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May 31, 2024
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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.
At the Houston Center for Psychiatric Treatment, Dr. Prashad and our team understand how isolating mental health struggles can feel. That’s why we’re honored to share the heartfelt experiences of individuals who have found hope and healing through Deep TMS therapy. Watch as patients open up about their journeys, offering a glimpse into the relief and renewed strength they’ve discovered with TMS. These deeply personal stories highlight the profound impact this therapy has had on individuals, inspiring hope for those in Houston seeking a path to better mental health.
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.
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 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.
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.
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, and ADHD.
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.
Depression Patient Experiences Significant Improvement with Deep TMS Treatment.
OCD Patient’s Quality of Life Significantly Improves After TMS.
At the Houston Center for Psychiatric Treatment, we specialize in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS Therapy), an FDA-approved treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. This innovative, noninvasive therapy stimulates the brain’s prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for mood regulation and decision-making, helping to restore balance and improve mental well-being. TMS therapy in Houston is a highly effective option for individuals who have not experienced relief with traditional treatments like medication or talk therapy alone.
TMS stands out for its minimal side effects and the relatively short time it takes for many patients to notice significant improvements. Over the course of several weeks, TMS treatment in Houston can boost mood, increase energy, and enhance overall quality of life. The section below outlines the different types of TMS therapy and devices, offering insight into how each approach is designed to address specific mental health challenges effectively.
Brains Way Deep TMS + Medication: 60%
Brains Way Deep TMS + Medication: 67%
Medication Alone: 44% Remission Rate
Brains Way Deep TMS + Medication: 59%
Medication Alone: 41% Remission Rate
Deep TMS sessions are designed to be both comfortable and effective. You’ll sit in a supportive, relaxing environment while wearing a specialized helmet that delivers gentle magnetic pulses to targeted areas of your brain. These pulses activate underactive regions associated with mood regulation, helping to improve mental health. Most patients describe the sensation as a light tapping on the scalp, and the treatment is well-tolerated with minimal discomfort.
There’s no need for anesthesia, and you can resume your daily activities immediately after your session. The process is straightforward and designed with your comfort in mind. Our focus is on providing personalized care and a welcoming environment for every patient. This Deep TMS therapy is a modern, non-intrusive treatment option that offers new hope and a gentle approach for those dealing with mental health challenges like treatment-resistant depression, and OCD.
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, and OCD. The FDA has approved Deep TMS for depression that has not responded to other treatments, as well as for OCD. Deep TMS is now accessible in the U.S., Europe, South America, and Asia, offering a safe and reliable solution for patients seeking relief.
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.
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).
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.
Ready to take the next step toward mental wellness? Contact us today to schedule your personalized TMS consultation.
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With a special interest in treatment-resistant disorders, Dr. Sandhya Prashad works closely with each patient, taking the time to understand their overall health and well-being so she can develop a truly customized treatment plan.
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