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About NeuroStar®TMS Therapy


Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, otherwise known as (TMS) is the name used for a series of non-invasive cranial stimulation therapy sessions used to target key areas of the brain that may be triggering reactions that are common causes of depression and depressive symptoms. It should be noted that while similar in nature to ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy), it is NOT the same as TMS and we WILL NOT administer ECT treatments under any circumstances.

What can I expect during my NeuroStar® Advanced Therapy Session (TMS)?

During a NeuroStar treatment session, one of our certified technicians will activate the TMS machine and a powerful magnet, similar to the ones used in an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine. The technician will proceed to use the machine to stimulate the nerve cells in the area of your brain that is thought to be linked to mood regulation. These magnetic pulses have been shown to have a positive effect on the brain's neurotransmitter levels, opening the door for long-term remission.

Treatment with NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is Easy:
  1. You are awake during treatment
  2. You can return to normal activities immediately
  3. Therapy sessions are conducted right in our Outpatient office.
  4. There are no negative effects on memory or sleep
  5. TMS is covered by most major insurance plans; including TriCare and Medicare!

How NeuroStar® TMS Therapy Works

Before Treatment

 You'll recline comfortably in the treatment chair. Our technician will place a small, curved magnetic coil, gently on your head.

During Treatment

 NeuroStar delivers a focused magnetic stimulation directly to targeted areas of the brain. You will feel a tapping sensation on your head and will possibly hear a clicking sound. 

After Treatment

 NeuroStar Advanced Therapy: Depending on your doctor's recommendations, each session will take between 20 and 36 minutes.

 You can resume normal activities right away Because there are no effects on alertness or memory, you can drive yourself to and from treatment sessions.

In-office treatment with the NeuroStar TMS Therapy program takes approximately 19-37 minutes and is administered 5 days a week for anywhere up to 4-6 weeks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, often abbreviated as "TMS" is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the nerve cells in your brain to counteract the onset of depression. TMS is typically reserved for when antidepressant medications haven't been effective or have ceased working. However, TMS can be used as an alternative to medication in rare cases.

How does TMS Work?

 TMS involves the use of a special apparatus that is placed gently on a patients' head before delivering magnetic pulses to specified areas of the brain.

How long is TMS treatment?

 Typically, the initial course of treatment is only about 19 - 37 minutes daily over 4 - 6 weeks (5 days a week)

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 most of their plans. Please contact your insurance personally if you would like to check coverage of a specific plan.

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

TMS is unlike traditional medications in the sense that it does not enter the bloodstream to activate its detriments and benefits. Unlike most medications, TMS does not have your typical side effects such as: (Weight Gain, Sexual Dysfunction, Naseua, Dry Mouth, Sedation, etc.) while a patient is only using TMS to treat their depression. The most common side effects of TMS are headaches and scalp discomfort - generally mild to moderate - infrequent occurrence as treatments progress.

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

 No. Unlike magnetic products commonly purchased off of the internet; 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 drastically 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 Trying TMS?
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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.
    www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22689344
  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. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20439832
  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. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25271871
  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. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17573044