Many people struggling with depression or anxiety turn to our clinic after finding little or no relief from medication. These mental health conditions can profoundly impact your life, affecting work, school, and personal relationships. If you are seeking alternative remedies for mental health, we recommend NeuroStar Advanced TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy—the leading physician-recommended treatment.
NeuroStar, available at the TMS Center of New Jersey, is an innovative non-intrusive, non-surgical approach to mental health therapy for eligible patients. In this article, we address our patients’ common inquiries about the therapy, including one of the most asked questions: Do NeuroStar treatments hurt?
TMS therapy is designed to improve brain activity and function. Patients with major depressive disorder, OCD, and other mental health issues typically experience low cognitive activity in certain areas of the brain, which can cause their symptoms.
This is especially seen in the regions of the brain that play a role in mood, emotion, and behavior. TMS therapy aims to enhance activity in these areas through stimulation using electromagnetic waves.
As TMS increases activity in these regions, you can see improvements in your mood and emotional regulation without the challenging side effects of medications or the invasiveness of surgery.
NeuroStar is not a surgical treatment or medication. Instead, it is a TMS therapy delivered via a treatment device through 20-minute daily sessions at our clinic.
During each session, our specialist will gently place the coil of the NeuroStar device on your head. Electromagnetic waves emitted from the device will be directed to strategic regions of your brain. These electromagnetic waves safely stimulate the neurons in your brain to increase activity.
In a matter of weeks, this improved brain activity can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. While the entire treatment course takes 7 weeks, many patients experience relief as early as the first few weeks.
One of our patients’ most frequently asked questions is if NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy hurts.
NeuroStar is generally well-tolerated by patients, with many experiencing no discomfort. However, some individuals may encounter mild to moderate discomfort during the first few sessions at or near the treatment site but everyone adjusts to this sensation within a week or two.
Although the sensation may vary between patients, most describe a tapping sensation that they feel inside the skull during stimulation. This discomfort, which may manifest as a minor headache, can usually be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relief medication. These symptoms tend to fade after one or two weeks of treatment and are far less pronounced or severe than those of standard medications for mental health conditions.
NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy is not for everyone, including patients who:
It is essential to seek the counsel and guidance of a professional healthcare provider to determine your eligibility for TMS therapy.
We provide TMS therapy for qualifying adult and adolescent patients experiencing major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or major depressive disorder with anxious depression.
NeuroStar is a viable and potentially life-changing treatment option for eligible patients in New Jersey who have not found relief through standard treatments such as medication or psychotherapy.
If you are interested in obtaining NeuroStar TMS treatment at the TMS Center of New Jersey, feel free to bring your questions and concerns to our specialists. We are eager to assist you on your journey to improved mental health. Schedule your consultation with our office today to learn more about NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy and its potential benefits.
