NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-drug treatment for major depression. During the NeuroStar Advanced Therapy TMS treatment sessions, a magnet that is similar in strength to one that is utilized in a (MRI) magnetic resonance imaging machine, is used to stimulate the nerve cells in the brain area that are thought to control a person’s mood. These magnetic pulses can have a positive effect on an individual’s brain transmitter levels which can make long-term remission possible.
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy TMS is not a drug, “shock therapy”, surgery or clinical trial. It is a safe, effective treatment for depression without the side effects of medication. It’s an out-patient procedure performed right in our relaxing, spa-like office.
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is the first non-systemic and non-invasive outpatient depression treatment cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients who have not benefited from prior antidepressant treatment. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy TMS uses highly focused, pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate function in targeted brain regions. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy TMS is:
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy TMS may be right for you if you agree with two or more:
While depression medications work for many people, some people still do not feel relief. For hard to treat depression where medication is not giving you adequate relief, NeuroStar Advanced Therapy TMS is a proven and safe depression treatment option.
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is an innovative, FDA-cleared therapy that can help people who struggle with MDD even after taking antidepressant medication. It helps activate the natural function of the brain’s neurotransmitters using a non-invasive magnetic field, and is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy).
The NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy system uses short pulses of magnetic fields to stimulate the area of the brain that is thought to function abnormally in patients with depression. The magnetic field produces an electric current in the brain that stimulates the brain cells (neurons). This results in changes that are thought to be beneficial in the treatment of depression.
Due to its innovative treatment and proven efficacy, NeuroStar TMS Therapy may be covered by your insurance health plan. Many insurance companies have established medical coverage policies for NeuroStar TMS Therapy. Over 300 million patients have insurance policies that cover NeuroStar TMS Therapy through their health plans.
NeuroStar® is non-systemic (does not circulate in the blood throughout the body), so it does not have side effects such as 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 therapeutic benefit. The intensity of the magnetic field is similar to that of the magnetic fields used in magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI. These techniques differ radically from the popular use of low intensity, static magnetic fields. These products deliver weak and undirected static fields that are not capable of activating brain cells.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses a targeted pulsed magnetic field, similar to what is used in an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine. While the patient is awake and alert, NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy stimulates areas of the brain that are underactive in depression.
Yes, Over 5.9 million NeuroStar treatments have been performed for over 162,000 patients and real-world results show 83% of patients experience an improvement and 63% show complete remission.** And by focusing treatment on the source of your depression, you can avoid the side effects of medications.
NeuroStar TMS treatments are pain-free, although some patients identify a tapping sensation during treatment. It is a safe, non-invasive alternative to antidepressants. Unlike drugs and electro-shock therapy, which often cause more problems, TMS therapy offers a pathway to healing with minimal discomfort or negative side effects.
Come by the office to chat with our TMS Coordinator and see what TMS Therapy is all about.
Adolescent Indications for Use
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is indicated as an adjunct for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescent patients (15-21).
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).
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy should not be used with patients who have non-removable conductive metal in or near the head. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy has not been studied in patients who have not received prior antidepressant treatment.
