Patients usually inquire whether there are risks associated with TMS therapy, just as they would with any other medical procedure. NeuroStar TMS is FDA-approved and considered a non-invasive treatment option. Risks are outlined as being of moderate level, and patients can feel ready to learn what those may encompass.
Although NeuroStar TMS does not “cure” depression, it is quite successful in treating symptoms. Understanding what to expect from treatment and the possible after-effects that may arise from it enables patients to enter the procedure with confidence.
NeuroStar TMS is generally well-tolerated, with minimal accompanying side effects. Scalp irritation or mild to moderate headaches are typically observed in patients during and after treatment sessions. These tend to resolve over a short period of time and don’t impact day-to-day activity. Stimulation is administered through magnetic pulses similar to those of MRI technology, except it’s not MRI technology.
Also of interest is that treatment does not pose risks for cognitive dysfunction or memory impairment. Everyday activities, such as work or school, can be continued after every treatment. More than 7.4 million treatments were administered to over 202,000 patients, and the safety profile is thus firmly established.
Some patients are interested in whether TMS could exacerbate another condition or life episode. The NeuroStar TMS has been FDA cleared for patients 22 years of age and older with Major Depressive Disorder and for patients 15 years of age and older treating MDD. Pregnant women can be treated with the medication, although it has yet to be demonstrated to be safe for all cases of pregnancy. Patients should always consult their doctor concerning individual cases.
While TMS therapy with NeuroStar does involve a commitment to daily sessions for approximately seven weeks, changes typically become apparent at four to six weeks. Such improvements can last for up to one year (Dunner DL, et al. 2014). Patients should be aware that retreatment may be necessary if symptoms recur.
For most people in Silver Spring, Towson, and Columbia, starting a new therapy can be daunting. However, relief comes from knowing that NeuroStar TMS has been investigated in over 65 clinical trials. In research, 83% of patients showed improvement (Sackeim HA, et al. 2020). The degree of research involvement is revealing for both the efficacy and safety of the treatment, although it does not guarantee remission for all patients.
By learning about the potential side effects and understanding what is not at risk, patients feel more at ease when choosing NeuroStar TMS Therapy as their treatment.
NeuroStar TMS Therapy candidates at Columbia should be informed that although moderate risks are involved, its side effects are typically short-term and reversible. The therapy has been safely administered to patients all over the country, again offering hope for depressed patients or patients with comorbid anxiety and depression.
If you’re interested in learning whether NeuroStar TMS Therapy in Towson, Columbia, or Silver Spring is right for you, your staff is ready to help. Call now to arrange for a consultation and see why it is the #1 doctor-recommended treatment.
