deep tms

Deep TMS in Mumbai: The Complete Guide to BrainsWay’s Advanced Brain Stimulation.

Living with depression, OCD, or a neurological disorder can feel overwhelming; especially when traditional treatments like medications or talk therapy don’t seem to work. But here’s the good news: a revolutionary treatment called Deep TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is now helping thousands of people worldwide find relief.

And you no longer need to travel abroad to access this technology. At Jaslok Hospital, we’re proud to be the first center in Western India to introduce BrainsWay’s Deep TMS system; a globally recognized, FDA-cleared therapy now available in Mumbai.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about Deep TMS: how it works, who it’s for, why it’s different from traditional TMS, and why patients are choosing Jaslok Hospital for this advanced treatment.

What is Deep TMS?

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) is a next-generation, non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate key areas of the brain responsible for mood, behavior, and cognitive function.

Think of it as gently “resetting” the brain’s circuitry. When certain regions become overactive or underactive, they can disrupt normal patterns of thought and emotion. Deep TMS helps regulate this imbalance, restoring healthier brain activity; without the need for surgery, anesthesia, or medication.

Unlike traditional TMS, which can only reach superficial brain layers (around 1-2 cm deep), BrainsWay’s Deep TMS technology penetrates up to 4 cm beneath the skull. This deeper reach allows it to target critical brain networks that were previously out of range, such as those implicated in:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Addictions like nicotine and alcohol dependence
  • Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and cognitive decline

Deep TMS achieves this wider and deeper stimulation using BrainsWay’s patented H-coil helmet design. This innovation enables a broader field of activation in the brain, which means more effective treatment for complex, treatment-resistant conditions.

How BrainsWay Deep TMS Works: Step-by-Step

Deep TMS isn’t a one-size-fits-all therapy. It’s a personalized treatment journey that begins with careful assessment and planning to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Here’s what happens before and during treatment:

Initial Clinical Assessment

Your treatment journey begins with a detailed evaluation by our specialists. During this consultation:

  • Your medical history and current symptoms are carefully reviewed.
  • The team assesses whether Deep TMS is appropriate for your condition.
  • You’ll also learn about the process, benefits, and precautions to help you make an informed decision.

Motor Threshold (MT) Calibration

Before therapy begins, the Motor Threshold (MT) is determined. This involves identifying the minimum magnetic intensity required to activate neurons in the motor cortex, seen as a slight movement (or twitch) in the hand.

This step is critical because it ensures:

  • Precise personalization of the treatment intensity for your brain.
  • Maximum effectiveness while keeping the stimulation safe and well-tolerated.

Selection of the Specific H-Coil Helmet

BrainsWay’s Deep TMS uses different H-coil helmets, each designed to target specific brain regions based on the condition being treated.

  • Depression (MDD): Stimulates the prefrontal cortex to regulate mood circuits.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Targets the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, areas involved in intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
  • Addiction (nicotine, alcohol, substance use disorders): Focuses on the prefrontal cortex and brain reward pathways to reduce cravings and improve self-control.

By stimulating these regions, Deep TMS helps normalize brain activity linked to addiction, supporting recovery alongside counseling or medical treatment.

Customized Treatment Protocol: Conventional or Theta Burst

Depending on your diagnosis and clinical needs, our experts decide on the most suitable stimulation pattern:

  • Conventional Deep TMS: The standard protocol for most patients.
  • Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS): A faster protocol that delivers high-frequency bursts in a shorter time.

Both methods are safe and effective; your physician will guide you on which is right for you.

Therapy Sessions Begin

  • You’ll be seated comfortably while wearing the selected H-coil helmet.
  • The device sends gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate the targeted brain regions.
  • Each session typically lasts 20 minutes (even shorter with Theta Burst).
  • Afterward, you can resume daily activities immediately.

Over several weeks of consistent sessions, the therapy works to restore healthier brain activity and reduce symptoms

Conditions Treated with Deep TMS

Deep TMS has been FDA-cleared and clinically proven to help patients with a variety of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Here’s how this innovative therapy is transforming lives:

  • Major Depressive Disorder with Comorbid Anxiety

Depression and anxiety often go hand-in-hand, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. Patients with comorbid depression and anxiety experience overlapping symptoms like persistent sadness, excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. Traditional treatments don’t always address both conditions effectively, leaving patients feeling stuck.

Deep TMS provides a breakthrough by targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and adjacent networks involved in mood regulation and anxiety control. Research shows that this dual action helps:

  • Alleviate depressive symptoms by stimulating underactive brain regions
  • Reduce hyperactivity in anxiety circuits, leading to a calmer mind

A multi-center clinical trial demonstrated that patients receiving Deep TMS had a 49% remission rate, even after failing multiple antidepressant therapies. (Read More)

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD can be debilitating, with intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors disrupting even the simplest routines. Deep TMS is the first FDA-cleared non-invasive therapy for OCD. It works by targeting circuits in the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, areas implicated in obsessive thinking and compulsive actions.

