How Does TMS Therapy Work?

Through a magnetic coil, the Neurostar TMS system generates highly concentrated, magnetic fields which turn on and off very rapidly. These magnetic fields pass through the hair, scalp, and skull to directly reach the target brain area.

The treatment coil is applied to the head above the left prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that is involved with mood regulation. By generating a concentrated magnetic field in this region, small micropulses are elicited in the neurons of the brain.

These pulses are strong enough to activate the brain area, but not so strong that they induce a seizure, like in Electroconvulsive Therapy (or “electroshock therapy”). By activating the brain cells with these micropulses, the cells are stimulated into releasing an important chemical, brain-derived neurotrophic growth factor (or BDNF), that increases connections between brain cells and increases brain activity in the area.

While all of this is happening, you will feel a mild tapping sensation on the head and hear a clicking sound. You can find more information about what you will experience by hearing about a typical treatment session and contacting us.