A New Possibility for the Treatment of Depression
NeuroStar® Advanced Therapy uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive treatment that delivers focused magnetic pulses to a targeted area of the brain involved in mood regulation. NeuroStar is FDA-cleared for specific patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not achieved satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication treatment.
*The 83% response and 62% remission figures come from a real-world, open-label NeuroStar Outcomes Registry and refer to a clinician-rated analysis. Outcomes vary and should not be interpreted as expected results for every patient.
TMS Therapy System
NeuroStar® Advanced Therapy
- Contact Sensing® technology
- MT Assist® dosing support
- Non-drug, non-invasive therapy
- MDD, OCD & anxious depression
Real-World Outcomes Reported With NeuroStar®
NeuroStar outcomes have been evaluated in a large real-world clinical registry. The study assessed depression outcomes using both patient-reported and clinician-rated measures across multiple clinical sites.
Reported response in the relevant clinician-rated analysis.
Reported remission in the same clinician-rated analysis.
Registry note: The registry was observational and open-label. Patients were treated in routine clinical settings and could receive other depression treatments, including medication. View the published study
How Is NeuroStar® TMS Thought to Work?
Focused magnetic stimulation targets a brain region involved in mood regulation.
Focused Magnetic Pulses
NeuroStar uses a magnetic coil to deliver repetitive pulses to a targeted area of the brain.
Targeted Brain Stimulation
Treatment targets a brain region associated with mood regulation and stimulates neurons in the treatment area.
Repeated Treatment Sessions
NeuroStar TMS is delivered across a series of outpatient sessions based on the treatment plan.
Note: The exact mechanism by which TMS produces antidepressant effects is not fully understood.
What Sets NeuroStar® Apart?
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy includes technology designed to support treatment positioning, dose determination, and consistent delivery.
Contact Sensing
Provides feedback on coil contact during treatment to support consistent delivery.
MT Assist®
Helps determine the motor threshold used to establish an individualized treatment dose.
Consistent Positioning
Supports repeatable positioning of the treatment coil during sessions.
Treatment Protocols
Supports multiple treatment protocols selected by the treating clinician.
What Is a Typical NeuroStar® Treatment Course Like?
Outpatient Treatment
Treatment takes place in a clinical office while the patient remains awake and alert.
Regular Sessions
A typical course includes 36 sessions over about 6 weeks, although schedules can vary.
Short Sessions
Some sessions can take as little as 19 minutes, depending on the protocol.
No General Anesthesia
NeuroStar TMS does not require general anesthesia or sedation.
Note: Treatment schedules and protocols vary. A qualified clinician determines the treatment approach for each patient.
Who May Be Considered for NeuroStar® TMS?
NeuroStar has FDA-cleared indications for specific patients with MDD and certain other conditions. A qualified clinician determines whether treatment is appropriate based on diagnosis, treatment history, and safety considerations.
FDA-Cleared Indications
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is FDA-cleared for the following uses.
Adult MDD
For adults with MDD who did not achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode.
MDD With Anxiety
For decreasing anxiety symptoms in adults with MDD who have comorbid anxiety symptoms.
Adult OCD
As an adjunctive treatment for OCD in adults.
Adolescent MDD
As an adjunctive treatment for MDD in adolescents ages 15–21.
Questions to Discuss With a TMS Provider
These questions can help you identify topics to discuss with a qualified clinician. They are not a diagnostic or eligibility test.
- Have you been diagnosed with major depressive disorder?
- Have you used antidepressant medication during your current depressive episode?
- Have you achieved satisfactory improvement with that treatment?
- Are you interested in learning about a non-drug treatment option?
Safety and Side Effects
NeuroStar TMS is generally well tolerated, but it can cause side effects and is not appropriate for everyone.
Common Side Effect
Temporary pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site is the most common reported side effect.
Other Effects
Other reported effects include headache and localized discomfort.
Rare Seizure Risk
TMS carries a rare risk of seizure. NeuroStar reports a risk of less than 0.1% per patient.
Important Contraindications
NeuroStar should not be used with certain non-removable conductive metal or stimulator implants in or near the head.
Safety note: This information is a general overview and does not replace the NeuroStar prescribing information or evaluation by a qualified clinician.
Find Clinics Offering NeuroStar® TMS Near You
Explore MDDCare’s directory of clinics that list NeuroStar® TMS among their treatment options. Availability, treatment protocols, and eligibility requirements vary by clinic.
NeuroStar® TMS Availability
Browse clinics that list NeuroStar® TMS among their treatment options.
Treatment Modalities
See other TMS systems and services a clinic lists.
Location
Browse clinics by city, state, or nearby location where available.
Insurance & Coverage
Review listed insurance information and confirm current details with the clinic.
Considering TMS? Eligibility, treatment availability, and coverage requirements vary by clinic and individual circumstances. Contact a listed clinic directly for current information about treatment and payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About NeuroStar® TMS
Educational answers about NeuroStar sessions, treatment courses, and how TMS compares with ECT.
Does NeuroStar® TMS hurt?
Some people experience tapping or discomfort at or near the treatment site during a session. Temporary pain or discomfort is the most common reported side effect and generally improves during the treatment course.
How long does a NeuroStar® session take?
Session length varies by treatment protocol. Some NeuroStar sessions can take as little as 19 minutes.
How long is a typical NeuroStar® treatment course?
A typical course includes 36 sessions over about 6 weeks, although the schedule can vary based on the treatment plan.
How is TMS different from ECT?
TMS uses magnetic stimulation and is delivered while the patient is awake. ECT uses controlled electrical stimulation and is generally performed under anesthesia. A qualified clinician can explain how the treatments differ and which options may be appropriate.
Medical Disclaimer: MDDCare provides educational information and a directory of clinics. MDDCare does not provide medical care or determine whether a person is eligible for NeuroStar TMS. A qualified clinician can determine whether TMS may be appropriate.
Clinical Sources: FDA 510(k) K220127FDA 510(k) K230029Sackeim et al., 2020NeuroStar Prescribing InformationNeuroStar Safety Information