A QUICK OVERVIEW
NEUROSTAR TMS
About NeuroStar TMS Therapy
NeuroStar uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target key areas of the brain that can be underactive in people with depression.
It is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy).
What is NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS)?
NeuroStar uses focused magnetic pulses (similar in strength to an MRI) to stimulate areas of the brain involved in regulating mood. When these regions are underactive, depression can result.
“Waking up” these regions can have a lasting effect for many people.
HOW IT WORKS
How NeuroStar TMS Therapy™ Works
Here’s what a NeuroStar TMS session typically looks like:
Before Treatment
You’ll relax in a comfortable treatment chair while a small magnetic coil is positioned on your head.
During Treatment
You may hear clicking and feel a tapping sensation as focused magnetic pulses are delivered to areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
After Treatment
You can return to normal activities right away. There are no effects on alertness or memory, so most people can drive themselves to and from sessions.
Time & Schedule
Sessions are typically 19–37 minutes, commonly 3-5 days/week for 4–6 weeks. MDD treatment plans include 36 sessions.
WHO IT’S FOR
Is NeuroStar TMS right for you?
NeuroStar TMS is an FDA-cleared, non-medication treatment option for depression. Many people explore TMS when antidepressants haven’t provided enough relief, or when medication side effects have made it hard to continue.
Depression symptoms that feel stuck
Depression with anxiety symptoms
Prefer in-office care with no downtime
Medication side effects or limited benefit
Want a non-medication option
Looking for a structured, step-by-step plan
It’s normal to have questions before starting—our team can walk you through what to expect.
INDICATION STATEMENT
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 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.
CLINICAL & ACADEMIC REFERENCES
Carpenter LL, et al. (2012)… www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22689344
George MS, et al. (2010)… www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20439832
Dunner DL, et al. (2014)… www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25271871
O’Reardon JP, et al. (2007)… www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17573044