Parameters for Choosing a TMS Device

TMS is considered a safe and effective alternative treatment for depression. However, there are many options available in TMS devices and understanding the factors will help in making the right choice.

Depression is a serious medical condition that can debilitate both the mind and body. An incessant feeling of gloom and despair permeates all aspects of the patients’ lives and can even drive them to suicide.

There is many a treatment for depression and doctors try everything from medications to counseling and therapy to alleviate the condition. However, these regular treatments often fail to deliver the desired results. This is when alternative therapies like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation enter the picture.

TMS operates on the principle of using an electromagnetic field to stimulate nerve cells in the brain that control the mood. This is a completely non-invasive procedure; it does not involve medications or even anesthesia. It is free of the systemic side effects of antidepressants as well. The patient can return to normal work and life immediately and even drive back after the TMS session which is performed as an out-patient procedure.

A TMS session typically lasts for 20 to 40 minutes. The treatment usually lasts for 6 weeks with a couple of sessions every week. Patients report significant improvement in the symptoms of depression and many even manage to achieve complete remission!

Choosing a TMS device

TMS is of two types – repetitive and direct. As the name goes, the magnetic pulses are delivered either repetitively or directly on a continuous basis. Now there are a range of TMS devices with varying features and effects. It follows that the efficacy of the devices will also vary.

Following are some of the parameters to keep in mind when selecting one of the many TMS devices:
 

• Risk and Safety – TMS is considered a safe procedure and is approved by the FDA for treatment of depression. However, the treatment parameters, programming, monitoring and other factors need to be evaluated in detail.
• Benefits – While all devices are effective, the individual efficacy levels, benefits for specific medical conditions and test reviews will be a decisive factor in choosing a suitable TMS device.
• Performance – The performance of every device is bound to vary. The required setting, adjustability, clearance and especially the functioning parameters should be taken into account.
• Other variables – Many other factors like patient data management, updates of the product, treatment cost and insurance coverage need to be considered as well. The physician training and center facilities will also play a role in the final decision.

By and large, BrainsWay dTMS emerges as the preferred device in depression treatment centers in several countries as it manages to penetrate deeper and boarder into the brain and delivers effective results. The duration of the treatment session is also significantly shorter. Apart from Major Depressive Disorder, BrainsWay dTMS therapy was FDA-cleared for treatment of OCD as well. It is currently under investigation for treating other conditions too.