Deep TMS vs. Standard TMS: Why Technology Matters for Your Recovery

If you are researching Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression or OCD, you have likely noticed that not all TMS is the same. Patients often ask us: "What is the difference between the 'chair' at one clinic and the 'helmet' at another?"

At CNS Brain Center, we believe the technology used determines the quality of the result. That is why we exclusively use Deep TMS (dTMS) by BrainsWay rather than traditional repetitive TMS (rTMS).

This article explains the mechanical and biological differences between these technologies and why we chose Deep TMS for our patients in Chicago and River Forest.

Note: If you are looking for information on the symptoms of depression and how TMS fits into a treatment plan, please read our patient guide: [Link to Blog A: TMS Therapy for Mental Health in Chicago].

The Hardware: Figure-8 vs. The H-Coil

The most visible difference between standard and Deep TMS is the coil itself—the device that delivers the magnetic pulses to the brain.

• Standard rTMS (Figure-8 Coil): Traditional TMS uses a "Figure-8" shaped coil. This is a handheld or arm-mounted device that is placed next to the patient's head. It generates a focal magnetic field that is very narrow. Because it is so narrow, precise placement is critical; missing the target by just a millimeter can significantly reduce effectiveness.
• Deep TMS (H-Coil): Deep TMS uses a patented H-Coil, which is cushioned inside a helmet. This design allows the magnetic field to cover a broader surface area of the brain. The helmet moves with the patient slightly, minimizing the risk of "missing" the target area during treatment.

The Depth Difference: Reaching the Limbic System

The primary limitation of standard rTMS is depth. A Figure-8 coil usually penetrates about 0.7 cm to 1.1 cm into the brain cortex. While this is sufficient for stimulating the surface of the brain (the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), it often fails to reach deeper structures regulated in mood disorders.

Deep TMS lives up to its name. The H-Coil design allows for safe penetration of 1.7 cm to 3.2 cm into the brain.

Why does this matter? Depression and OCD are not just surface-level issues; they involve deep neuronal pathways in the limbic system. By reaching deeper and broader areas of the brain, Deep TMS stimulates the neural networks more comprehensively, increasing the likelihood of a significant antidepressant effect.

Why CNS Brain Center Chose BrainsWay Deep TMS

When establishing our protocols for our Chicago and River Forest clinics, Dr. Lenny Cohen and our team reviewed the clinical data comparing various devices. We chose BrainsWay Deep TMS for three specific reasons:

1. Higher Remission Rates for Resistant Cases: Clinical studies have suggested that for patients who have failed multiple medications, the deeper stimulation of the H-Coil offers a statistically higher chance of remission compared to standard shallow coils.
2. FDA Clearance for Multiple Indications: The BrainsWay system is FDA-cleared for Depression, Anxious Depression, OCD, and Smoking Cessation. This versatility allows us to treat complex patients who may struggle with comorbidities (e.g., anxiety and depression) using a single, unified technology.
3. Patient Comfort: The helmet design is generally preferred by patients over the Figure-8 coil, as it does not require rigid head immobilization. You can sit comfortably, talk, or listen to music during your 20-minute session.

Experience the Difference in Chicago or River Forest

Technology is only as good as the team administering it. At CNS Brain Center, our technicians are certified specialists in BrainsWay Deep TMS delivery.

If you have tried standard rTMS in the past without success, or if you are considering TMS for the first time, the Deep TMS difference may be the key to your breakthrough.

Ready to learn more? Book a Consultation at our Belmont Ave (Chicago) or River Forest locations to see the H-Coil technology in person.