Knowing what your NeuroStar TMS therapy experience will look like can help you approach this treatment with confidence. We walk you through a predictable, non-invasive process that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate mood-regulating brain circuits. You remain awake, there is no anesthesia, and you can return to your day immediately after each visit!
At Genesis TMS and Wellness, our goal is to make sure you know how the process works, and every step is clear, comfortable, and aligned with your personal treatment plan.
Your first NeuroStar TMS appointment focuses on safety screening, expectations, and a brief motor-threshold procedure that calibrates your individual dose. We position a figure-eight coil on your scalp and deliver test pulses to identify the minimum strength needed to activate target neurons. This mapping ensures that subsequent sessions are both consistent and precise. You will feel rhythmic tapping on the scalp; many people describe it as unusual at first but manageable after a few minutes.
A standard weekday neurostimulation session lasts about 19 minutes. After a quick check of your motor threshold, the device delivers magnetic pulses in short trains while you sit comfortably. You can read, listen to music, or simply rest. Most patients notice temporary scalp tenderness or a mild headache that resolves the same day.
NeuroStar TMS treatment generally follows a 7-week schedule for those treating major depressive disorder: frequent weekday sessions for six weeks, then a brief taper in week seven. Because TMS is non-sedating, you can drive yourself and resume work or errands right away. Improvements often begin between weeks four and six as targeted circuits strengthen, and benefits can last up to one year before reassessment.
NeuroStar TMS therapy is an FDA-cleared option for adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and it is FDA-cleared as an adjunct treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults. The overall side-effect profile is moderate risk, with common effects like scalp discomfort and headache; cognitive impairment has not been shown. We monitor standardized mood scales, sleep, energy, and daily functioning to track response. Typical age criteria are twenty-two and older (or fifteen and older for MDD only), and we review metal implants or seizure history before starting. Throughout care, we adjust comfort settings while staying within FDA-cleared parameters and manufacturer protocols.
Understanding what it will actually look and feel like to receive TMS therapy can make your decision feel straightforward rather than stressful. If you are ready to discuss a personalized plan, we will guide you from consultation through completion with transparent expectations and supportive check-ins. Please call Genesis TMS & Wellness to discover how NeuroStar TMS therapy can change your life!
