TMS therapy to patients with mental health conditions, especially depression disorder. Our TMS treatment process is based on modern approaches, expert supervision, and support. We provide everyone with personalized treatment in a specialized clinical setting to ensure efficiency and safety.
Visiting our clinic, our expert diagnoses you, offers you a listening ear to help you understand, and gentle care, ensuring you are in safe hands. Understanding your mental condition, our certified professionals help you in recovering from depressed psychological conditions with the help of the right treatment. Whether rTMS, dTMS, or TBS, we have all the options available, tailored to your needs for a healthy mind and a smily face. Connect with your certified healthcare professional today and get expert guidance. Visit our clinic or get telehealth services.
Final Thoughts!
TMS therapy is a modern, last-resort, and highly effective mental health treatment approach, especially for depression, anxiety, OCD, etc. It is classified into three main types: Repetitive TMS (rTMS), Deep TMS (dTMS), and Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS).
Each type follows a different approach to treat conditions for which other treatments don’t work. Varying by coil design, intensity, and stimulation depth, these treatments can be a life-changing option when everything seems hopeless, including psychotherapy and medication. Each TMS treatment application sends magnetic fields to the underactive region of the brain.
Also, each type targets different brain regions based on the person’s conditions and severity for specific needs. Highly effective for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), rTMS focuses on the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex. dTMS for ODC and PTSD targets broader and deeper brain regions, while the TBS destination is the Left DLPFC for relaxation from MDD.
