TMS Therapy in Houston, TX - Effective Depression Treatment

What is TMS Therapy?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate targeted brain areas. FDA-approved, it is primarily designed for individuals with depression and other mental health conditions who haven’t experienced relief from traditional therapies, such as medications or talk therapy.

Deep TMS, a specialized form of TMS available at our clinic, penetrates deeper brain regions using advanced coil technology. This approach enhances treatment outcomes for depression, OCD, and more. Deep TMS is covered by most major insurance providers, making it an accessible option for many patients.

We also offer SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy), an advanced, accelerated form of TMS. SAINT provides rapid results, completing treatment within days rather than weeks, and is available as a self-pay option.

With ongoing research expanding its potential applications, TMS therapy remains a safe, effective, and transformative solution for those seeking relief.

TMS Testimonials

Real People, Real Results

Depression Patient Treated with Brainsway Deep TMS.

Depression Patient Experiences Significant Improvement with Deep TMS Treatment.

OCD Patient’s Quality of Life Significantly Improves After TMS.

Types of TMS

Traditional TMS

Traditional Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) uses a figure-8 coil to stimulate nerve cells in specific brain regions, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This non-invasive treatment is most commonly used for individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not responded to standard antidepressant therapies. Sessions typically last 20–40 minutes, conducted five days a week over 4–6 weeks. While effective, Traditional TMS primarily targets superficial brain regions, reaching a depth of up to 1.5 cm. Some patients may experience mild side effects, such as scalp discomfort or headaches, due to the focused nature of the stimulation.

Deep TMS

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) utilizes a patented H-coil system to stimulate deeper brain regions, penetrating up to 4 cm beneath the skull. This advanced technology allows for broader stimulation, reaching areas such as the anterior cingulate cortex, crucial in mood regulation and psychiatric function. Deep TMS is FDA-cleared for treating depression and OCD and shows promise in addressing other conditions like PTSD and addiction. Treatment sessions are comparable in length to traditional TMS but offer enhanced efficacy by minimizing focal discomfort and providing broader activation for complex cases.

Accelerated iTBS

Accelerated Intermittent Theta Burst (iTBS) for Depression stimulates the left frontal part of the brain (Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex), promoting neural connections in this area but at a faster rate with the Theta Burst protocol. Intermittent Theta Burst (iTBS) is a new approach to TMS therapy, having a higher frequency and shortening the treatment length from the traditional 20-40 minutes to 3 minutes. Theta Burst treatments cost $4,600 if there is no insurance coverage, or $200 each versus $400 for traditional rTMS. Multiple treatments can be done in one day to complete the course faster with faster results. Theta Burst is considered an off-label protocol, equivalent to traditional rTMS, and is FDA-approved on the Brainsway Horizon Performance system. Some insurance companies can cover Theta Burst on a Brainsway, but it can be performed on a Brainsway machine for out-of-pocket and deep stimulation.

SAINT

SAINT is an advanced and accelerated form of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) designed to deliver rapid relief for treatment-resistant depression. Developed at Stanford University, SAINT combines precise targeting of specific brain regions with multiple short sessions conducted over a condensed timeframe. Unlike traditional TMS, which can take weeks, SAINT typically completes treatment within 5 days, offering faster and more effective outcomes.

At our clinic, SAINT is available as a self-pay option for patients seeking a cutting-edge solution to severe depression. This innovative therapy provides hope for those who haven’t responded to medications or other treatments, delivering results that can significantly improve quality of life in a fraction of the time.

cTBS for Anxiety

Anxiety cTBS, or Anxiety Continuous Theta Burst, is an off-label protocol that stimulates the right frontal part of the brain (right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex) with either a deep coil or figure-8 coil, inhibiting neural communication in this overactive area. When the machine is started, the continuous stimulation prevents the neurons from firing, reducing the occurrence of anxiety symptoms like worrying thoughts. This treatment uses high-frequency theta burst to significantly shorten the treatment length to just 40-70 seconds.
The protocol is quick and has promising results. It can be easily added to depression TMS for bilateral stimulation.

Many depressed individuals exhibit a combination of depressive and anxious symptoms,s and bilateral stimulation is a beneficial way to target both disorders. Please ask Dr. Prashad if this is the right fit for you.

