Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a safe and effective option for people with treatment-resistant depression. Depression is a common but challenging mood disorder that can have devastating effects when it is left untreated.
Clinical studies with NeuroStar TMS therapy demonstrate a high level of effectiveness in reducing or eliminating symptoms. We encourage you to call our office today and schedule your consultation to understand the TMS therapy timeline and what you can expect from treatment.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapy that uses electromagnetic pulses to affect areas of the brain known to control mood and influence mood disorders.
NeuroStar TMS therapy requires one 30- to 40-minute session, five days per week, for up to seven weeks. The treatment does not use anesthesia or sedation, so you can return to your daily activities after your session finishes.
After a full TMS treatment cycle and reduction or elimination of symptoms, follow-up imaging tests show these areas of the brain have higher activity levels. This could result from brain plasticity or neuroplasticity, the ability of your brain to change throughout your life.
NeuroStar TMS therapy follows a timeline during your treatment sessions. Everyone responds differently, so the rate at which you experience changes in symptoms can vary depending on several factors, including the intensity of the electromagnetic pulses, your underlying health, and your age.
During your first session, we establish the motor threshold, which is the lowest intensity level needed to address your symptoms. You may notice changes in symptoms within the first one to three weeks. Often, your friends and family first notice the difference in your behavior. While most people begin to see symptom relief by week three, it can take some people a little longer.
The first line of treatment for depression is typically antidepressant medications. While they begin working in the body within two weeks, it usually takes people up to six weeks to notice a difference in their symptoms. The greatest results often occur within 12 weeks. Unfortunately, antidepressant medications do not work for many people, and most come with a long list of side effects that can include constipation, nausea, and anxiety.
NeuroStar TMS therapy targets only brain tissue and does not cause systemic side effects. Most individuals begin to experience symptom relief within the first three weeks and will see the greatest results within six weeks. Clinical trials have identified several side effects using NeuroStar TMS therapy, most of which resolve after the first week of treatment.
These include tingling or discomfort on the skin underneath the padded coil that delivers the electromagnetic pulses. Some people also experience toothache, headache, or skin pain from the treatment. In very rare cases – 0.01% of people- TMS therapy may trigger a seizure. However, this does not result in any changes to cognition or thinking ability.
For many people, the results of TMS last up to 12 months. Other non-invasive effective therapies for depression have little to no side effects, including good nutrition, exercise, talk therapy, quality sleep, and taking care of your gut health.
However, making the necessary lifestyle changes to experience the results can be very challenging while you are depressed. NeuroStar TMS therapy gives you the timeline and opportunity to engage in these lifestyle choices once your symptoms have been reduced or eliminated. This can help extend the results, potentially for years.
NeuroStar TMS therapy offers relief from the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, depression-related anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), to name a few. We encourage you to call the office today and schedule your consultation so you can understand more about the TMS therapy timeline and how the results can improve your quality of life.
Call (310) 246-9110