Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Foundation Questions
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
- Adult
- Major Depressive Disorder diagnosis without psychotic features
- Unsatisfactory benefit from anti-depressant medication trial
Questions About Treatment
Your treatment will last just under 19 minutes each day, and your full appointment should take no longer than 30 minutes. Your first treatment may take up to 60-90 minutes while your doctor customizes your treatment dose and isolates your treatment location.
You get to relax in a comfortable reclining chair. You will feel a tapping sensation on the front part of the left side of your head. Everyone perceives the pulses differently, and your provider can make adjustments so you are more comfortable.
You will need to come 5 days a week for 4-6 weeks and most likely for 3 additional weeks to slowly step down your treatment. The Provider will make his/her recommendation during your Clinical Consultation.
If you miss a day(s) due to unforeseen circumstances (illness, injury, etc), your Provider will make a recommendation on how to proceed with treatment. However, if you have planned time away (vacation, etc) then your Provider will decide whether to start your NeuroStar treatment before or after your time away.
Efficacy & Side Effects
NeuroStar conducted a clinical study that showed that after 12-months, 45.1% of patients maintained remission, and 67.7% of patients maintained a positive response to treatment. 36.2% of these patients had an additional set of treatments, an average of 16 sessions. Many patients find that they do not need additional treatments after their initial course of therapy.
References: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20965447
The most common side effect is discomfort at the treatment site. Some patients complain of a headache following treatments for the first few days. Your doctor may recommend taking an over-the-counter medicine before your treatment if you experience discomfort. Most patients find any discomfort lessens after the first 5 days of treatment.
NeuroStar uses an MRI strength magnet to stimulate the areas of the brain that control depression to increase blood flow, glucose metabolism, and the chemicals (neurotransmitters) that are underactive in patients with depression.
NeuroStar is indicated for treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).