About NeuroStar TMS Therapy
NeuroStar TMS Therapy uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target key areas of the brain that are underactive in people with depression.
While the exact cause of depression is not known, the leading scientific theory is that it is caused by an imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that send signals between brain cells.
What is NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS)?
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy utilizes a magnet, similar in strength to an MRI, to stimulate dormant synapses in the mood center of the brain with a series of magnetic pulses. Treatment with NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is easy:
- Treatment Sessions are completed on site at Austin Mind and Behavioral Health
- You are awake during treatment
- There is no recovery time, so you can return to your normal activities right away
- There are no negative effects on memory or sleep
- NeuroStar TMS is covered by most insurance plans.
With more than 3 million treatments delivered, NeuroStar’s approach to achieving remission is bringing new hope to people every day.
Measurable Improvement
With NeuroStar TMS Therapy, A real-world study reported an 83% response rate for patients that completed their NeuroStar TMS treatment cycle. This means that 83% of patients saw measurable improvement in their depression symptoms.**
Complete Remission
The same real-world study reported a 62% remission rate. This means that 62% of patients that completed their NeuroStar TMS treatment cycle would likely not be diagnosed with MDD if they were first being evaluated by their doctor.**
Decreasing Remission with Medications
By comparison, in a separate study, not involving NeuroStar, patients who have not found relief from 3 or more antidepressants, the chance of remission from subsequent medications is less than 7%.***
How NeuroStar TMS Therapy Works:
Here is what to expect from your NeuroStar TMS session
Before Treatment: You will recline comfortably in the treatment chair. A small, curved magnetic coil,will be positioned lightly on your head.
During Treatment: NeuroStar delivers focused magnetic stimulation directly to the target areas of the brain. You will hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head. Most treatments last less than 19 minutes.
After Treatment: You can resume normal activities immediately. There are no effects on alertness or memory. You can drive yourself to and from treatment sessions.
Find out if TMS is right for you»
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, often referred to as TMS is a nonpassive 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 stopped working or as an alternative to medication.
How does TMS Work?
TMS involves delivering a service of magnetic pulses to specific parts of the brain.
How long is TMS Treatment?
A typical initial course of treatment includes 36 treatments, administered 5 days a week for about 7 weeks. Each daily treatment is about 19 minutes long.
Is TMS covered by my Insurance?
Most major insurance 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.