TMS & Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression

The Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) offers transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), an advanced, noninvasive treatment for adults with moderate to severe depression who have not found enough relief after trying two or more antidepressant medications.

TMS is a drug-free treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. The procedure does not require surgery, anesthesia or sedation.

Personalized TMS Care at BIDMC

At BIDMC, eligible patients may receive either conventional TMS or an accelerated 1-Day TMS treatment. Our specialists evaluate each patient's symptoms, medical history and treatment goals to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

As a leader in brain stimulation research and clinical care, BIDMC combines advanced technology with personalized care to help patients explore new treatment options for depression when medication alone has not been effective.

Getting Started

If you are interested in learning more or whether you may be a candidate, ask your neurologist, psychiatrist, primary care provider, or other clinician for a referral. Self-referrals may also be considered.

Call 617-667-0307 to learn more.

What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe, noninvasive treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. The magnetic pulses pass painlessly through the scalp to help restore healthy brain activity associated with depression.

TMS does not require surgery or anesthesia, and patients remain awake and alert during treatment. Most people can return to their normal daily activities immediately after each session.

The type of TMS used to treat depression is called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Multiple studies have shown that rTMS can provide lasting symptom relief for people with depression, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared several TMS devices and treatment protocols, supporting their safety and effectiveness.

The Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation is a leader in using TMS as a treatment and for research purposes.

Who May Benefit from TMS?

For patients with depression who have not found enough relief with medication, TMS offers a noninvasive treatment option that can be tailored to each person’s needs. At BIDMC, our goal is to help patients understand their options and provide thoughtful, personalized care grounded in both clinical expertise and ongoing research.

TMS may be an option for adults with moderate to severe depression who:

• Have tried two or more antidepressant medications without enough improvement
• Continue to experience symptoms that affect daily life, work, relationships, or quality of life
• Are interested in a non-medication treatment option
• Are able to participate in outpatient treatment
• Are seeking an evaluation to better understand whether TMS may be appropriate

During your consultation, our team will review your symptoms, treatment history, medical history, and goals to determine whether TMS may be right for you.

Treatment Options at BIDMC

Conventional TMS

Conventional TMS is an FDA-cleared treatment for major depressive disorder. Treatment is typically delivered over several weeks, often with sessions on weekdays.

During each session, a magnetic coil is placed near the head to deliver focused magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain. Patients remain awake and can usually return to normal activities after treatment.

1-Day TMS

BIDMC now offers 1-Day TMS, an accelerated treatment option for eligible patients with depression.

This protocol condenses treatment into a single full day, with multiple TMS sessions delivered at scheduled intervals. For patients who qualify, 1-Day TMS may offer a more convenient option than a traditional multi-week treatment course.

1-Day TMS is an out-of-pocket service and is not FDA-cleared. During consultation, our team will discuss whether this option may be appropriate, including potential benefits, limitations, cost, and available alternatives.

Comprehensive, Personalized Treatment

Our team of TMS specialists will work with you and your referring doctor to design and implement a treatment plan. Your TMS team may include neurologists, psychiatrists, and other specialists who collaborate to develop a course of therapy that meets your specific needs.

Our care team takes an individualized approach to treatment. We will create a plan based on your condition, symptoms, health history, prior treatments, and goals. We may recommend additional services, such as neurological rehabilitation or behavioral health support, to help you reach your treatment goals.

Preparing for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Before treatment begins, your care team will explain how to prepare and what to expect. This includes reviewing your medical history, current medications, safety considerations, treatment schedule, possible side effects, cost and insurance considerations, and follow-up plan.

What Is tDCS?

Transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS, is a form of noninvasive brain stimulation that uses weak electrical currents applied to the head to influence brain activity.

At BIDMC, tDCS is used as a tool in neuroscience research and may be studied in relation to various neuropsychiatric conditions.

tDCS offers several potential advantages:

• Easy to administer
• Inexpensive
• Noninvasive
• Painless

Therapeutic Uses for tDCS

Recent studies support the potential of tDCS in people facing issues such as:

• Chronic pain
• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Epilepsy
• Stroke recovery and rehabilitation Various neuropsychiatric disorders

The FDA has not approved tDCS for any therapeutic use or treatment. Therefore, your insurance plan may not cover it.

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Other Conditions

Brain stimulation techniques such as TMS and tDCS can be applied to different brain areas with the goal of treating other conditions. Research is ongoing to determine whether these techniques are effective for certain kinds of chronic pain, epilepsy, schizophrenia, tinnitus, and chronic motor conditions such as ataxia.

The FDA has not yet approved the use of TMS or tDCS for these conditions. However, TMS and tDCS may sometimes be used as off-label treatments when deemed clinically appropriate, though they are considered investigational.

For any off-label treatment indication, we complete a neurological evaluation with each prospective patient to ensure there are no safety contraindications. We also obtain informed consent so patients understand that these treatments are considered off-label or investigational for certain conditions.