What is TMS?
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. The TMS system used at TMS Center of Colorado (deepTMS) is a clinically proven method to treat depression and OCD. TMS works by stimulating specific areas of the brain with magnetic pulses that improve brain function and alleviate symptoms. DeepTMS reaches deeper into the limbic regions of the brain and is clinically shown to offer greater symptom reduction and may offer a more comfortable treatment experience for patients.
TMS is an excellent alternative to antidepressant medications, and is known to be helpful for those with treatment-resistant depression.
What is Accelerated TMS?
Accelerated TMS is a more intense TMS treatment that increases the number of treatment sessions per day but treats depression in two weeks instead of six.
The standard TMS treatment protocol for depression is 2,340 pulsed stimulations per treatment session. An average treatment course is 30 sessions, one per day, 5 treatments per week over six weeks, providing slightly more than 60,000 stimulations. Each treatment lasts 20 to 40 minutes. This protocol has proven effective for many patients and is widely accepted as the standard of care.
Recently, a more assertive treatment protocol for depression was developed and tested at Stanford University. It included 1,800 stimulations per treatment, but with 10 treatment sessions per day over a total of 5 days. This protocol has been highly effective, resulting in a 90% response rate in their studies. To learn more and receive a free phone consultation, please call 303-884-3867.
The protocol has now been used off-label clinically in hundreds of patients with good results and no safety concerns. TMS Center of Colorado has used this protocol (Accelerated TMS) with a number of patients in our Denver office with very good results. We have also found that an amended protocol, delivered over 2 weeks with 5 treatments per day instead of 10, is equally as effective but more easily tolerated by patients.
Recently, Brainsway completed their own accelerated dTMS protocol study which has been granted FDA clearance to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). With the Brainsway on-label accelerated protocol, the patient completes a total of 36 iTBS (theta burst stimulation) sessions within a 1-2 two week time period. Brainsway’s study found the efficacy of a 36 session accelerated protocol was almost identical to a standard 6 week dTMS course.
The advantages of Accelerated TMS include:
- Remission from difficult-to-treat depression can now be achieved within one to two weeks versus four to six weeks previously required
- Results suggest that this approach may actually be more effective than standard TMS*
To learn more and receive a free phone consultation, please call 303-884-3867.
There are many factors to consider when evaluating TMS therapy, and Accelerated TMS may not be right for everyone. As always, patients need to consult with their psychiatrist to determine what is best for their unique situation.
*Individual results may vary, in some cases, maintenance may be needed to maintain your results
TMS Center of Colorado is among the first to offer Accelerated TMS in Colorado.
We were the first outpatient TMS center in Colorado, the first to offer Brainsway Deep TMS, a more effective and clinically proven therapy compared with standard TMS and the first clinic to offer the accelerated protocol. With our Accelerated TMS protocol, you can save time to better accommodate your busy schedule.