If you’ve started researching TMS, you may have noticed that some clinics offer traditional TMS while others provide Deep TMS. Both use magnetic stimulation to treat depression, but the way that stimulation reaches the brain is different.
At Resiliency Mind + Body Medicine, we intentionally chose Deep TMS because we view depression as involving connected neural networks rather than one tiny point in the brain. BrainsWay’s H-Coil allows us to stimulate those networks more broadly while keeping treatment noninvasive.
For our team, choosing Deep TMS was also about combining strong clinical technology with a treatment experience that is accessible, personalized and easy for patients to understand.
So, what should patients actually know about Deep TMS vs. TMS?
Interested in learning which form of TMS may fit your needs? Contact Resiliency Mind + Body Medicine to request an evaluation.
The Main Differences
- Both treatments use magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity.
- Traditional TMS typically uses a focused figure-eight coil.
- Deep TMS uses an H-Coil designed to reach broader and deeper areas.
- Both approaches have evidence supporting their use for depression.
- Results depend on more than the device, including the protocol, diagnosis and individual patient.
- A psychiatric evaluation can help determine which treatment is appropriate.
How Does Regular TMS Work?
Traditional repetitive TMS generally uses a figure-eight coil positioned over the scalp.
The coil delivers highly focused magnetic stimulation to a relatively small treatment area, commonly targeting part of the prefrontal cortex involved in depression.
That precision can be useful, but positioning matters. Because the treatment field is narrow, clinics may use scalp measurements or more advanced targeting systems to determine where the coil should sit. Some practices also use functional MRI, or fMRI, to help pinpoint the intended treatment area
How Is Deep TMS Different?
Deep TMS uses a different coil design. Resiliency Mind + Body Medicine provides Deep TMS treatment using BrainsWay technology, which places a specialized H-Coil inside a cushioned helmet.
The H-Coil is designed to stimulate broader areas and reach deeper than a standard figure-eight coil. Its helmet-based design distributes stimulation across a larger treatment region rather than concentrating it in one smaller point.
This distinction was important when Resiliency selected its TMS technology. We view depression as involving a network of brain regions working together. The broader stimulation pattern of the H-Coil allows us to treat those networks rather than relying on one highly focused target.
It also makes treatment less sensitive to small variations in positioning. Because of that broader coverage, Resiliency does not require patients to complete an expensive fMRI before beginning Deep TMS.
“Deeper” doesn’t mean the device sends magnetic pulses throughout the entire brain. Treatment is still designed around networks associated with the condition being treated.
Does Deep TMS Work Better Than Regular TMS?
Both traditional TMS and Deep TMS can be effective for depression. Deep TMS is designed to reach a broader and deeper treatment area, but that doesn’t mean it will automatically produce better results for every patient.
Some research has found stronger symptom improvement and higher response rates with Deep TMS than with figure-eight coil treatment. However, studies have not consistently shown that Deep TMS leads to higher remission rates across all patients.
Your results may depend on several factors, including your diagnosis, treatment history, treatment protocol and how consistently you attend appointments.
That is also why we do not choose treatment based on the machine alone. Some patients may benefit from medication management, while others may benefit from medication combined with TMS. For someone experiencing severe or treatment-resistant depression, Spravato may also deserve consideration.
At Resiliency, these treatments are viewed as part of a continuum of care rather than separate options competing with one another.
Does Deeper Stimulation Mean More Side Effects?
Not necessarily.
Both traditional and Deep TMS are noninvasive. They don’t require surgery, anesthesia, or an implanted device. Patients remain awake and can usually return to regular activities after treatment.
Common side effects may include:
- Scalp discomfort
- Headache
- Tingling or muscle movement
- Temporary discomfort from the tapping sensation
- Sensitivity to the device’s clicking sound
Seizures are a recognized but rare risk of TMS. Before treatment, the clinical team should review your medical history, medications, and factors that could affect your seizure threshold.
The stimulation level is also personalized by determining your motor threshold before beginning the full treatment course.
Will the Appointment Feel Different?
The basic experience is similar: You sit in a chair while the device delivers repeated magnetic pulses.
With traditional TMS, a figure-eight coil is positioned against the scalp. With BrainsWay Deep TMS, you wear a helmet containing the H-Coil. You may hear clicking and feel tapping or muscle movement around your forehead or scalp.
Treatment schedules depend on the protocol. Many patients attend appointments five days per week for several weeks, although Accelerated TMS may be available for qualifying patients seeking a shorter overall timeline.
Is the Device the Most Important Factor?
Technology matters, but it shouldn’t be considered by itself.
Your outcome may also be influenced by:
- Whether the diagnosis is accurate
- Your previous treatment history
- The protocol used
- Consistent attendance
- Medication or therapy received alongside TMS
- How your symptoms are monitored
- The clinical team’s experience
This is where Resiliency’s approach goes beyond the equipment.
As a physician-owned practice, our treatment decisions remain focused on the individual patient and their outcomes. Our providers are trained to look across medication management, TMS and Spravato to determine which approach, or combination of approaches, makes the most sense.
We pair that clinical decision-making with accessible, concierge-level care, highly trained staff and genuine attention to the patient experience. Patients frequently tell us that the professionalism and quality of care they receive are what stand out most.
Which Type of TMS Should You Choose?
The central difference between Deep TMS vs. TMS is the coil. Traditional TMS uses a more focused figure-eight coil, while Deep TMS uses an H-Coil designed to stimulate broader and deeper brain regions.
Both are legitimate medical treatments. Choosing between them should involve a review of your diagnosis, symptoms, previous treatments, insurance requirements, and personal preferences.
Resiliency Mind + Body Medicine provides physician-led psychiatric care and BrainsWay Deep TMS in Orange County, California.
Ready to explore your treatment options? Contact Resiliency Mind + Body Medicine to schedule a TMS consultation.