In one major study, over 50% of patients experienced meaningful improvements in their OCD symptoms after six weeks of Deep TMS sessions. (Read More)

  • Addiction: Nicotine, Alcohol, and Substance Use

Addiction hijacks the brain’s reward system, creating powerful cravings and undermining self-control. Deep TMS helps by modulating neural pathways involved in reward and impulse control, making it easier for patients to break the cycle.

Clinical trials have shown Deep TMS to be effective in treating nicotine and alcohol dependence. Patients undergoing treatment often report fewer cravings and a reduced relapse rate when paired with behavioral therapy. (Read More)

  • Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Mild Cognitive Impairment is often a warning sign of more serious memory disorders, but early intervention can make a difference. Deep TMS works by stimulating brain networks involved in memory and attention, promoting neuroplasticity and improving cognitive performance.

In a clinical trial, patients receiving Deep TMS along with cognitive training showed long-lasting improvements in memory recall and attention compared to those receiving cognitive training alone.(Read More)

  • Post-Stroke Aphasia

Stroke survivors frequently experience aphasia; a communication disorder affecting speech, comprehension, and writing. Deep TMS can stimulate the brain’s language centers, aiding recovery and helping patients regain essential communication skills. (Read More)

  • Post Stroke Hemiparesis

Post-stroke hemiparesis is weakness or partial paralysis on one side of the body that often affects mobility, balance, and independence after a stroke. Traditional rehabilitation helps, but recovery is often slow and incomplete.

Deep TMS therapy uses targeted brain stimulation to activate neural pathways, support motor recovery, and improve strength and movement in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis, offering new hope for better functional outcomes. (Read More)

Chronic Pain Syndromes

Deep TMS has also shown potential in managing certain types of chronic pain, including:

By modulating pain-processing circuits in the brain, it offers relief where traditional painkillers may fail.

Deep TMS vs Traditional TMS: Which is better?

Feature Traditional TMS Deep TMS (dTMS)
Technology Figure-8 coil with shallow magnetic field H-coil design with deeper and broader magnetic field
Depth of Brain Stimulation Reaches up to 1.5-2 cm beneath the skull Reaches up to 6 cm to target deeper brain regions
Field of Stimulation Focused, narrow area Wider, covering multiple brain networks
FDA Approvals Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) MDD, OCD, Smoking Cessation (with ongoing studies for addictions, PTSD, Parkinson’s, etc.)
Conditions Treated Primarily depression Depression, OCD, addiction, Parkinson’s, cognitive decline, chronic pain (emerging uses)
Session Duration 30–40 minutes As short as 20 minutes with Theta Burst Stimulation
Comfort Comfortable but requires longer sitting time Shorter sessions, highly tolerable
Effectiveness in Resistant Cases Effective for some, but limited in deeper conditions Proven higher remission rates in treatment-resistant patients
Side Effects Mild scalp discomfort, rare headaches Similar mild side effects, no systemic issues
Availability Widely available Limited to advanced centers with BrainsWay systems 
deep tms
Graph showing the difference between rTMS (fig. 8 coil) and dTMS. It can be seen that dTMS offers more than double the penetration.

Is Deep TMS Safe?

Deep TMS (Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) has been extensively studied in clinical trials and is considered a safe, non-invasive therapy for a wide range of psychiatric and neurological conditions.

It works by delivering magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain using a specially designed helmet. Unlike medications, Deep TMS doesn’t circulate throughout your body, which means no systemic side effects like weight gain, fatigue, or digestive issues.

Most patients tolerate Deep TMS very well, and any side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Who Should Avoid Deep TMS?

Deep TMS is not suitable for patients with the following:

  • Metal implants or devices in or near the head (e.g., aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, deep brain stimulators), except for standard dental fillings.
  • Electronic implants (pacemakers, vagus nerve stimulators, etc.) in the body.
  • History of seizures or neurological conditions that increase seizure risk unless cleared by a specialist.
  • Severe psychiatric emergencies like active suicidal intent or psychosis where immediate stabilization is required.
  • Pregnant or nursing women (unless cleared after detailed risk assessment).
  • Patients under 14 or over 68 years of age

During Treatment: Safety Protocols

  • Patients are required to remove all metallic objects (e.g., jewelry, hairpins, credit cards) before entering the treatment area.
  • Earplugs are provided to protect against the clicking sounds generated by the device.
  • The treatment team closely monitors for any signs of discomfort or adverse effects.
  • Alcohol or recreational drug use is strictly discouraged before and during the treatment period, as they may increase seizure risk.

Possible Side Effects

Deep TMS is well-tolerated, and serious side effects are extremely rare. In clinical studies:

  • There were no reports of memory loss or cognitive impairment during or after treatment.
  • Systemic side effects (like weight gain or sexual dysfunction, common with medications) were not observed.

