Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Q: What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

TMS is a non-drug, noninvasive treatment that uses focused magnetic fields to revitalize underactive areas of the brain to improve symptoms for depression, anxious depression, and OCD. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is a safe and effective FDA-cleared treatment for adults who are suffering from depression, depression with comorbid anxiety, and OCD, and for adolescents (15-21) with MDD.

Q: How does TMS work?

Neurostar Advanced Therapy uses focused magnetic pulses (similar in strength to an MRI), to revitalize underactive areas of the brain involved in regulating mood. When these regions are underactive, depression and anxious depression can result. “Waking up” these regions can have a lasting positive effect on depression, anxious depression, and OCD symptoms.

Q: What are the FDA-approved indications for TMS?

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.

Q: How long is TMS treatment?

A typical TMS treatment plan includes 36 outpatient sessions that each last between 19-37 minutes. Your doctor will determine what is right for you. Completing the full TMS treatment course gives the best chance for delivering long-lasting relief.

Q: Is Neurostar Advanced Therapy Therapy covered by my insurance?

NeuroStar is covered by most major insurance plans, including most of the plans accepted at Adelpha Psychiatric Group. Over 300 million people have insurance plans that cover Neurostar Advanced Therapy. If you and your doctor determine you are a good candidate for Neurostar Advanced Therapy Therapy, our team will coordinate with and advocate for you to get insurance approval prior to initiating treatment.

Q: Is TMS Therapy a good alternative for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of medications?

TMS is a safe and effective treatment without the systemic side effects of medicines. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription and one of our psychiatrists can help you decide if TMS is right for you.

The most common side effect is mild to moderate pain or discomfort at 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). "

Q: Is Neurostar Advanced Therapy Therapy like other alternative therapies that use magnets to treat some illnesses?

No. Neurostar Advanced Therapy 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.