Depression is a common mental health condition that causes challenging obstacles in life. The most common first-line treatment is a traditional approach, including antidepressant medications and talk therapy. However, not everyone experiences measurable results from antidepressant medication.
When you do not experience relief after two or three different medications, the diagnosis is treatment-resistant depression. We want you to know that there is still hope and treatment that can help relieve symptoms of depression and allow you to regain an enjoyable and productive life.
TMS therapy has proven to be successful in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Learn more about the safety and side effects of TMS therapy and how NeuroStar TMS therapy may help alleviate your symptoms.
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate areas of the brain known to be involved in mood disorders. The FDA approved TMS therapy in 2008, and it is now approved for depression, depression-related anxiety, and as an adjunctive therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Clinical data and case studies with TMS therapy have demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing or eliminating depression symptoms. In a recent study, 83% of people treated with NeuroStar TMS therapy experienced measurable results, and up to 62% experienced complete remission.
NeuroStar TMS therapy does not require surgery or implanted devices. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), it does not carry the risks of memory loss nor purposely trigger seizure activity.
A full treatment cycle for TMS therapy typically includes an 18-minute session five times each week for seven weeks. Treatment sessions do not require anesthesia or sedation, so you can leave immediately afterward and go about the remainder of your day.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that less than 5% of people who received NeuroStar TMS therapy did not complete the treatment cycle because of side effects. The most common side effects reported are temporary pain or discomfort underneath the TMS treatment coil or near the site that occurs during therapy.
Discomfort typically resolves after the first week of treatment. Other side effects include eye pain, muscle twitches, facial pain, and toothache. Less than 0.03% of people have reported a rare risk of a seizure during TMS therapy. Data shows that while a seizure is a rare side effect, it does not adversely affect thinking skills in individuals who do experience one.
For this reason, NeuroStar TMS therapy is not recommended in people who have a known seizure disorder. It is also not recommended in individuals with other neurological conditions, such as a history of significant head trauma.
NeuroStar TMS therapy uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity. These electromagnetic pulses can affect any conductive metal or stimulator implants in or near the head and shoulders. This means people who have active or inactive implants or metal in their head or neck area are not candidates for NeuroStar TMS therapy.
NeuroStar TMS therapy has not been evaluated in women who are pregnant, so therapy should be delayed until after the baby is born.
The symptoms of depression and anxiety can be overwhelming. They can significantly impact your productivity and creativity, and create problems with your relationships with friends and family. If you have treatment-resistant depression, we encourage you to call today and schedule a consultation and learn more about the safety and side effects of TMS therapy.
