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TMS has none of the side effects associated with depression medications nor is there any cognitive impairment, a potential side effect of ECT. The most common side effect associated with TMS is discomfort during treatment at or near the treatment area. This discomfort is generally mild to moderate and typically diminishes after the first few days of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with TMS Therapy. The risk of seizure in general clinical use is 1 in 30,000 treatments.

NeuroStar TMS Therapy may not be used for patients with implanted metallic devices or non-removable metallic objects in or around the head – this excludes dental fillings

 

Who Should NOT Receive TMS?

What Are the Side Effects?

Neurostar TMS Therapy is an FDA-cleared proven non-drug treatment for depression that is now available throughout the US. TMS stands for “Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.” NeuroStar TMS Therapy is specifically for patients with depression who have not benefited from initial antidepressant medication.

 

 

How Does NeuroStar TMS Therapy Work?

NeuroStar TMS Therapy uses pulses of magnetic energy, precisely targeted at a key area of the brain known to be under-active in depression sufferers. This area is called the prefrontal cortex. By stimulating this local area, neurons in the prefrontal cortex communicate to deeper brain neurons causing a secondary effect on remaining areas of the brain involved in mood. These effects are intended to restore normal function and lift the symptoms of depression.

During treatment, patients recline comfortably and are awake and alert throughout the TMS Therapy session. No anesthesia or sedation is needed. Treatment involves placement of the magnetic coil against the patient’s head. Patients will hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on their head during treatment. Each NeuroStar TMS Therapy session takes less than an hour to complete and is conducted right in your doctor’s office, five days week, for approximately four to six weeks. After treatment, patients can immediately return to normal activities.

What Does it Feel Like?

Will TMS Help with My Depression?

Many people with major depression who were treated with NeuroStar experienced significant benefits. In clinical trials, including a trial of patients receiving TMS as part of their medical care, after six weeks of treatment, 2 in 3 patients improved significantly and 1 in 3 patients were completely free of depression symptoms. Efficacy was established in controlled clinical trials comparing active treatment with the NeuroStar TMS therapy System to an inactive device. Patients treated with active NeuroStar TMS Therapy received an average reduction in their depression symptom score of 22.1% compared to a 9% average reduction in patients receiving inactive treatment.

 

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