It can be difficult for those who struggle with their mental health to find effective solutions. The medications currently available for depression and other conditions have side effects that cause unwanted physical changes.
If you are trying to find a treatment that works for you, NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy may be a good option. This treatment offers hope to people who have not found relief from their depression symptoms with other treatment methods. Read on to learn about the technology behind NeuroStar TMS therapy and get a better understanding of how it works.
Research indicated that the two main factors that contribute to depression are neurotransmitter imbalance and decreased brain activity. NeuroStar created one innovative treatment that addresses both factors—its advanced technology works to reactivating the brain both chemically and functionally.
If you decide to undergo NeuroStar TMS therapy, we will place magnetic coil on your scalp to generate a magnetic field during your treatment sessions. These energy waves are well-tolerated and do not emit radiation. The magnetic coils will send small magnetic pulses through your skull and into certain regions of your brain.
Your individual needs and goals will determine which areas of your brain your NeuroStar TMS treatments will target. We will also tailor the speed of the magnetic pulses to your needs. For example, slow pulses work to calm parts of the brain (such as the amygdala) that are overactive during depression, while fast pulses reawaken underactive regions (such as the prefrontal cortex).
Thanks to its technological sophistication, NeuroStar TMS taps into neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt over time. Your treatments will take place five days a week for seven weeks, giving your brain activity the opportunity to reset and encourage your brain to form new and lasting connections between neurotransmitters. Over time, this stimulation could improve how your brain and nervous system function and could help you manage your mental health symptoms more effectively.
By committing to this treatment timeline, you are giving yourself the opportunity to significantly improve your mental health. Many patients feel relief for up to 12 months after completing NeuroStar TMS treatments. (Dunner DL, et al. (2014). J Clin Psychiatry, 75(12):1394-1401.)
Undergoing NeuroStar TMS therapy is an empowering way to take control of your mental health without having to face the common side effects that medications cause. The technology behind NeuroStar TMS therapy targets the causes of depression and provides effective relief from its symptoms. If you are considering NeuroStar TMS treatments, call us today to schedule an initial consultation and begin your journey toward wellness.
