Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
What is TMS Therapy?
NeuroStar TMS Therapy® is indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have not benefited from prior antidepressant medications. NeuroStar Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy uses highly focused magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that may be underactive in patients with depression. It involves the use of very short pulsed magnetic field to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The magnetic pulses target key areas of the brain with technology that is similar to that of magnetic resonance imaging. It is a non-invasive treatment for depression which is performed in our office. Each treatment takes approximately 37 minutes and is conducted five days a week for approximately four to six weeks. During treatment, patients are awake and alert and can go back to their normal activities immediately afterward.
How does it work?
During therapy, the treating clinician positions the treatment coil over the left prefrontal cortex which is an area of the brain known to affect mood. Through the treatment coil, the Neurostar System generates a highly focused, pulsed magnetic field to stimulate cortical neurons. Local neurons then depolarize and release neurotransmitters and distant areas of the limbic system are activated via neuronal pathways. Blood flow and glucose metabolism rise in the stimulated regions, which is thought to result in improved mood. The repeated activation of the left prefrontal cortex is shown to produce antidepressant effects in patients suffering from major depression. NeuroStar provides targeted simulation of the brain regions involved in mood regulation without the burden of systemic side effects.
Insurance Coverage
Due to its innovative treatment and proven efficacy, NeuroStar TMS Therapy may be covered by your insurance health plan. Many insurance companies have established medical coverage policies for NeuroStar TMS Therapy. Please refer to this link for a list of insurance companies with coverage policies https://neurostar.com/neurostar-health-insurance-coverage/. Our office offers a payment plan if needed.
Visit the NeuroStar Website
8 Things To Know About TMS
- TMS is an FDA-cleared treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and smoking cessation.
- Likelihood of MDD patients achieving remission is limited and declines with each successive medication trial. After two medication trails, there is a 16.2% chance of remission with a new trail.
- Appropriate for use either as an adjunct or as a monotherapy.
- Well-tolerated, non-invasive and low risk treatment for MDD, requiring no post-treatment downtime. Occasional side effects (scalp sensitivity or headaches)
- Performed in an office setting - average treatment plan usually consists of 20-minute treatment sessions performed five days a week for six consecutive weeks.
- Covered by most major insurances. Medicare is accepted by Ellington Behavioral Health.
- Works via magnetic pulses that induce electrical currents, stimulating neurons to bring about therapeutic effect. TMS for MDD targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. TMS for OCD delivers bilateral stimulation to the medial prefrontal cortex and cingulate cortex.
- Possible contraindications include: history of seizures, implanted medical device like a pacemaker and non-removable metallic implants above the neckline.
via Greenbrook TMS