Is TMS Therapy Right for Me?
What is NeuroStar TMS Therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, is a treatment primarily used for treating depression. It was cleared by the FDA in 2008. A magnetic coil is placed on your scalp, and it sends magnetic pulses into the areas of the brain that controls mood. Unlike other treatments, TMS does not require anesthesia, and it has fewer side effects, making it a good option for those who have failed to respond to other treatments.
The science of NeuroStar TMS concerns neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and heal itself. With depression, parts of the brain may be less active. TMS helps wake up those areas, which may improve how you feel.
Who Benefits From TMS?
Generally, patients who are suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) can benefit from TMS therapy, as well as those experiencing OCD and MDD with anxious depression. Not everyone is a candidate for TMS, however. Due to the magnetic fields, the treatment is not safe if you have any of several medical conditions, or if you have metal implants such as cochlear implants or aneurysm clips. If you've had seizures in the past, you will want to discuss with your doctor whether or not TMS is a good option.
Should You Consider NeuroStar TMS?
It is relevant to weigh all the pros and cons before considering whether TMS would be suited for you. Some of the positive aspects of TMS are that it is non-invasive with fewer side effects compared to other options. You can also resume your activities immediately after each treatment.
However, it can be time-consuming, as the sessions occur daily for seven weeks (or six weeks for PCD treatment). Not all TMS services are covered under all insurance plans, so it would be wise to check with both Bloom Health and your insurance company ahead of time to verify what is and what isn't covered.
Call Bloom Health and Learn if NeuroStar TMS Therapy is Right for You
It may be worth it to consider TMS therapy if other treatments for MDD, anxious depression, or OCD have gone without success. However, TMS is not for everybody, and that is an issue that needs to be discussed with your physician to see if it is a good fit for you. Your doctor can help you determine if NeuroStar TMS would be an appropriate step for you, given your health and treatment history. Together, you can decide what works best for you in your mental health journey.
In all, TMS therapy is a promising new option for people suffering from mental health conditions. You can make an informed decision about whether TMS is right for you by learning more about the treatment, determining whether you are a good candidate, and discussing it with our Arlington team here at Bloom Health Centers.
TMS Patient Journey at Bloom
New to TMS? You are not alone.
Find out more about the journey to a life without depression through TMS Therapy at Bloom.
TMS Offered At:
Virginia
Arlington
801 N Quincy St, #601
Arlington, VA 22203
Winchester
158 Front Royal Pike, #206
Winchester VA 22602
MOB III, 7702 E Parham Rd Suite 102 Richmond, VA 23294
630 Peter Jefferson Pkwy STE 130 Charlottesville, VA 22911
Bloom Tips and Tools
Bloom Services:
Learn more about our comprehensive range of mental health services and schedule an appointment today!
Bloom Blog:
Helpful insights and information for your mental health journey.
Bloom In The News:
Press releases, announcements, and mentions in other media sources.
have questions?
We’re here to answer them. Request an appointment through our online form.
NeuroStar Indication Statement
Adult Indications for Use
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode.
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Adolescent Indications for Use
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is indicated as an adjunct for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescent patients (15-21).
Important Safety Information
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you. Patients’ results may vary.
The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. These events are transient; they occur during the TMS treatment course and do not occur for most patients after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with the use of TMS therapy (<0.1% per patient).
Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.