Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
ABOUT NEUROSTAR TMS
NeuroStar uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target key areas of the brain that are underactive in people with depression. It is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy).
What is NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS)?
NeuroStar uses focused magnetic pulses (similar in strength to an MRI), to revitalize underactive areas of the brain involved in regulating
mood. When these regions are underactive, depression can result. “Waking up” these regions can have a lasting effect on depression,
making long-term remission from depression a reality for many people.
Treatment with NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is easy:
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Therapy sessions are conducted in your NeuroStar doctor’s office
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You can return to normal activities right away
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You are awake during treatment
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There are no negative effects on memory or sleep
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It’s covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare
WHAT TO EXPECT
Here’s what you can expect from a NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS) session:
Before Treatment
You’ll recline comfortably in the treatment chair. A curved magnetic coil will be positioned on your head.
During Treatment
You’ll hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head as the NeuroStar coil focuses treatment precisely at the source of the depression: the brain. The patented Contact Sensing technology ensures the prescribed dose is delivered, every treatment, every pulse.
After Treatment
With NeuroStar TMS you are fully awake and alert during treatment and may drive home and resume daily activities immediately afterwards. Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, a typical NeuroStar treatment plan includes 36 sessions that each last between 19-37 minutes. Completing the full NeuroStar treatment course gives the best chance for delivering long-lasting relief from depression.
NeuroStar® TMS Therapy
NeuroStar uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target key areas of the brain that are underactive in people with depression. It is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy).
FAQ
Q: What is NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
NeuroStar TMS is a non-drug, noninvasive treatment that uses focused magnetic fields to revitalize underactive areas of the brain to improve symptoms of depression. NeuroStar is a safe, effective depression treatment for people who have not found relief from antidepressants.
Q: How does NeuroStar TMS work?
NeuroStar uses focused magnetic pulses (similar in strength to an MRI), to revitalize underactive areas of the brain involved in regulating mood. When these regions are underactive, depression can result. “Waking up” these regions can have a lasting effect on depression, making long-term remission from depression a reality for many people.
Q: What is NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
NeuroStar TMS is a non-drug, noninvasive treatment that uses focused magnetic fields to revitalize underactive areas of the brain to improve symptoms of depression. NeuroStar is a safe, effective depression treatment for people who have not found relief from antidepressants.
Q: How does NeuroStar TMS work?
NeuroStar uses focused magnetic pulses (similar in strength to an MRI), to revitalize underactive areas of the brain involved in regulating mood. When these regions are underactive, depression can result. “Waking up” these regions can have a lasting effect on depression, making long-term remission from depression a reality for many people.
Q: How long is NeuroStar TMS treatment?
A typical NeuroStar treatment plan includes 36 sessions that each last between 19-37 minutes. Your doctor will determine what is right for you. Completing the full NeuroStar treatment course gives the best chance for delivering long-lasting relief from depression.
Q: Is NeuroStar TMS Therapy covered by my insurance?
NeuroStar is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare. Over 300 million people have insurance plans that cover NeuroStar.
Q: Is NeuroStar TMS Therapy a good alternative for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications?
NeuroStar is a safe and effective treatment without the systemic side effects of medication. The most common side effect is mild to moderate pain or discomfort at the treatment site. For most patients this subsides within the first week of treatment.
Q: Is NeuroStar 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.
Q: How long is NeuroStar TMS treatment?
A typical NeuroStar treatment plan includes 36 sessions that each last between 19-37 minutes. Your doctor will determine what is right for you. Completing the full NeuroStar treatment course gives the best chance for delivering long-lasting relief from depression.
Q: Is NeuroStar TMS Therapy covered by my insurance?
NeuroStar is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare. Over 300 million people have insurance plans that cover NeuroStar.
Q: Is NeuroStar TMS Therapy a good alternative for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications?
NeuroStar is a safe and effective treatment without the systemic side effects of medication. The most common side effect is mild to moderate pain or discomfort at the treatment site. For most patients this subsides within the first week of treatment.
Q: Is NeuroStar 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.
