What Is TMS and How Does It Work?

A Safer, Smarter Approach to Depression Treatment

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is changing how we treat depression by focusing on the brain itself, not the whole body. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding the Science Behind TMS

TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a noninvasive procedure designed to treat major depressive disorder in a completely drug-free way. Unlike medications that travel through your entire system and often bring along side effects, TMS targets the root of the issue—your brain’s underactive mood centers.

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain that regulate mood and emotional balance. The technology works similarly to MRI imaging in terms of magnetic energy, but it’s designed to gently activate dormant connections between brain cells. These connections are often disrupted in individuals with depression, making it difficult for the brain to function as it should.

Each session takes as little as 19 minutes and is done in-office. You stay awake the entire time and can return to normal activities right after. There’s no sedation, no recovery time, and no disruption to your daily schedule.

Why It’s Different From Other Treatments

TMS offers a unique alternative to the traditional cycle of antidepressants. For people who haven’t responded well to medication, this therapy provides a new option backed by science and real-world success. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not involve shocks or cause memory loss. It doesn’t involve surgery or implants. Instead, it uses magnetic energy to stimulate the brain naturally.

The most common side effect is mild discomfort at the treatment site during the first week. This usually fades quickly. Serious risks are rare, and the procedure has been proven safe in both adult and adolescent patients with depression.

Who It Helps and What Results Look Like

TMS is indicated for adults and adolescents with major depressive disorder who have not found relief from at least one antidepressant. It’s also approved as an adjunct therapy for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults.

In real-world studies, 83% of patients who completed a full course of NeuroStar TMS reported measurable improvement in symptoms. Even more encouraging, 62% reached remission—meaning their depression symptoms were no longer diagnosable. Results typically begin to appear within two to three weeks, and family members often notice the change before the patient does.

The Treatment Experience at a Glance

During your appointment, a cushioned magnetic coil is placed gently against your head. This coil delivers precise magnetic pulses to the mood-regulating region of the brain. You might feel a tapping or tingling sensation, which becomes more tolerable with each session. Most patients complete a six-week course, with treatments five days per week.

Thanks to NeuroStar’s patented technology, each pulse is accurately delivered for optimal results. And since the treatment doesn’t travel through the digestive or circulatory systems, you avoid the systemic side effects often caused by medication.

A Breakthrough That Starts in the Brain

If you’re tired of side effects, stalled progress, or feeling stuck in your depression treatment, TMS could offer a new direction. NeuroStar helps the brain return to its natural rhythm and supports real, lasting change.

Talk to your doctor to see if you qualify for TMS. A better solution may be closer than you think.