NeuroStar TMS – How It Works and How it Treats Depression without Medication

Understanding NeuroStar TMS

Depression and other mood disorders are often thought of as “chemical imbalances,” but modern research shows they are also problems of brain network activity. Some areas that regulate mood become underactive, and communication between brain regions can become disrupted.

NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment designed to target these brain circuits directly. Unlike medications that work systemically through the bloodstream, TMS uses magnetic energy to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in emotional regulation.

For many patients who have not achieved adequate improvement with antidepressant medications, NeuroStar offers a different pathway toward relief.

How NeuroStar TMS Works

During treatment, a specialized magnetic coil is positioned gently against the scalp. The device creates rapid magnetic pulses that pass safely through the skull and generate small electrical currents in the underlying brain tissue.

These pulses activate neurons in the left prefrontal cortex, a region strongly linked to mood regulation and known to be underactive in many individuals with depression.

Over repeated sessions, this stimulation helps:

• Increase activity in underperforming mood circuits

• Improve communication between brain networks

• Promote neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to function more efficiently

The goal is gradual improvement, not an instant effect. Most patients begin noticing meaningful changes after several weeks of consistent treatment.

What a Treatment Session Feels Like

NeuroStar therapy is performed in the office and does not require sedation or anesthesia. Patients remain awake and alert throughout treatment.

A typical session includes:

• Sitting comfortably in a treatment chair

• Placement of the magnetic coil against the scalp

• A tapping sensation during stimulation

• Ability to resume normal activities immediately afterward

Treatment courses typically occur five days per week over several weeks, allowing cumulative effects on brain networks.

NeuroStar technology also includes features designed to improve consistency and accuracy, such as motor threshold mapping and contact sensing to help ensure the correct dose and positioning during each visit.

What Conditions Does NeuroStar TMS Treat?

NeuroStar TMS is FDA-cleared for several mental health indications:

1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

This is the most common use. NeuroStar is intended for adults who have not achieved satisfactory improvement with antidepressant medication during their current depressive episode.

It may be especially helpful for patients who:

• Cannot tolerate medication side effects

• Prefer a non-medication approach

• Have persistent symptoms despite therapy and medication trials

2. Depression with Anxiety Symptoms

Many patients experience depression and anxiety together. NeuroStar is cleared for adults with major depression who also exhibit anxious depression symptoms.

3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

NeuroStar may be used as an adjunctive treatment for adults with OCD when standard approaches have not provided sufficient relief.

4. Adolescent Depression (Ages 15–21)

Recent FDA clearance allows NeuroStar to be used as an adjunct treatment in adolescents with major depressive disorder, expanding options for younger patients struggling with mood symptoms.

Safety and Side Effects

One of the major advantages of NeuroStar TMS is its non-systemic nature. There are no medication interactions and no cognitive side effects typically seen with more invasive brain treatments.

Common temporary effects include:

• Scalp discomfort or mild pain at the treatment site

• Headache

• Facial muscle twitching during stimulation

These symptoms often improve after the first week of treatment. Serious complications are rare, with seizure risk reported as very low.

Why Patients and Providers Consider TMS

TMS represents a different approach to mental health care by addressing brain circuitry rather than relying solely on neurotransmitter changes through medication.

Many patients appreciate that:

• Treatment is performed in the office

• No anesthesia or recovery time is needed

• They can return to work or normal routines immediately

• It can be combined with therapy and medication when appropriate

When effective, TMS may produce significant symptom improvement and meaningful restoration of daily function.

Final Thoughts

Mental health treatment is not one-size-fits-all. For patients who continue to struggle with depression or other mood disorders despite traditional therapies, NeuroStar TMS offers a scientifically grounded, technology-driven option aimed at improving brain function directly.

At Complete Healthcare, understanding emerging evidence-based treatments allows us to guide patients toward individualized care plans that support long-term mental wellness and quality of life.