We’ve listed some questions below that patients have commonly asked about TMS Therapy. Whether you’re a prospective patient or currently receiving TMS Therapy, we hope that you find this list helpful. If you have further questions please ask your treating physician or contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It is a safe and non-invasive treatment for depression, and has been known to help with migraines and anxiety.
Yes. There are no systemic side effects like those with depression medications. It was FDA approved for treating depression in 2008.
Each TMS treatment generally takes 20-30 minutes. A patient typically receives treatments 5 days a week for 4-6 weeks. Treatment duration may vary depending on the patient’s needs.
Many insurance companies cover TMS due to the fact many people are benefiting from it. We can help you find out if your insurance will cover treatment.
Both TMS and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) have been found to help. However, ECT is very invasive. It requires anesthesia, electrodes, and electric shocks. ECT can result in memory loss. TMS therapy, on the other hand, uses safe, non-invasive magnetic pulses.
TMS is indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adult patients who have failed to receive satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode. The TMS Therapy System is available upon the prescription by a licensed physician. It can be used in both inpatient and outpatient settings including physicians offices, clinics, and hospitals. If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with clinical depression or MDD, then TMS Therapy may be able to help.
Patients typically need 4-6 weeks (20 to 30) sessions of TMS to gain the most benefit in the treatment of their depression symptoms. In clinical trials, 1 in 2 patients achieve significant relief after 20 sessions and 1 in 3 experienced complete remission after 30 sessions. Every patient is different. Some patients may experience results in less time, while others may take longer.
Even though you may experience discomfort, NeuroStar treatments are generally not painful. You might experience mild headaches or sensations on your scalp, such as tingling, tapping, or light pressure. Because the coil is placed against your scalp, there may be mild discomfort or pressure at the treatment site. This is usually temporary and does not cause lasting pain.
If the treatment is uncomfortable, let your practitioner know, and the parameters can be adjusted.
In a real-world outcomes study involving actual NeuroStar patients, 83% of those who completed the full NeuroStar treatment cycle experienced a measurable decrease in the severity of their depression. Additionally, 62% of those who completed the treatment achieved full remission, meaning their depression effectively “went away.”