Depression affects millions of Americans every year, but for many, antidepressant medications and therapy aren’t enough. Some patients struggle with side effects, while others see little or no improvement. If you’ve felt stuck after trying multiple treatments, you’re not alone—and there are advanced options available.
At the Maryland Spravato & TMS Center, we specialize in NeuroStar® Advanced Therapy, a non-invasive treatment that uses Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to target depression at its source. This blog explains how NeuroStar works, why it’s different from traditional treatments, and who it can help.
Table of Contents
What Is NeuroStar® Advanced Therapy?
NeuroStar is an FDA-cleared treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly for people who have not responded to antidepressants. It uses pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate areas of the brain that are underactive in depression.
Unlike medication, which affects the entire body, NeuroStar acts directly on the brain’s mood-regulating circuits. Over time, this stimulation helps restore healthy brain activity, leading to improved mood and energy.
According to NeuroStar’s official clinical results, over 5 million treatments have been delivered in the U.S., making it the nation’s leading TMS brand.
How Does It Work?
During a NeuroStar session:
- A specialized coil is placed gently on your head.
- It delivers magnetic pulses to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain involved in mood.
- This stimulation activates neural pathways, essentially “waking up” underactive brain cells.
The process is often described as “physical therapy for the brain.”
Sessions are painless, require no anesthesia, and patients can return to daily activities immediately after.
Who Can Benefit From NeuroStar?
NeuroStar is most effective for patients who:
- Have treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
- Have tried two or more antidepressants with little or no relief.
- Struggle with medication side effects like weight gain, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction.
- Want a non-drug, non-invasive treatment option.
At the Maryland Spravato & TMS Center, we also evaluate patients with:
- Anxiety symptoms linked to depression.
- Chronic depression that has lasted for years.
- Co-existing conditions where medications have proven difficult to manage.
What to Expect in Treatment
- Initial Consultation
- We review your medical and mental health history.
- Together, we decide if NeuroStar is right for you.
- First Session (Mapping)
- A provider determines the correct dose and placement for the coil.
- Regular Sessions
- Typically 5 days a week for 6 weeks.
- Each session lasts 19–37 minutes.
- No downtime—you can return to work or school immediately.
- Maintenance Care
- Some patients benefit from taper or maintenance sessions to sustain results.
Effectiveness of NeuroStar
Clinical research shows:
- Remission rates of up to 37% for TRD patients.
- Response rates over 60%.
- Many patients experience improvements within 2–4 weeks of treatment.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that NeuroStar provides long-term durability, with many patients maintaining remission for 12 months or more.
Is It Safe?
Yes. NeuroStar is FDA-cleared and has been proven safe in clinical trials.
Common side effects:
- Mild scalp discomfort
- Temporary headache
Rare risks:
- Seizures (less than 0.1% incidence)
Unlike antidepressants, NeuroStar does not cause weight gain, sexual side effects, or drowsiness.
The Patient Experience
Patients who complete NeuroStar often describe it as transformative:
- “It felt like someone flipped a light switch in my brain.”
- “I finally feel like myself again.”
- “After years of trying medications, this was the first thing that truly worked.”
Our providers at the Maryland Spravato & TMS Center combine NeuroStar with other therapies such as counseling, medication management, or Spravato (esketamine) for comprehensive care.
Daily Life With NeuroStar
What makes NeuroStar especially appealing is its convenience:
- Sessions are short and non-invasive.
- No hospitalization or sedation.
- Patients can drive themselves home and resume daily tasks.
This makes it an excellent option for professionals, parents, and students who need effective care without major disruption to their schedules.
When TMS Might Not Be Right
TMS is not recommended for patients with:
- Metal implants in or around the head (except dental fillings)
- A history of seizures (case-by-case evaluation)
- Severe, uncontrolled medical conditions
How We Help at Maryland Spravato & TMS Center
Our clinic provides:
- Cutting-edge NeuroStar TMS technology in a comfortable, patient-focused environment.
- Expert psychiatric providers trained in advanced depression care.
- Individualized treatment plans integrating therapy, medication, and advanced options like Spravato.
- Comprehensive support for patients and families navigating depression.
We are proud to make NeuroStar accessible to patients across Maryland who may have felt out of options.
Conclusion
Depression is complex, and standard treatments don’t always work. NeuroStar® Advanced Therapy offers a safe, effective, and lasting solution for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
At the Maryland Spravato & TMS Center, we are committed to guiding patients through advanced options like NeuroStar, empowering them to break free from depression and rediscover hope
References
- NeuroStar Official Clinical Data
- Mayo Clinic – TMS Overview
- Journal of Clinical Psychiatry – TMS Long-Term Outcomes
- National Institute of Mental Health – Depression