Different TMS Devices

Several FDA-approved TMS systems treat depression and other psychiatric disorders. At our clinic, we use the Brainsway Deep TMS system, which has been FDA-approved since 2013. The Brainsway system utilizes a unique H1 coil developed at the National Institute of Health (NIH, to provide deeper and broader brain stimulation compared to other TMS devices.

In 2018, the FDA also approved the H7 coil for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) using Brainsway’s Deep TMS system. The H1 and H7 coils are integrated into a helmet designed for comfort and precise targeting. These deep coils offer broader and more effective stimulation of targeted areas, making them a powerful tool in treating depression, OCD, anxiety, ADHD, and even smoking cessation.

By stimulating key areas such as the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (LDLPFC), Brainsway Deep TMS helps improve brain function and mood in patients with treatment-resistant depression, as well as addressing other conditions like OCD and anxiety.

Combination Therapies

For some patients, the combination of IV ketamine with deep TMS may be especially useful. Deep TMS is a drug-free, non-invasive, FDA-approved, innovative approach to treating treatment-resistant depression. It is also a very useful treatment for anxiety with long-lasting benefits. This combination often leads to longer-lasting effects from ketamine. During a consultation, Dr. Prashad can determine if you are a good candidate for this combination. The cost of the ketamine infusion is discounted when patients are undergoing the combination treatment.

Smoking Cessation with TMS

Smoking Cessation TMS is a new and innovative treatment for cigarette smoking addiction recently approved by the FDA. TMS therapy stimulates areas of the brain associated with addiction, the bilateral insula and prefrontal cortex, to reduce tobacco cravings and increase impulse control. BrainsWay has uniquely designed a magnetic coil to fit in a padded helmet to deliver electromagnetic waves at a deeper and broader rate for smoking cessation, known as the H4 helmet. The H4 helmet is the only coil approved by the FDA to treat smoking addiction. Smoking Cessation TMS is safe and effective, inducing minimal side effects such as headaches.

In a double-blind, multicenter study of 262 participants, those who received TMS treatment showed significant improvement in the rate of quitting, having fewer cravings, and overall smoking fewer cigarettes per week. About 28% of participants with a long history of smoking and failing multiple attempts maintained an abstinence from smoking cigarettes for 4 weeks. The number of cigarettes smoked per week was reduced by about 75% at week 6. To learn more, click here.

Smoking Cessation TMS requires one daily treatment for 5 days a week for just 3 weeks. After 3 weeks of daily treatment, the treatment is tapered to one weekly session for an additional 3 weeks. The course of treatment takes about six weeks, and there is a total of 18 treatments. The treatment protocol requires a provocation before delivering TMS, such as showing a cigarette, to improve response rates by activating the regions of the brain associated with the addiction. For any additional questions or to see if you qualify, please schedule a consultation to learn more about TMS and how it can help with your smoking addiction.

Why Consider TMS Therapy?

Deep TMS and medication show a significant increase in remission rates compared to medication alone.

BrainsWay Deep TMS + Medication: 60% Remission Rate

Medication Alone: 11% Remission Rate

BrainsWay Deep TMS improves depression symptoms more substantially than standard rTMS using a Figure-8 coil.

BrainsWay Deep TMS + Medication: 67% Remission Rate

Medication Alone: 44% Remission Rate

The HAM-D17 reduction was significantly greater with BrainsWay Deep TMS plus medication than with standard rTMS plus medication.

BrainsWay Deep TMS + Medication: 59% Remission Rate

Medication Alone: 41% Remission Rate

TMS FAQs

Common Questions and Answers

Who is eligible for Deep TMS Therapy?

Deep TMS therapy is an effective option for individuals with treatment-resistant mental health conditions such as depression, OCD, and anxiety. Eligibility typically includes patients who have not experienced sufficient relief from one or more medication trials or psychotherapy. It is important to note that individuals with metal implants in or near the head, such as cochlear implants or aneurysm clips, may not be candidates due to the magnetic field used during treatment. Patients with a history of seizures or psychotic disorders will need a thorough evaluation to determine their suitability for TMS. Most major insurance providers cover Deep TMS for major depressive disorder when prior treatments have been unsuccessful. Coverage for OCD may vary depending on the provider and policy.

What evidence exists for Deep TMS effectiveness, and has it been tested?

