NeuroStar TMS Therapy - Path to Healing

About NeuroStar TMS Therapy

NeuroStar utilizes transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to stimulate specific areas of the brain that are less active in individuals with depression. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), NeuroStar is a non-invasive treatment. While the exact cause of depression remains uncertain, the prevailing scientific theory suggests it results from an imbalance in neurotransmitters—chemical messengers responsible for communication between brain cells.

Schedule a free NeuroStar Consultation Today!

What is NeuroStar TMS Therapy?

NeuroStar treatment involves the use of a magnet with a strength comparable to that of an MRI machine to stimulate nerve cells in the brain regions associated with mood regulation. This stimulation may help restore neurotransmitter balance, offering the potential for long-term relief from depression.

NeuroStar TMS Therapy is:

Administered in a doctor’s office
Non-disruptive—patients can resume normal activities immediately
Conducted while the patient is awake
Free from adverse effects on memory or sleep
Covered by most major insurance providers, including Medicare and Tricare

With over three million treatments performed, NeuroStar is offering renewed hope to individuals seeking effective relief from depression.

How NeuroStar TMS Therapy Works

Here’s what you can expect during a NeuroStar TMS Therapy Session:

Before Treatment

You’ll relax in a comfortable treatment chair while a small, curved magnetic coil is gently placed on your head.

During Treatment

NeuroStar delivers targeted magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain. You may hear a clicking sound and feel a light tapping sensation on your head.

After Treatment

Each session lasts between 19 and 37 minutes, based on your doctor’s recommendation. Since NeuroStar does not affect memory or alertness, you can drive yourself home and resume daily activities right away. Treatment is typically administered in-office five days a week over a period of 4 to 6 weeks.*

TMS Testimonials

TMS Clinical Trials & Academic Studies

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. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22689344
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. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20439832
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. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25271871
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. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17573044

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Adult Indications for Use

The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode. The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Important Safety Information – NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you. Patients’ results may vary. The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. These events are transient; they occur during the TMS treatment course and do not occur for most patients after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with the use of TMS therapy (<0.1% per patient). Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.

Schedule a free NeuroStar Consultation Today!