About NeuroStar TMS Therapy

NeuroStar utilizes transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target key areas of the brain that are underactive in individuals experiencing depression. Importantly, TMS is not the same as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

While the exact cause of depression remains unknown, the leading scientific theory suggests it stems from an imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that facilitate communication between brain cells.

What is NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS)?

During a NeuroStar treatment session, a magnet with strength comparable to that used in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine is employed to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain believed to regulate mood. These magnetic pulses may positively influence the brain’s neurotransmitter levels, potentially making long-term remission achievable.

Treatment with NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is straightforward:

  • Therapy sessions are conducted in your NeuroStar provider’s office.

  • You can resume normal activities immediately afterward.

  • You remain awake during treatment.

  • There are no adverse effects on memory or sleep.

  • Treatment is covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare.

With over six million treatments delivered, this innovative approach to achieving remission is instilling hope in individuals every day.

How NeuroStar TMS  Therapy™ Works

Before Treatment 

You’ll recline comfortably in a treatment chair, while a small, curved magnetic coil is positioned lightly on your head.

During Treatment 

NeuroStar delivers focused magnetic stimulation directly to the targeted areas of the brain. You’ll hear a clicking sound and feel a gentle tapping sensation on your head.

After Treatment 

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is typically conducted based on your doctor’s recommendation, with each session lasting between 19 and 37 minutes.

You can immediately resume your normal activities afterward.
Because there are no effects on alertness or memory, you can drive yourself to and from your treatment sessions.

In-office treatment with NeuroStar TMS Therapy usually takes 19-37 minutes and is administered five days a week for approximately 4-6 weeks.*

TMS Testimonials

What Patients Are Saying

“My TMS treatment has been a game changer. My emotions have stabilized and therefore my quality of life has improved significantly.”

— Robin C.

“The TMS treatment program at Atkinson is the hidden gem of the practice. It is a life changing therapy, and has greatly improved my mental health and quality of life. TMS is the only thing that has truly felt helpful over the many years that I have been dealing with major depression. If you are struggling with unmanageable depression, I encourage you to explore this!”

— Marian E.

TMS Clinical Trials &  Academic Studies

Carpenter LL, et al. (2012). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Major  Depression: A Multisite, Naturalistic, Observational Study of Acute Treatment Out comes in Clinical Practice. Depression and Anxiety, 29(7):587-596.  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22689344 

2. George MS, et al. (2010). Daily Left Prefrontal Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation  Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: A Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial. Arch  Gen Psychiatry, 67(5):507-516. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20439832 

3. Dunner DL, et al. (2014). A Multisite, Naturalistic, Observational Study of Transcra nial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Patients with Pharmacoresistant Major Depres sive Disorder: Durability of Benefit Over a 1-Year Follow-Up Period. J Clin Psychiatry.  75(12):1394-1401. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25271871 

4. O’Reardon JP, et al. (2007). Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in  the Acute Treatment of Major Depression: A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial.  Biol Psychiatry, 62(11):1208-1216. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17573044

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation, often referred to as TMS is a noninvasive 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 ceased working, or as an  alternative to medication.

  • TMS involves delivering magnetic pulses to specific parts of the brain.

  • A typical initial course of treatment is about 19-37 minutes daily over 4-6 weeks.

  • A vast majority of commercial and Medicare plans have recognized the effectiveness of treating de pression with TMS Therapy and now cover TMS as part of their plans. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.