When you first sought out treatment for depression, you may have been prescribed medication. Antidepressants are often helpful, but they may not be the best fit for everyone. TMS therapy is a nonpharmaceutical treatment for depression that is often helpful when you have not experienced relief with antidepressants or therapy.
Our team at Synergy Strive can help you determine if NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy in Silver Spring will be a good fit for your unique needs.
TMS therapy uses a treatment coil to introduce magnetic fields to the left prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for mood regulation. The magnetic field is similar to those found in an MRI. Once they are in the brain, they activate cells that release neurotransmitters such as:
Since an imbalance of these neurotransmitters can cause depression, restoring them to healthy and optimal levels through TMS therapy may help relieve symptoms so you can fully appreciate your daily life in Silver Spring. Because TMS is noninvasive and does not require sedation, you are able to resume your usual routine after completing a session.
In 2008, Neurostar Advanced Therapy was the first type of TMS to receive FDA clearance for treating major depressive disorder in adults. Since then, it has been approved for treating bipolar depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxious depression, and major depressive disorder in adolescents.
One of the reasons NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy is distinct is its figure 8-shaped coil, which allows it to deliver electromagnetic pulses to targeted regions of the brain with precision and accuracy.
NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy in Silver Spring usually lasts around 20 minutes per session, though the specific length and duration will depend on your specific needs and how your symptoms react to treatment. Patients often notice results after completing seven weeks of treatment, with sessions five times per week.
It is natural to wonder about the efficacy of any medical treatment. Research has found that NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy has helped many patients.
One study found that 83% of patients experienced a noticeable improvement in depression symptoms upon completing their treatment cycle. (Sackeim HA, et al. (2020). J Affective Disorders, 277(12):65-74.) Additionally, more than half of patients likely would not be diagnosed with MDD if they had been initially evaluated by their doctor after completing TMS.
As knowledge of the benefits of TMS becomes more widespread, more insurance providers are covering this treatment. Patients are typically required to meet specific criteria, including a diagnosis of:
Symptoms should persist after trying at least two antidepressants at the appropriate dosage and duration, and you should not be pregnant or nursing.
Requirements may vary between insurance providers, so it is important to understand your benefits and know about any specific pre-treatment requirements.
Patients in Silver Spring receiving Neurostar Advanced TMS treatments should not experience significant pain. You may notice a tapping sensation during sessions. Possible side effects that will likely alleviate after your first few visits include:
These symptoms are often the result of your nerves adjusting to the treatment and are temporary. Our providers will partner with you to adjust your treatment if needed to ensure your comfort.
Depression symptoms like low mood and fatigue can be disheartening, particularly if they do not respond to your first few attempts at treatment. In cases like these, NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy in Silver Spring is often helpful.
Our team at Synergy Strive is here to support you throughout this process so you can fully engage with the most meaningful elements of your life again. Call today to get started.
