What is NeuroStar TMS Therapy?
FDA cleared in 2008, NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is a non-drug, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that are underactive in depression –otherwise known as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which is different than electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). NeuroStar is proven safe and effective for patients with depression who have not benefited from antidepressant medications in the current episode, and serves as the #1 TMS choice for doctors. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is available by prescription only.
Neurostar TMS Therapy Process
During NeuroStar Advance Therapy, the treating clinician positions the treatment coil over the left prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain known to affect mood. Through the treatment coil, the NeuroStar System generates a highly focused, pulsed magnetic field, similar in type and strength to those produced by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, to stimulate cortical neurons. Repeated activation of the left prefrontal cortex is shown to produce antidepressant effects in patients suffering from major depression. NeuroStar provides targeted stimulation of the brain regions involved in mood regulation without the burden of systemic side effects.
Minimal Side Effects of TMS
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy provides benefits without the side effects often associated with antidepressant medication or ECT. The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. Unlike TMS, ECT involves general anesthesia and is considered an invasive treatment. It can have side effects that are not associated with TMS treatment, such as memory loss, confusion and nausea. TMS is prescribed and monitored by a Certified TMS psychiatrist.
TMS Therapy can be Effective When Other Treatments Are Not
TMS therapy is indicated for adult patients with Major Depressive Disorder who have not seen success with at least one antidepressant. Depression is known to have genetic and psychological causes that involve the brain. The risk factors, such as hormonal changes and medication use, vary widely with each person. So, not all treatments for depression are effective in every afflicted individual. Antidepressants work for some patients, but not all. Anyone in need of another solution should consider Neurostar TMS Therapy. The TMS method is proven to treat major depressive disorder and neuropathic pain symptoms that are resistant to other forms of therapy. In an NIMH-funded study, patients who received Neurostar TMS were 4xs more likely to achieve remission compared to patients receiving a placebo.1
Length of TMS Treatments
NeuroStar treatments occur 5 days per week and can be completed in as little as 19 minutes. The entire process lasts an average of 4-6 weeks. In some cases, a repeat treatment of TMS (rTMS) may be needed.
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is widely reimbursed by most commercial
Source:
- George MS, et al. (2010) Arch Gen Psychiatry, 67(5):507-516
- 2017 Neuronetics, Inc., Malvern, PA 53-50085-000 Rev E