Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy uses short pulses of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain thought to control mood. It is sometimes referred to as rTMS which stands for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. TMS patients receiving TMS Therapy remain awake and alert during the procedure.
NeuroStar TMS Therapy ® is an outpatient procedure. The typical treatment course consists of at least 5 treatments per week over a 4-6 week period for 20-30 treatments.
Each depression treatment session lasts approximately 19 to 37 minutes, depending on what the doctor determines is the correct protocol. NeuroStar TMS Therapy is:
- Noninvasive, meaning that it does not involve surgery. It does not require any anesthesia or sedation, as the patient remains awake and alert during the treatment.
- Nonsystemic, meaning that it is not taken by mouth and does not circulate in the bloodstream throughout the body.
- FDA cleared for patients who have not benefited from prior antidepressant treatment.
TMS+YOU is an online community and national patient advocacy site for TMS therapy. Those considering transcranial magnetic stimulation can connect with patients who have had the treatment to answer questions, share insights, and get the latest information.