Our clinic is proud to partner with NeuroStar to offer state-of-the-art transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy. This collaboration ensures that our clients receive the highest quality care and the most effective treatment for depression.
NeuroStar utilizes transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to focus on specific brain regions that are underactive in individuals suffering from depression. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS is a non-invasive procedure. While the precise cause of depression remains unclear, the prevailing scientific theory suggests it results from an imbalance of neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that facilitate communication between brain cells.
What is NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS)?
During a NeuroStar treatment session, a magnet with a strength comparable to that in an MRI machine is employed to stimulate nerve cells in the brain regions associated with mood regulation. These magnetic pulses can positively influence neurotransmitter levels, potentially leading to long-term remission.
Treatment with NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is straightforward:
Having delivered over three million treatments, this innovative approach to achieving remission is offering new hope to countless individuals every day.
Before Treatment
You will be comfortably seated in a treatment chair, and a small, curved magnetic coil will be gently placed on your head.
During Treatment
NeuroStar delivers targeted magnetic stimulation to specific areas of the brain. You will hear a clicking sound and experience a tapping sensation on your head.
After Treatment
Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, each session lasts between 19 and 37 minutes. You can resume normal activities immediately afterward. Since NeuroStar TMS Therapy has no impact on alertness or memory, you can drive yourself to and from the sessions. Typically, in-office treatment sessions are scheduled for 19-37 minutes each, five days a week, over a period of 4-6 weeks.
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 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.