What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) is a noninvasive outpatient brain stimulation procedure that’s clinically proven to improve symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in treatment-resistant patients. Aurora Mental Health & Recovery’s Deep TMS program in Colorado uses gentle electromagnetic pulses to stimulate the parts of the brain that are affected by severe depression. Results are achieved without the need for anesthesia and with no downtime after treatment.

A doctor helps fit a TMS helmet on top of a patient's head

How Deep TMS Works

Our Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy uses BrainsWay’s patented H-Coil technology in 20-minute in-office sessions to deliver gentle electromagnetic pulses to key areas in the brain involved in mood regulation. Patients are kept awake and alert as they sit in a comfortable chair during the procedure. The electromagnetic pulses feel like mild tapping on the scalp. Because anesthesia is not used, TMS is less invasive than Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

Our treatment process involves:

  • Initial Medication Evaluation (60–90 minutes)
  • Brain Mapping Appointment (90 minutes)
  • 40 total sessions, 5 days per week (20–30 minutes)

Deep TMS Is Safe & Effective

Multiple clinical studies and real clinical usage have shown BrainWay’s Deep TMS H1 Coil to be both safe and effective at alleviating depression symptoms.

Deep TMS with medication shows a significant increase in response and remission rates compared to medication alone (Igor Filipčić, et al., 2019).

2 bar graphs showing study results on H1 Coil with Medication vs with Medication Alone

In real clinical practice settings, the majority of treatment-resistant depression patients have benefited from Deep TMS (Tendler A, et al., 2023). (30+ sessions)

  • Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
  • Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)

In an independent head-to-head study of depressed adults, Deep TMS outperformed medication alone in addressing comorbid anxiety symptoms (G.Pell, et.al., 2022).

2 bar graphs showing results of independent study of depressed adults where Deep TMS outperformed medication alone

How to Qualify

Psychotherapy and medication may not be enough for many Colorado patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). We offer a lifeline to Colorado residents, aged 18-85 who have been diagnosed with Treatment Resistant Depression – as defined by 2, 3, or 4 trials of antidepressants without response or remission and/or with intolerable adverse effects.

Deep TMS is covered by:

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Humana
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare

Learn More

Aurora Mental Health & Recovery’s Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) program is located at Stith Center in Aurora, Colorado. Learn more by contacting us directly by phone at (303) 627-2028 or email [email protected].

Safety Information: Patients should consult with a doctor before undergoing Deep TMS. The most common side-effects include headaches and application site pain or discomfort. There is also a very rare risk of seizure associated with the treatment. Patients with metal in or around the head, such as in metal plates, implants, and stents, should not undergo Deep TMS treatment.

Indication: BrainsWay Deep TMS is FDA-cleared for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from MDD and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode. FDA 510(k) No. K122288 (Model 102), FDA510(k) No. K173540 (Model 104), FDA 510(k) No. K210201, No. K203735 (Models 102 & 104).