NeuroStar uses TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) to stimulate specific underactive brain areas in patients with depression. It is not ECT(electroconvulsive therapy)
NeuroStar uses a magnet, similar in strength to an MRI machine, to stimulate nerve cells in the brain area associated with mood regulation.
These magnetic pulses can help balance neurotransmitter levels, leading to long-term remission of depression
What is NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS)?
NeuroStar is now FDA-cleared as a first-line treatment for adolescents with depression, making it the FIRST and ONLY TMS therapy cleared as an adjunct (add-on) for patients ages 15 and older. Check out our video to learn more!
NeuroStar Now FDA Approved for Adolescents (15+)
Experience the comfort and convenience of NeuroStar Advanced Therapy. During treatment, you'll relax in a comfortable chair while a small magnetic coil is positioned on your head.
Focused magnetic stimulation is then delivered directly to the targeted brain areas, creating a gentle tapping sensation and clicking sound. After each session, you can resume normal activities and even drive yourself to and from appointments as there are no effects on alertness or memory.
With just 19 minutes of treatment per session, administered 5 days a week for 4-6 weeks, NeuroStar is the ideal choice for patients seeking a non-invasive, hassle-free depression treatment
What can you expect from TMS?
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What is NeuroStar?
NeuroStar is a safe, effective, non-drug depression treatment that
uses focused magnetic pulses, similar in strength to an MRI, to revitalize
connections in an area of the brain involved in regulating your mood.
When these connections are reawakened, many people experience
measurable relief from their depression.
Does Neurostar work?
In a study of “real-world” outcomes (meaning actual NeuroStar patients),
83% of people who completed the full NeuroStar treatment cycle
experienced a measurable decrease in the severity of their depression,
and 62% of those completing treatment saw full remission – meaning
their depression effectively “went away.” [1]
Does NeuroStar Hurt? (Or what does it feel like?)
While there may be some minor discomfort at the treatment site (where
the device touches your head), it generally subsides within the first week
or treatment. There is no sedation, or impact on your alertness. You can
read, watch TV, or talk with your treatment coordinator during your
session, and you can drive home immediately after treatment.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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
Clinical Trials & Academic Studies
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). 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. Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.