TMS vs. tDCS: Which Brain Stimulation Therapy Is Right for You?

Our brain controls our activities, thoughts, and emotions. At times, it may need some help in functioning better, especially in cases relating to depression and anxiety. Experts have discovered certain treatments with TMS and tDCS therapies that can efficiently be classified under brain modulation. So what exactly are they and in what instances should they be taken? Let’s find out!

What Is TMS Treatment?

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) involves the stimulation of the brain using magnetic impulses. A medical practitioner would place a device against the scalp, delivering magnetic pulses into targeted brain areas. The purpose of the impulses is to either inhibit or stimulate brain activity, helping brain cells work better, for example, in depression.

How Does TMS Treatment Work?

Here is how the TMS Treatment works:

• A coil is placed on a targeted area of your scalp.
• It sends magnetic waves to your brain, through the scalp.
• These waves either inhibit or stimulate brain activity by affecting the neuronal connections.
• This enhances mood and alleviates symptoms of depression.

Advantages of TMS:

• Non-invasiveness (no surgery or cuts).
• FDA-approved for the treatment of depression.
• Painless and safe for most.
• Works where medicines fail.

Disadvantages of TMS:

• Expensive and under doctor’s supervision.
• Requires multiple sessions to show effect.
• Some patients may complain of mild headaches or discomfort.

What Is tDCS Treatment?

Another type of brain stimulation, tDCS, uses a weak electrical current instead of magnetic pulses. Small electrodes (pads) are placed on the head, and a mild current is passed through the brain, helping increase mood, focus, and memory.

How Does tDCS Treatment Work?

• Electrodes are placed on the scalp of your head.
• A weak electrical current passes through the brain.
• It increases brain activity in particular regions.
• It may help depression, learning, and memory.

Benefits of tDCS Treatment:

• Less expensive compared to TMS.
• Portable- Some devices can be used at home.
• Improve mood, memory, and focus.
• No pain or discomfort.

Negatives of tDCS Treatment:

• Not as strong as TMS.
• Requires a long time to get results.
• May not work well in depression cases of serious magnitude.

TMS vs. tDCS: Which Should You Be Choosing?

Both TMS treatment and tDCS treatment are for the brain, but their mechanisms differ.

TMS treatment is more potent as it activates brain cells through the direct influence of magnetic waves. It is markedly effective for patients with severe depression who have not been able to make progress with standard treatments. It is also expensive and generally requires a clinic setting to be under the care of a medical professional.

However, tDCS therapy is a technique that is based on the principle of brain activation by using a mild electrical current. This method is less economical and it has to be used at home. tDCS has a positive effect in that mild depression can be cured, and can improve memory but not focus, however. The therapy is usually not a good option for severe cases.

If you have severe depression and medicines don’t help, you should consider TMS treatment. Or, if you want the low-priced choice that is done at home, tDCS treatment is a good option.

Final Thoughts

Both TMS treatment and tDCS treatment are potential ways to excite the brain. TMS is so strong that it can even be effective for treatment-resistant depression, while tDCS is portable and relatively cheap. The first thing to do if you or someone you know is interested in brain therapy is to talk to a doctor.

The brain is an awesome organ and can be saved and even made stronger with the help of the right treatment! Would you give me a chance by using TMS or tDCS? Share with us!