Deep TMS has undergone rigorous evaluation through more than 60 clinical studies conducted at prominent institutions worldwide. These studies, published in reputable peer-reviewed journals, have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of BrainsWay’s Deep TMS therapy in alleviating symptoms of mental health conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, OCD, and smoking addiction. The FDA has approved Deep TMS for depression that has not responded to other treatments, as well as for OCD and short-term smoking cessation. Deep TMS is now accessible in the U.S., Europe, South America, and Asia, offering a safe and reliable solution for patients seeking relief.

Are there any safety concerns related to Deep TMS Therapy?

Deep TMS treatment is a noninvasive procedure that has been well-tolerated in clinical trials and actual practice usage. Based on your personal medical history, you should consult your doctor to see whether Deep TMS is right for you.

Are there any side effects, risks, or discomfort with Deep TMS?

Deep TMS is a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation technique used to treat conditions such as depression, OCD, and smoking addiction. During treatment, patients may experience a tapping sensation and mild pressure at the treatment site, which typically diminishes after a few sessions. The most common side effect is temporary, mild discomfort or pain during the first week of treatment. Other side effects, such as muscle twitching or jaw pain, are rare and generally do not last. Deep TMS has no known systemic side effects, making it a well-tolerated and effective therapy for many patients.

How long does Deep TMS treatment take?

Deep TMS treatment typically lasts four to six weeks, with patients attending sessions five times a week. Each session itself takes approximately 20 minutes, but the entire visit may take 30–40 minutes to account for necessary paperwork or an additional booster if required. Depending on the condition being treated, follow-up maintenance sessions may also be recommended after the initial treatment phase.

Is fMRI navigation required for Deep TMS treatments?

No, fMRI navigation is not required for Deep TMS. While patients often fixate on fMRI as a flashy tool, BrainsWay’s advanced H-Coil technology ensures precise targeting of deeper brain regions without the need for additional imaging. This simplifies the treatment process while maintaining its effectiveness. It’s also important to highlight that we offer SAINT treatments (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy), an advanced and accelerated protocol. SAINT is particularly valuable for patients requiring acute care, as it delivers rapid relief in a shorter timeframe compared to standard TMS protocols.

What happens during a TMS session?

Deep TMS treatment employs BrainsWay’s proprietary H-Coil technology to modulate brain activity and enhance patients’ mental health and well-being. During the procedure, a helmet equipped with the H-coil is placed on the patient’s head, delivering magnetic pulses to specific brain regions. This noninvasive approach allows patients to engage in activities like reading or browsing social media during sessions. Patients typically feel a mild tapping sensation on their scalp during treatment. Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes, after which patients can resume normal activities, including driving.

What do patients usually feel during a Deep TMS session?

During a Deep TMS therapy session, patients commonly hear a tapping sound and feel a tapping sensation on their head. To reduce the noise, earplugs are provided to the patient.

Some individuals may experience temporary, mild pain or discomfort at the treatment site during the session, usually limited to the first week of Deep TMS treatment. Other possible side effects include muscle twitching and jaw pain.

Will I need to stop my current medications?

Deep TMS treatment is safe to combine with any sort of medication or psychotherapy. Deep TMS is both noninvasive and found to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions in combination with other forms of therapy or as a standalone treatment.

Does insurance cover Deep TMS?

Coverage for Deep TMS varies based on the type of treatment, location, and insurance policy. In the U.S., BrainsWay’s Deep TMS therapy is covered by Medicare and most major private insurance providers for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The company is also actively working to secure insurance coverage for FDA-cleared treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and smoking cessation.

How does Deep TMS compare to ECT?

ECT involves inducing seizures through electrical stimulation, whereas BrainsWay Deep TMS therapy targets specific brain regions using short magnetic pulses at amplitudes comparable to those of MRI machines. ECT necessitates the use of anesthesia and can lead to significant side effects, such as memory loss. In contrast, BrainsWay Deep TMS therapy does not require anesthesia, does not affect memory, and is typically well-tolerated.

Are accelerated dTMS treatments available for OCD and MDD?

Yes, accelerated Deep TMS (dTMS) protocols are available for both Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This advanced approach condenses the treatment timeline, delivering multiple sessions within a shorter period to provide faster relief for patients. Research published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research has shown that accelerated dTMS significantly reduces symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant OCD and MDD, offering a promising solution for those seeking quicker results. For more information, you can explore the study here.

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TMS Therapy