How NeuroStar® TMS Therapy Works
NeuroStar is like physical therapy for the brain. It uses magnetic pulses, similar in strength to an MRI, to reignite dormant connections in the brain and give you control over your depression. By revitalizing underactive areas of the brain involved in regulating mood, NeuroStar helps "wake up" these regions, leading to long-term remission from depression for many people.
A key advantage of NeuroStar TMS Therapy is that it has no effects on alertness or memory, allowing you to drive yourself to and from treatment sessions. The in-office treatment typically takes approximately 20 minutes and is administered five days a week for approximately 7 weeks.
Depression is caused by reduced activity in the areas of the brain thought to regulate mood.1,2
1. Post A, Keck ME. J Psychiatr Res. 2001;35(4):193-215. 2. Liston C, Chen AC, Zebley BD, et al. Biol Psychiatry. 2014;76(7):517-526.
What Conditions Does TMS Treat?
NeuroStar TMS therapy is FDA-cleared to treat several conditions:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
NeuroStar TMS is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, especially in patients who have not responded well to antidepressant medications. This indication includes both adults and adolescents aged 15 to 21 years.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
NeuroStar TMS is also FDA-cleared as an adjunct treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults.
Anxiety Symptoms Associated with MDD
NeuroStar TMS can be used to treat anxiety symptoms that co-occur with major depressive disorder in adults.
NeuroStar® TMS Therapy at MFM
At MFM, we are dedicated to providing advanced, effective treatment options for our patients. We are proud to offer NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, a non-invasive, FDA-cleared solution for major depressive disorder (MDD) and other mental health conditions.
This treatment is suitable for adults and adolescents aged 15 to 21, and it also addresses OCD and anxiety symptoms associated with depression in adults. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), NeuroStar TMS targets specific brain regions using magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas, with minimal side effects.
Our commitment to patient-centered care drives us to integrate innovative treatments like NeuroStar TMS, enhancing access to effective mental health solutions in our community. By offering this advanced therapy, we aim to improve overall well-being, particularly addressing the rising rates of depression among adolescents.
For more information, please schedule a consultation.
TMS Therapy is available in Beverly, MA at our affiliate location, AllaraCare Medical Group.
The NeuroStar® TMS Therapy Experience at MFM
Initial Consultation
Kimberly Seaward, PMHNP-BC will conduct TMS consultations, which last approximately 30 minutes. These can be done via telehealth or in person.
During Treatment
Becky Palmer, our highly trained behavioral health coordinator, will handle the subsequent 35 treatment sessions at our AllaraCare Medical Group affiliate office in Beverly.
NeuroStar delivers focused magnetic stimulation directly to the target areas of the brain. You’ll hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head.
Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes and is scheduled every day from Monday to Friday for 7 weeks.
After Treatment
Depending on your provider’s recommendation, each treatment takes between 19 and 37 minutes. You can resume normal activities immediately.
Initial Mapping
Kimberly Seaward, PMHNP-BC, will conduct the initial mapping session at our AllaraCare Medical Group affiliate office in the Cummings Center in Beverly (900 Building, West Dr., Suite 207T, Second Floor). This session lasts about 30-45 minutes and tailors the treatment to your specific needs.
You’ll recline comfortably in the treatment chair. A small, curved magnetic coil will be positioned lightly on your head.
NeuroStar TMS Testimonials
What is TMS
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This therapy is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions, especially for patients who have not responded well to traditional treatments like medication and psychotherapy.
NeuroStar TMS therapy has shown significant success, with 83% of patients experiencing improvement and 62% achieving full remission.
Why Choose MFM for TMS Therapy?
MFM's TMS practice is located in Beverly, MA on the North Shore of Boston, we are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care. Our experienced team of professionals will work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. We offer a supportive environment to help you on your journey to improved mental health.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please book an appointment online.
TMS Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
A. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, often referred to as TMS is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is typically used when antidepressant medications haven’t been effective, have ceased working, or as an alternative to medication.
Q. How does TMS work?
A. TMS involves delivering magnetic pulses to specific parts of the brain. How long is TMS treatment? A typical initial course of treatment is about 19-37 minutes daily over 4-6 weeks.
Q. Is TMS Therapy covered by my insurance?
A. A vast majority of commercial and Medicare plans have recognized the effectiveness of treating depression with TMS Therapy and now cover TMS as part of their plans.
Q. Is TMS Therapy a good alternative for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications?
A. TMS does not circulate in the blood throughout the body, so it does not have side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, dry mouth, sedation, etc. The most common side effects reported during clinical trials were headache and scalp discomfort —generally mild to moderate—occurring less frequently after the first week of treatment.
Q. Is TMS Therapy like other alternative therapies that use magnets to treat some illnesses?
A. No. TMS Therapy involves a unique method of using pulsed magnetic fields for a therapeutic benefit. The intensity of the magnetic field is similar to that of an MRI. These techniques differ radically from the popular use of low intensity, static magnetic fields. Those products deliver weak and undirected static fields that are not capable of activating brain cells. The activation and stimulation of brain cells is a key part of why TMS is so effective.
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode. The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy system is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you. Patients’ results may vary. The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. These events are transient; they occur during the TMS treatment course and do not occur for most patients after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with the use of TMS therapy (<0.1% per patient). Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.
TMS Clinical Trials & Academic Studies
1. Carpenter LL, et al. (2012). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Major Depression: A Multisite, Naturalistic, Observational Study of Acute Treatment Outcomes in Clinical Practice. Depression and Anxiety, 29(7):587-596. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22689344
2. George MS, et al. (2010). Daily Left Prefrontal Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: A Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 67(5):507-516. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20439832
3. Dunner DL, et al. (2014). A Multisite, Naturalistic, Observational Study of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Patients with Pharmacoresistant Major Depressive Disorder: Durability of Benefit Over a 1-Year Follow-Up Period. J Clin Psychiatry. 75(12):1394-1401. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25271871
4. O’Reardon JP, et al. (2007). Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Acute Treatment of Major Depression: A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial. Biol Psychiatry, 62(11):1208-1216. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17573044