NeuroStar Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It offers a drug-free alternative for treating mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder and anxious depression, particularly for patients who have not found relief with traditional treatments, including medications or psychotherapy. TMS therapy is also an adjunct treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
By targeting areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, TMS therapy helps to restore normal brain function and alleviate symptoms. If you are wondering whether this treatment is a viable option for you, understanding the TMS procedure is a crucial first step to take.
Understanding what to expect at each stage of TMS treatment can help you feel more confident and prepared as you begin your journey toward improved mental health.
Your TMS journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider to determine if TMS is the right treatment for you. This consultation typically includes a detailed review of your medical history and current medications and a discussion about previous treatments. The provider will help you understand the TMS process by addressing any questions or concerns you may have. Since TMS does not require anesthesia, there is no need for special preparation, fasting, or medication adjustments before your sessions.
The first treatment session involves mapping your brain to identify the precise location for stimulation. This is usually the prefrontal cortex, a region associated with mood regulation and emotional processing. The provider places a coil on your scalp, which delivers brief magnetic pulses to the targeted area. The mapping process ensures that the magnetic pulses are accurately directed to maximize therapeutic benefits.
Each subsequent TMS session lasts approximately 20 to 40 minutes and typically takes place five days a week for seven weeks. During the procedure, you will sit comfortably in a chair while the provider places the magnetic coil on your head. You will remain awake and alert and may hear clicking sounds and feel a tapping or tingling sensation on your scalp. Please understand that while most patients find the TMS procedure to be relatively tolerable, you may experience mild discomfort or scalp sensitivity, especially during the first few treatments.
One of TMS therapy’s significant advantages is that there is no downtime. You can resume your normal daily activities immediately after each session, which is not the case after procedures requiring sedation. This makes TMS an ideal option for individuals with busy schedules.
Some patients might experience mild side effects, such as headaches, lightheadedness, or temporary discomfort at the treatment site, but they typically subside quickly. Serious side effects are rare, and TMS does not have the systemic side effects (such as weight gain or sexual dysfunction) commonly associated with antidepressant medications.
Throughout your TMS treatment course, your provider will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Regular follow-up visits will ensure that you are responding well, give you the opportunity to discuss any concerns, and help you understand the impact the TMS process could have on your well-being.
So, how long does it take before TMS therapy treatments start to work? Many patients begin to notice improvements in their mood and overall mental health after just a few weeks of treatment, although individual experiences may vary.
Please understand that TMS therapy is generally well-tolerated. Some patients say the tapping sensation the magnetic pulses create is slightly uncomfortable, but it usually diminishes as your body adjusts to the treatment. Most side effects are minimal and temporary, making TMS an appealing option for most individuals.
When you are deciding whether to undergo TMS therapy, please be aware that it offers a promising solution for individuals who have not responded to other treatments. Its high success rates, minimal side effects, and non-invasive nature make it an attractive option for those seeking relief from persistent mental health conditions. Unlike medications that affect the entire body, TMS targets specific brain areas, reducing the likelihood of systemic side effects of medications.
If you are ready to improve your mental health, NeuroStar TMS therapy could be the transformative solution you have been seeking. Schedule a consultation with our team at Synergy Strive today with our team and take the first step toward understanding the TMS procedure.
Learn more about how TMS can help you reclaim your well-being and live a fuller, healthier life.
Adult Indications for Use
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).
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).
Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.
