How does NeuroStar TMS Work for People with Depression?

Countless people have experienced relief from depression with NeuroStar TMS therapy.

How NeuroStar Works

During a short in-office treatment, a cushioned coil is carefully positioned on the head, ensuring that NeuroStar therapy reaches the targeted brain regions at the correct therapeutic location and depth. The magnetic pulses electrically activate specific brain circuits, enhancing neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and change. Over a seven-week course of treatment, more than 100,000 pulses are delivered, promoting the release of neurotransmitters and re-establishing connections between brain regions.

Because of neuroplasticity, the brain is able to change during these treatment session.

The company recommends 36 sessions over the course of 7 weeks.

Painless and Convenient

Contrary to common misconceptions about brain stimulation treatments, most patients describe NeuroStar therapy as feeling like gentle tapping on the outside of the head. Patients remain fully awake and alert throughout the process, resuming normal activities immediately after each session. Unlike traditional antidepressants, NeuroStar does not induce systemic side effects. The most common side effect is temporary pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site, typically subsiding after the initial week of treatment.

Efficacy of NeuroStar

The results speak for themselves—NeuroStar is a market leader in clinical practice with published long-term outcomes. In a clinical study, 83 percent of patients experienced a meaningful reduction in depression symptoms. Remarkably, for 62 percent of patients, their depression effectively disappeared. NeuroStar is indicated for major depressive disorder and is now also approved for anxious depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It has earned its place as the number one TMS choice for providers and is covered by most insurance plans.

NeuroStar TMS therapy is available at Psychiatric Care Center in Redding. Contact us to learn if you are a candidate for TMS therapy.