About NeuroStar® TMS Therapy

What is NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS)?

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to help individuals with depression by targeting underactive areas of the brain. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS is a safe, non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells, potentially improving mood and alleviating symptoms of depression.

While the exact cause of depression is still being studied, experts believe it is linked to an imbalance of brain neurotransmitters—the chemicals that transmit signals between brain cells. NeuroStar TMS therapy works by targeting the areas of the brain associated with mood regulation, helping to restore balance and improve mental health.

How Does NeuroStar TMS Therapy Work?

During a typical NeuroStar TMS session, a magnetic coil is placed near the scalp. The coil emits magnetic pulses, similar in strength to those used in an MRI machine, which stimulate nerve cells in the brain. These pulses help increase activity in areas responsible for regulating mood and can boost the brain’s neurotransmitter levels, which may contribute to long-term remission from depression.

Benefits of NeuroStar TMS Treatment

• Non-invasive depression treatment: No surgery, no anesthesia, and no downtime.
• Safe and effective: NeuroStar TMS has been shown to help improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms without affecting memory or sleep.
• Quick recovery: You can resume normal activities immediately after each treatment session.
• FDA-cleared: NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression in patients who have not responded to traditional antidepressant medications.
• Covered by insurance: NeuroStar TMS therapy is covered by most major insurance plans.

Why Choose NeuroStar TMS for Depression?

NeuroStar has delivered over three million treatments, providing hope to patients struggling with depression. If you’re seeking an alternative to medication or have not found relief from traditional antidepressants, NeuroStar TMS therapy offers a safe and effective solution for depression remission.

How NeuroStar® TMS Therapy Works

Here’s what you can expect from a NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS) session:

Before Treatment

When you arrive for your NeuroStar TMS session, you’ll be comfortably reclined in a treatment chair. A small, curved magnetic coil will be placed gently on your scalp. This coil is designed to deliver focused, non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the targeted areas of the brain associated with mood regulation.

During Treatment:

Throughout the session, NeuroStar TMS delivers precise, focused magnetic pulses directly to the areas of the brain believed to be underactive in people with depression. You’ll hear a clicking sound and feel a mild tapping sensation on your head as the pulses work to stimulate the nerve cells. The treatment is generally well-tolerated and non-painful.

After Treatment:

Once the session is complete, you can resume your normal activities immediately. Each NeuroStar TMS treatment typically lasts between 19 and 37 minutes, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. Because there are no negative effects on memory, concentration, or alertness, you can drive yourself to and from your appointments without any issues.

Typical Treatment Schedule:

NeuroStar TMS therapy is typically administered 5 days a week for 4 to 6 weeks. This treatment schedule may vary based on individual needs and doctor recommendations.

Why Choose NeuroStar TMS Therapy?

• Quick, non-invasive treatment: Each session takes just 19-37 minutes and has no downtime.
• No impact on daily life: You can continue with your normal activities right after the session.
• FDA-approved for depression: NeuroStar TMS is a safe and effective treatment option for those who have not responded to antidepressant medications.
• Covered by insurance: Many insurance plans, cover NeuroStar TMS therapy.

TMS Testimonials

TMS Clinical Trials & Academic Studies

1. Carpenter LL, et al. (2012). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Major Depression: A Multisite, Naturalistic, Observational Study of Acute Treatment Outcomes in Clinical Practice. Depression and Anxiety, 29(7):587-596.
2. George MS, et al. (2010). Daily Left Prefrontal Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: A Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 67(5):507-516.
3. Dunner DL, et al. (2014). A Multisite, Naturalistic, Observational Study of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Patients with Pharmacoresistant Major Depressive Disorder: Durability of Benefit Over a 1-Year Follow-Up Period. J Clin Psychiatry. 75(12):1394-1401.
4. O’Reardon JP, et al. (2007). Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Acute Treatment of Major Depression: A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial. Biol Psychiatry, 62(11):1208-1216.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, often referred to as TMS is a noninvasive procedure that uses
magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is typically used when antidepressant medications haven’t been effective, have ceased working, or as an
alternative to medication.

How does TMS work?

TMS involves delivering magnetic pulses to specific parts of the brain.

How long is TMS treatment?

A typical initial course of treatment is about 19-37 minutes daily over 4-6 weeks.

Is TMS Therapy covered by my insurance?

A vast majority of commercial and Medicare plans have recognized the effectiveness of treating depression with TMS Therapy and now cover TMS as part of their plans.

Is TMS Therapy a good alternative for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications?

TMS does not circulate in the blood throughout the body, so it does not have side effects like weight
gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, dry mouth, sedation, etc. The most common side effects reported
during clinical trials were headache and scalp discomfort —generally mild to moderate—occurring
less frequently after the first week of treatment.

Is TMS Therapy like other alternative therapies that use magnets to treat some illnesses?

No. TMS Therapy involves a unique method of using pulsed magnetic fields for a therapeutic benefit.
The intensity of the magnetic field is similar to that of an MRI. These techniques differ radically from
the popular use of low intensity, static magnetic fields. Those products deliver weak and undirected
static fields that are not capable of activating brain cells. The activation and stimulation of brain cells
is a key part of why TMS is so effective.

Interested in TMS or think TMS is right for you? Please contact our TMS Coordinators at (205) 987-0724, option 2 or complete our interest form below.

Visit: PHQ-10 Self-Assessment Health Questionnaire or use our QR code.

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