Understanding TMS
What is TMS?
TMS is a safe and effective treatment for Major Depression, and other conditions, using a focused magnetic field to target key areas of the brain which are either too active or too inactive. By stimulating these “cortical windows” on the surface of the brain, areas far away from the treatment area can be activated leading to improvement in, or resolution of, clinical symptoms and restoration of function. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is an FDA-cleared treatment for Major Depressive Disorder, available since 2008.
How effective is TMS for Depression?
Eighty-three percent of patients see a clinically-significant improvement in symptoms, and up to 62 percent experience a full remission. By contrast, among people who have tried 3 or more medications have only a 7 percent chance of a good response with additional medication trials.
TMS offers an evidence-based, safe and effective alternative to ongoing medication management. People who receive TMS remain on medication, but may reduce the overall number of medication, reducing dosing or prevent the addition of more medication.
HOW SAFE IS TMS?
The magnetic field used in TMS is strong enough to change brain activity, but does not result in side effects felt in the rest of the body because:
1) TMS does not extend below the collar bone
2) TMS does not introduce any chemicals into the body, instead acting directly on impacted brain regions. In this regard, TMS can be a useful alternative to additional medication.
Who is tms for?
In addition to depression, TMS has been shown to be effective for a range of conditions off-label, including anxiety disorders, addictions, and PTSD. TMS has indications for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as well as Major Depressive Disorder in adolescents.
Neurostar TMS is covered by Medicare and most national insurance carriers, totaling more than 300 million people!
About Neurostar TMS
NeuroStar uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target key areas of the brain that are 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 revitalize underactive 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 on depression, making long-term remission from depression a reality for many people.
Treatment with NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is easy:
• Therapy sessions are conducted in your NeuroStar doctor’s office
• You can return to normal activities right away
• You are awake during treatment
• There are no negative effects on memory or sleep
What to Expect:
Before Treatment
You’ll recline comfortably in the treatment chair. A curved magnetic coil will be positioned on your head.
During Treatment
You’ll hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head as the NeuroStar coil focuses treatment precisely at the source of the depression: the brain. The patented Contact Sensing technology ensures the prescribed dose is delivered, every treatment, every pulse.
After Treatment
With NeuroStar TMS you are fully awake and alert during treatment and may drive home and resume daily activities immediately afterwards. Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, a typical NeuroStar treatment plan includes 36 sessions that each last between 19-37 minutes
TMS Experiences from NeuroStar Patients: Mariah and Bart
About Dr. Brenner
Dr. Brenner has been practicing TMS since 2010, and is comfortable providing comprehensive evaluation, treatment and referral for a range of conditions, solo or in coordination with your current mental health clinicians.
Dr. Brenner completed TMS and related neuromodulation training at the Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation at Harvard’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and at Duke University School of Medicine TMS Training.
Please Contact Us for more information about TMS, and to schedule consultation.