Some people who are interested in NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy wonder whether the treatment is experimental. The short answer is no, NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, evidence-based therapy with years of research supporting its safety and effectiveness.
It is widely used in clinics across the country, including here at Chrysalis Psychiatry, to help you address symptoms of certain mental health conditions.
NeuroStar is a type of TMS that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain linked to mood regulation. These pulses are delivered through a treatment coil placed against your scalp as you sit comfortably in a treatment chair. Sessions typically last 19 minutes, and no anesthesia or sedation is required.
The technique is non-invasive, well-tolerated, and allows you to return to normal activities immediately afterward.
NeuroStar TMS therapy received FDA clearance in 2008 for adults with treatment-resistant depression and who have not responded to at least one antidepressant. Since then, the clearance has expanded to other indications based on research.
TMS technology, including NeuroStar systems, has been studied for more than 30 years. Peer-reviewed publications and multi-center clinical trials have consistently shown its safety profile and therapeutic benefits. Today, NeuroStar is used in thousands of clinics across the United States. Its application follows established protocols developed from extensive clinical trial research data. Its methods are not experimental.
Studies confirm that NeuroStar TMS can lead to significant improvement in depressive symptoms, including when you have not found relief with medications alone. Clinical trials report high response and remission rates, with benefits that can last months or longer.
Importantly, the safety data shows that most side effects, such as mild scalp discomfort or headache, are temporary and resolve shortly after the treatment session ends. Additionally, these side effects are typically not present after the first week of treatment for many patients.
Experimental therapies are typically offered only in controlled research settings, which also require enrollment in a clinical trial. They may not yet have enough evidence to be approved for general use. By contrast, NeuroStar:
When you come in for NeuroStar TMS therapy, our providers create an individualized treatment plan based on your medical history, symptoms, and previous treatment experiences. Each session is conducted in our comfortable office setting, with your provider monitoring progress and adjusting parameters as needed for optimal results.
If you’re just learning about the benefits of NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy, we should emphasize that it is no longer an experimental treatment.
It is an established, FDA-cleared therapy backed by decades of research and real-world clinical use. At Chrysalis Psychiatry, our providers use this proven technology within individualized care plans, helping you explore safe, effective options supported by science. Call us today!
