Neuronetics NeuroStar TMS Therapy®
Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, or TMS therapy, is a relatively new treatment for some mental health and neurological conditions, including major depressive disorder (or clinical depression). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared one TMS depression treatment device for those who haven’t found relief with antidepressants or talking therapy.
Although many medical offices and clinics offer transcranial magnetic stimulation, Neuronetics’ NeuroStar TMS Therapy® is the only device with FDA clearance.
NeuroStar TMS Therapy® is non-systemic (it doesn’t circulate in the blood, like antidepressants) and non-invasive (with no surgery involved). In addition, transcranial magnetic stimulation doesn’t have any adverse effects on memory or concentration, and it can be used along with antidepressants with no drug-device interactions.
What Is Neuronetics?
Neuronetics, Inc. is a privately owned medical devices company based in Malvern, Pennsylvania. These devices use magnetic field pulses to treat psychiatric and neurological disorders, including major depressive disorder.
TMS Depression Treatment with NeuroStar
There is little preparation necessary for NeuroStar TMS Therapy®. The magnetic field goes through the hair, skin and bone, allowing a patient to be awake and alert during treatment.
During NeuroStar TMS Therapy®, a patient sits in the treatment chair, which is designed to provide the optimal position for treatment. The operator stands behind the patient to operate the console, using a touch-screen display to perform the TMS depression treatment. The operator places the treatment coil, which converts electrical currents into MRI-strength magnetic fields, onto the patient’s forehead in a specific area. Neuronetics’ unique SenStar® Treatment Link serves as an interface between the patient and the TMS depression treatment console.
NeuroStar Therapy: Real Therapy for Real People
No single treatment will work for each and every patient. For some, however, NeuroStar TMS Therapy® makes a tremendous difference in the quality of life. Consider the case of 66 year-old, Carole Rhodes. This Wilmington, North Carolina, resident’s severe depression often kept her in her home for days, barely able to get out of bed.
After she began NeuroStar therapy, Rhodes’ husband, John, reported that she no longer isolated herself from her friends and she had more energy and motivation. Rhodes herself described the therapy as painless, and said that the tapping sounds of the magnetic field are similar to the sound of a sewing machine at work.
For severely depressed patients who haven’t experienced symptom relief with antidepressants, transcranial magnetic stimulation may be a good alternative. After speaking with your family doctor, therapist or psychiatrist to determine if NeuroStar TMS Therapy® is right for you, consult the Internet to find a local NeuroStar Therapy provider.
Resources
Grohol, J. (2008). TMS treatment for depression gains FDA approval. Retrieved May 28, 2010, from the PsychCentral website: psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/10/09/tms-treatment-for-depression-gains-fda-approval/.
Neuronetics Staff. 2009. About Neuronetics. Retrieved May 28, 2010, from the Neuronetics website: neuronetics.com/about-profile.aspx.
Neuronetics Staff. (2009). NeuroStar TMS Therapy® system components. Retrieved May 28, 2010, from the Neuronetics website: neuronetics.com/Prod-Components.aspx.
Nunn, C. (2010). After magnetic stimulation therapy, Wilmington woman finds motivation, energy. Retrieved May 28, 2010, from the StarNews Online website: www.starnewsonline.com/article/20100311/ARTICLES/100319934?p=1&tc=pg.