Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was first approved by the FDA in 2008 as a treatment for depression. NeuroStar TMS Therapy systems are produced by Neuronetics, which was the first company to receive FDA approval for TMS devices for treatment-resistant depression.
The company continues to advance technology for treating people with mood disorders and has since developed additional FDA-approved accessories that help with accurate coil placement.
Before receiving NeuroStar TMS therapy, you will want to know more than if it was FDA-approved for the treatment of depression, depression-related anxiety, or as an adjunctive therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). At Premier TMS of Los Angeles, we can answer all your questions.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation focuses on areas of the brain responsible for mood disorders. During clinical studies, researchers demonstrated that these areas of the brain are less active in people who have clinical depression, depression-related anxiety, and OCD.
While the exact pathways are not well understood, clinical studies have demonstrated that electromagnetic stimulation in these areas of the brain can help improve neurologic activity and significantly reduce or eliminate the symptoms of depression.
NeuroStar TMS therapy is delivered using a cushioned magnetic coil placed against your head and targets the area of the brain responsible for mood disorders. Each treatment takes less than 30 minutes, and most treatment cycles are five days a week for six weeks.
During clinical studies, the most common side effects of NeuroStar TMS therapy were tingling, tapping, or warming sensation under the area where the coil is placed. Other people have experienced toothache, headache, or skin pain directly under the coil.
However, these side effects usually resolve spontaneously and are not present after the first week of therapy. While these side effects may be irritating, they are far less than those experienced by people who are on antidepressant medication or receive electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also called shock therapy.
Clinical studies for NeuroStar TMS therapy have focused on individuals who have treatment-resistant depression. This term identifies individuals who have more than one antidepressant and have not received measurable results.
Although NeuroStar TMS therapy is FDA-approved, has a strong safety profile, and is an effective treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, depression-related anxiety, and OCD, it is not the right treatment option for everyone.
TMS therapy uses electromagnetic pulses that can affect metal devices. People with implanted metallic devices, such as cochlear implants or pacemakers, are not candidates for NeuroStar TMS therapy. Electromagnetic pulses can also attract metal, such as bullet fragments or ferromagnetic ink, around the head and neck area.
It is important to receive treatments that are FDA-approved for safety and effectiveness. However, not all FDA-approved treatments are good for all people.
If you have treatment-resistant depression and still struggle with symptoms, we encourage you to call our office today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Deirmenjian to discuss NeuroStar TMS therapy. Dr. Deirmenjian has over 14 years of experience treating patients with treatment-resistant depression with TMS therapy. He can answer your questions about the therapy system and give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Call (310) 246-9110