Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation used to treat major depression. We offer NeuroStar Advanced Therapy which is an innovative, FDA-cleared therapy that can help people who struggle with major depression even after taking antidepressant medication.

TMS is indicated by the FDA for the treatment of depressive episodes in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder and OCD,  who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous  anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication treatment in the current episode.

TMS therapy should NOT be used if you have metal implants in or around your head (except for standard amalgam dental  fillings). These include but are not limited to a cochlear implant, implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), pacemaker, deep brain stimulator, vagus nerve stimulator, or metal aneurysm clips or coils, staples, or stents.

In each TMS therapy session, the patient is comfortably seated in a chair, a custom cloth cap is placed onto the head followed by a cushioned helmet. The helmet generates brief magnetic fields, at a similar amplitude to that used in  magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. Typically, during TMS therapy sessions, patients hear a tapping sound and feel a tapping sensation in the head area during the 20 minute-treatment. To diminish the sound, the patient is provided with  earplugs.

After each session, patients can return home independently, and immediately resume their daily routine.

TMS requires daily sessions over 4-6 weeks.  Treatment sessions build on one another so it’s best to follow the recommended treatment course. Once treatment is complete there can sometimes be checkup/maintenance visits as needed.

The most common side effect is temporary, mild pain or discomfort in the  area of the treatment site, which occurs during the TMS therapy session. This typically occurs only during the first week of TMS  treatment. Other side effects may include muscle twitching, headache and jaw pain.

Deep TMS offers effective results in almost half the time of other treatments  (just 20 minutes per session compared to 37 with traditional TMS), requiring daily sessions over 4-6 weeks.

In the U.S. there are now 2 FDA cleared indications: Depression and now OCD!  TMS is considered investigational as a treatment for all other indications, including but not limited to: bipolar, schizophrenia, bulimia nervosa, migraines, fibromyalgia, panic disorder, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, alcohol dependence, smoking cessation, chronic pain, Alzheimer’s, ADHD and Autism.