A NEW POSSIBILITY FOR THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION
About NeuroStar TMS Therapy
NeuroStar targets specific regions of the brain that are underactive in people with depression using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This isn't electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT.
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Although the exact cause of depression remains unknown, the primary scientific theory is that it results from an imbalance of the brain's neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that carry signals between brain cells.
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What is NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS)?
In a NeuroStar treatment session, nerve cells in the region of the brain believed to regulate mood are stimulated using a magnet with a strength comparable to that of an MRI machine. Long-term remission is possible because of these magnetic pulses' potential to positively impact neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
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NeuroStar Advanced Therapy Treatment is simple:
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Therapy sessions are conducted here at the clinic
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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
With more than three million treatments delivered, this novel treatment approach to achieving remission is bringing new hope to people every day.
Treating depression safely, without medication.​
"When I was depressed, I felt hopeless, and it was impossible for me to connect with other people. Thanks to NeuroStar, those years are behind me."
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-Molly
How NeuroStar TMS Therapy Works
BEFORE TREATMENT
The TMS treatment chair allows you to comfortably recline. You will have a small, curved magnetic coil placed lightly on your head.
DURING TREATMENT
AFTER TREATMENT
Direct delivery of targeted magnetic stimulation to specific brain regions is made possible by NeuroStar. There will be a clicking noise and a tapping sensation on your head. Treatment sessions lasts anywhere from 19 to 37 minutes.
Following each treatment, you can resume normal activities right away. You can drive yourself to and from treatment sessions because there are no effects on memory or alertness. Most patients receive NeuroStar TMS Therapy 5 days a week for 6 weeks, depending on their individual treatment plan.
Testimonials
Stories from people just like you
"It's like coming out of a shell. There are so many people who suffer from depression who can be helped by NeuroStar."
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-Kristi
TMS Clinical Trials
& Academic Studies
A safe and effective treatment for depression
Over 6.4 million NeuroStar Advanced TMS treatments have been administered to more than 175,000 patients.
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An 83% response rate was reported in a real-world study. This indicates that 83% of patients experienced a measurable improvement in their symptoms of depression after completing their NeuroStar treatment cycle.
​A 62% remission rate was reported in the same real-world study. This indicates that, if they were being evaluated by their healthcare provider for the first time, 62% of patients who finished their NeuroStar treatment cycle probably would not have been diagnosed with MDD. ​
Whereas the STAR*D study, the largest prospective clinical trial of major depressive disorder ever carried out, demonstrated that the chance of remission falls with every subsequent medication.
Avery, et al. (2008). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Acute Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: Clinical Response in an Open-Label Extension Trial. J Clin Psychiatry, 69 (3):441-451. https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-acute-treatment/
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Carpenter LL, et al. (2012). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Major Depression: A Multisite, Naturalistic, Observational Study of Acute Treatment Outcomes in Clinical Practice. Depression and Anxiety, 29(7):587-596. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22689344
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
Dunner DL, et al. (2014). A Multisite, Naturalistic, Observational Study of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Patients with Pharmacoresistant Major Depressive 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
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
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.
Is TMS Therapy a good alternative for patients who cannot tolerate 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.
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.
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 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 delivery 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.
"NeuroStar can change everything, like it did for me."
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-Don
Ready to treat depression at its source?
Your brain's connections are reawakened with NeuroStar TMS, providing a non-invasive and effective treatment option. Contact us today to take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow.
Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.