Indications and Patient Eligibility
NeuroStar TMS Therapy is indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication[2][4][5].
Efficacy
Clinical trials have shown that NeuroStar TMS is effective, with 83% of patients experiencing measurable improvement in their depression symptoms and 62% achieving complete remission[1][3][5].
Patients treated with NeuroStar TMS were four times more likely to achieve remission compared to those receiving sham treatment[2].
Treatment Process
The treatment is non-invasive and outpatient, taking as little as 19 minutes per session, with a typical course consisting of 5 treatments per week over 6- weeks (36 sessions total)[3][4][5].
The treatment involves magnetic pulses delivered to the left prefrontal cortex of the brain using a cushioned coil[3][4].
Side Effects and Safety
NeuroStar TMS does not have the common side effects associated with antidepressant medications. Patients may feel a tapping, tingling, or warming sensation during treatment, which is usually temporary[3][5].
The treatment is safe and does not involve surgery, anesthesia, or sedation. Patients are awake and alert during sessions[3][4].
Durability of Effects
The effects of NeuroStar TMS have been shown to be durable over 12 months. Two out of three patients who responded or remitted after TMS treatment maintained their symptom levels at the end of the 12-month period[2][4].
Maintenance and Relapse
Only about one in three patients needed maintenance TMS sessions during the 12-month follow-up period. Approximately 29.5% of patients who achieved remission experienced a recurrence of their illness during this period[4].
Real-World Outcomes
Real-world studies have supported the efficacy of NeuroStar TMS, showing significant improvement in symptoms and a high remission rate compared to continued medication treatment alone[3][5].
Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Indication | For adult patients with MDD who have not responded to prior antidepressant medication[2][4][5] |
| Efficacy | 83% response rate, 62% remission rate[1][3][5] |
| Treatment Duration | 7 weeks, 5 sessions per week[3][4][5] |
| Side Effects | Temporary tapping, tingling, or warming sensation[3][5] |
| Durability | Effects last 12 months or more [2][4] |
| Real-World Outcomes | Significant symptom improvement and high remission rates[3][5] |
Sources
- Home Page - NeuroStar (https://neurostar.com)
- Neurostar TMS - A Proven Effective Therapy for Treating Depression (https://www.tmsbrentwood.com/tms-therapy/about-neurostar-tms/neurostar-efficacy/)
- How Does NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Work | NeuroStar TMS (https://neurostar.com/how-does-neurostar-work/)
- Patient Guide for Treating Depression (https://neurostar.com/wp-content/uploads/NeuroStar-TMS-Therapy-Patient-Guide-for-Treating-Depression.pdf)
- TMS Treatment For Depression | Advanced Therapy | NeuroStar TMS (https://neurostar.com/what-is-neurostar-advanced-therapy/)