TMS coil placement determines how well your treatment works because the magnetic field must target specific brain areas with precision. When clinicians position the coil correctly over your motor cortex or prefrontal cortex, you get stronger therapeutic effects and fewer side effects from your TMS therapy sessions.
In a study published by QIMR Berghoffer, just over half of Australian patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) reduced their symptoms by more than 50%! About one-third achieved full remission after tailored brain stimulation treatment using TMS. But coil positioning in TMS is incredibly important. Here’s a full explanation from the team at Neuralia TMS.
Key Takeaways
- TMS coil placement means putting the magnetic coil in exactly the right position on your head to target the specific brain areas for your condition.
- Different mental health problems need the coil placed on different parts of your brain, like the left side for depression and the right side for anxiety.
- If the coil isn’t positioned correctly, your treatment won’t work as well, and you might experience side effects like headaches.
- Australian clinics like Neuralia TMS use special measuring systems and computer guides to make sure the coil goes in the same spot every time you have treatment.
What is TMS Coil Placement?
TMS coil placement is the positioning of the magnetic coil precisely on your scalp to target specific brain areas. Proper placement ensures you get the best treatment results while reducing risks like headaches or unwanted brain stimulation during your therapy sessions.
Why is it Important?
TMS coil placement is important because it directly affects how well your treatment works. If the coil sits in the wrong spot, the magnetic pulses could miss their target completely. This means you won’t get the full benefits that TMS therapy can offer for your depression or anxiety.
Which Area of the Brain is Targeted by a TMS Coil?
The area of your brain targeted by a TMS coil is typically your left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for depression treatment. This brain region controls mood, decision-making, and emotional regulation. The TMS coil generates magnetic fields to help restore normal activity in areas that aren’t working properly due to depression.
Different conditions need different brain targets. For anxiety disorders, your clinician might target your right prefrontal cortex instead. Some newer treatments focus on deeper brain structures like the anterior cingulate cortex for treatment-resistant cases.
Your motor cortex gets targeted first during initial sessions. This helps your clinician find the right intensity level by watching for thumb movements. Once they establish your motor threshold, they move the coil to the treatment area.
Here’s a guide on which parts of the brain are targeted for each treatment session:
| Treatment Type | Targeted Brain Region | Common Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Depression | Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex | Improves mood and cognitive function |
| Anxiety Disorders | Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex | Reduces overactivity linked to worry |
| Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | Supplementary Motor Area | Disrupts compulsive behaviour circuits |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex | Modulates fear and emotional memory |
| Chronic Pain | Primary Motor Cortex | Alters pain processing pathways |
| Auditory Hallucinations | Left Temporoparietal Junction | Reduces abnormal auditory perceptions |
| Addiction | Medial Prefrontal Cortex | Affects craving and reward processing |
How is TMS Coil Positioning Measured in Australian Clinics?
Australian TMS clinics use the international 10–20 system to measure coil positions on your head. This method divides your scalp into percentage-based coordinates using landmarks like your ears and nose. Clinicians mark specific points to ensure consistent placement every session. Many clinics now use neuronavigation technology for more precise measurements.
What are the Different Types of Coil Shapes Used in TMS?
Figure-8 coils are the most common type used in Australian TMS clinics. These coils create focused magnetic fields that target small, specific brain areas. You’ll recognise them by their distinctive butterfly or hourglass shape when placed on your head.
H-coils can stimulate deeper brain regions that figure-8 coils can’t reach effectively. These coils look like a helmet and are used for conditions that need deeper brain stimulation. Some Australian clinics offer H-coil treatments for severe depression cases.
Circular coils were used in early TMS research but are rarely used clinically now. They create broader, less focused magnetic fields. Most modern treatments use the more precise figure-8 or H-coil designs for better results.
Can a TMS Coil Be Repositioned During Treatment?
Yes, TMS coils can be repositioned during treatment, but this rarely happens once your session begins. Your clinician positions the coil carefully before starting and uses head stabilisation to keep it in place. If you do happen to move your head too much, your clinician might need to reposition the coil and restart the session.
What Happens if a TMS Coil is Not Positioned Properly?
If a TMS coil is not positioned properly, you won’t get the full treatment benefits and may experience unwanted side effects. Poor coil placement can target the wrong brain areas, reducing your therapy’s effectiveness and potentially causing headaches or discomfort during sessions.
When the coil misses its target, the magnetic pulses don’t reach the brain regions that need treatment. This means your depression or anxiety symptoms might not improve as much as they should. You could end up needing more treatment sessions or not responding to TMS therapy at all.
Where Can You Find a Reliable TMS Team in Australia?
Look no further than Neuralia TMS. We offer comprehensive TMS services with trained and qualified team members who follow Australian medical guidelines for safe and effective treatment.
When searching for a TMS provider, check that the clinic has experienced psychiatrists who specialise in TMS therapy. Your treatment team should include doctors, qualified technicians, and proper TMS certification. These practitioners understand how TMS works for different mental health conditions. They will also have proper training in coil positioning and treatment protocols.
Ready to feel like yourself again? Non-invasive TMS therapy, backed by evidence.
TMS Coil Placement FAQs
Does scalp thickness affect TMS coil placement?
Yes, your scalp thickness affects TMS coil placement because thicker tissue reduces the magnetic field strength reaching specific areas of your brain. Clinicians must position the coil closer to your scalp and may need to increase the treatment intensity to make up for your scalp thickness during sessions.
What training do TMS clinicians get?
TMS clinicians receive training in brain anatomy, coil positioning, safety rules, and equipment use. They must complete certification courses, practice sessions, and ongoing education to keep their qualifications for delivering safe and effective treatment to patients like you in Australian clinics.
Can patients move during TMS treatment?
No, you should not move during TMS treatment because movement can shift the coil position and reduce your treatment results. Small movements are okay, but if you move your head too much, your clinician needs to stop the session and reposition the coil properly.
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