MON-FRI: 8:30AM-5:30PM
(After hours physician on call Mon-Fri until 7:00pm)
SAT-SUN: Physician on call 8:30AM-5:00PM
NeuroStar Indication
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).
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide is NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you. Patients' results may vary.
Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.
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).
While the exact cause of depression is not known, the leading scientific theory is that it is caused by an imbalance of the brain's neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that send signals between brain cells.
What is NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS)?
During a NeuroStar treatment session, a magnet similar in strength to that used in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine is used to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain thought to control mood. These magnetic pulses may have a positive effect on the brain's neurotransmitter levels, making long-term remission possible.
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
What To Expect
Before Treatment
You'll recline comfortably in the treatment chair. A small, curved magnetic coil will be positioned lightly on your head.
During Treatment
NeuroStar delivers focused magnetic stimulation directly to the target areas of the brain. You'll hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head.
After Treatment
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy: Depending on your doctor's recommendation, each treatment takes between 19 and 37 minutes.
You can resume normal activities immediately.
Because there are no effects on alertness or memory, you can drive yourself to and from treatment sessions.
In-office treatment with NeuroStar TMS therapy typically takes 19-37 minutes and is administered 5 days a week for approximately 4-6 weeks.
FAQ
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
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.
How does TMS work?
TMS involves delivering magnetic pulses to specific parts of the brain.
How Long is TMS treatment?
A typical initial course of treatment is about 19-37 minutes daily over 4-6 weeks.
Does NeuroStar TMS hurt?
While some discomfort in your initial sessions is normal, most patients are able to acclimate to the sensation and tolerate treatment.
Is TMS covered by my insurance?
A vast majority of commercial and Medicare plans have recognized the effectiveness of treating depression with TMS Therapy and now cover TMS as part of their plans. Our office does not accept United Healthcare for TMS specifically.
Is TMS Therapy a good alternative for patients who cannot tolerated the side effects of antidepressant medications?
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.
Is 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 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.