What Is the 5 cm Rule?
The 5 cm Rule is a method used to identify the treatment target location for TMS therapy. After locating the Motor-Hotspot, the treatment location is determined by measuring 5 cm anterior to the Motor-Hotspot along a specific path on the scalp.
What Is the 5 cm Rule?
The 5 cm Rule is a coil positioning method used to locate the treatment target after determining the patient's Motor-Hotspot.
The method uses the Motor-Hotspot as a reference point and identifies the treatment location by moving 5 cm forward (anteriorly) on the scalp.
When Is the 5 cm Rule Used?The 5 cm Rule may be used during treatment setup when identifying the stimulation target for TMS therapy.
It provides a simple and reproducible way to locate the treatment area for future sessions.
How Is the 5 cm Rule Performed?
- Determine the patient's Motor-Hotspot.
- Mark the Motor-Hotspot location.
- Measure 5 cm anterior to the Motor-Hotspot.
- Mark the resulting location as the treatment target.
- Position the stimulation coil over the marked target during treatment.
Why Is Consistent Positioning Important?
Accurate and consistent coil placement helps:
- Support reproducible treatment sessions
- Improve targeting consistency
- Reduce positioning variability between sessions
- Simplify patient setup for future treatments
Alternative Targeting Methods
Some clinics may use alternative targeting methods, such as the F3 Method or neuronavigation systems, depending on clinical preference and available equipment.