Mild side effects included:

  • Scalp discomfort or headache (temporary)
  • Lightheadedness or fatigue (rare and resolves quickly)

Seizures are extremely rare (7 cases in over 300,000 treatment sessions worldwide), mostly in patients with pre-existing risk factors like high-dose psychotropic medications or alcohol use the night before therapy.

Do’s and Don’ts for Patients

Do:

  • Share your complete medical history and current medications with your doctor.
  • Follow the prescribed session schedule consistently.
  • Use earplugs during therapy.
  • Report any unusual symptoms to the medical team immediately.

Don’t:

  • Skip sessions or stop medications without consulting your physician.
  • Consume alcohol or recreational drugs during the course of treatment.
  • Bring metallic objects into the treatment room.
before and after tms

Why Patients Choose Jaslok Hospital for Deep TMS

  • Western India’s First BrainsWay Deep TMS Center
  • Trusted by patients from across Maharashtra and beyond
  • Led by an expert team in neuropsychiatry and neuromodulation
  • Combining global technology with compassionate, personalized care

Don’t let depression, OCD, or chronic pain define your life. Begin your journey to lasting relief with Deep TMS at Jaslok Hospital.

Submit our online form, and our care team will contact you within 24 hours.

FAQ's

  1. What is Deep TMS and how is it different from regular TMS?

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) is an advanced, non-invasive brain stimulation therapy that uses magnetic pulses to target deeper and wider brain regions than traditional TMS. It’s FDA-cleared for conditions like depression, OCD, and smoking addiction and has shown higher effectiveness in treatment-resistant cases.

  1. Is Deep TMS safe?

Yes. Deep TMS has been extensively studied and is considered a safe, non-invasive therapy with minimal side effects. Most patients only experience mild scalp discomfort or headache during the first few sessions, which typically subsides quickly.

  1. How effective is Deep TMS for depression?

Deep TMS has demonstrated high success rates, especially in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Studies show response rates as high as 60% and remission rates around 30-35%, even in individuals who did not respond to antidepressant medications.

  1. Does Deep TMS work for OCD?

Yes. Deep TMS is the first non-invasive therapy FDA-cleared for OCD. It works by targeting specific brain circuits involved in obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Clinical trials have shown significant reductions in OCD symptoms for many patients.

  1. How many sessions are needed for Deep TMS to work?

A standard treatment course involves daily sessions (5 days a week) for 4-6 weeks, followed by maintenance sessions if needed. The exact number of sessions depends on your diagnosis and response to therapy.

  1. Can Deep TMS be combined with medications?

Yes. Deep TMS can be safely combined with antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or other therapies to enhance treatment outcomes.

  1. How is Deep TMS different from ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)?

Unlike ECT, Deep TMS does not require anesthesia or cause memory loss. It is non-invasive, has minimal side effects, and patients can resume daily activities immediately after sessions.

  1. What is the cost of Deep TMS treatment in India?

The cost of Deep TMS varies depending on the number of sessions required and the center offering the treatment. For an accurate estimate, we recommend scheduling a consultation at Jaslok Hospital.

  1. How soon will I see results with Deep TMS?

Many patients begin noticing improvement within the first 2-3 weeks of treatment, while others may require the full course to experience significant benefits.

  1. What does Deep TMS feel like?

During treatment, you’ll hear a rhythmic clicking and feel a gentle tapping or tingling on the scalp. A pair of earplugs is provided. Most patients report the sensation is well tolerated and easing over time

  1. Are the results of Deep TMS long-lasting?

Many patients maintain improvements six months to a year or longer. Some return for occasional maintenance sessions if symptoms begin to return.

  1. Where can I get Deep TMS therapy?

Deep TMS is offered at select advanced neuropsychiatry and neuromodulation centers. At Jaslok Hospital, we are one of the first in Western India to introduce BrainsWay Deep TMS, providing expert care for depression, OCD, addiction, and other neurological conditions.

  1. Can I drive or work after a session?

Yes. Deep TMS doesn’t involve sedation or affect cognition. Patients can drive, work, or resume daily routines immediately after each session

 

  1. Is Deep TMS better than rTMS?

Yes, in many cases. Deep TMS penetrates deeper (up to 6 cm) and stimulates larger neural networks than standard repetitive TMS (rTMS), which only reaches about 1.5 –  2 cm below the skull. This allows Deep TMS to treat more complex conditions, including treatment-resistant depression and OCD. Clinical studies show that Deep TMS often results in higher remission and response rates, especially for patients who did not benefit from rTMS.

Listen to Patients Testimonials

Here’s how patients suffering from OCD and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) overcame their conditions with Deep TMS treatment under Dr. Paresh Doshi at Jaslok Hospital.

 

Explore more patient stories in our Testimonials section.

Rekha's Story

After 35 Deep TMS sessions at Jaslok Hospital, a patient with Mild Cognitive Impairment experienced improved memory, focus, and confidence in daily life.

Abhinav's Story

Student with OCD and mild depression achieved 70% recovery after 63 Deep TMS ThetaBurst sessions at Jaslok Hospital Mumbai, regaining focus and confidence.