Do NeuroStar Treatments Hurt?
Many of our patients struggling with major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or major depressive disorder with anxious depression turn to our clinic for a safe and effective treatment. These patients may not have success with standard treatments such as medication and therapy and need better solutions.
For these patients, we strongly recommend NeuroStar Advanced TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy. This treatment is the gold standard of TMS therapies and is the leading physician-recommended treatment of its kind. NeuroStar, available at Infinity Life Wellness Center, offers a noninvasive, nonsurgical, and medication-free approach to mental health therapy for qualifying patients. At our office, we take time and care to address common questions our patients have about the treatment, including one of the most asked questions: Do NeuroStar treatments hurt?
The Science Behind TMS
Patients with MDD, OCD, and other mental health challenges typically experience depressed activity in certain areas of the brain, especially those that control mood, emotion, and behavior. Studies have shown that patients with mental health conditions such as depression and OCD also have differences in brain structure and function in these regions. TMS therapy aims to improve brain activity right at the source.
Through the safe and gentle use of electromagnetic waves, TMS therapy stimulates and awakens these areas of your brain. This excites the neurons in these regions and activates them, improving overall activity levels. Over time, by improving your brain activity, TMS therapy trains your brain to enhance your mood and emotional regulation. Patients experience diminishing of their mental health symptoms without the challenging side effects of medications or the invasiveness of surgery.
How Does NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy Work?
As the number-one-doctor-recommended TMS treatment, NeuroStar aims to bring the benefits of TMS therapy to patients with depression (including anxious depression) and OCD. Patients will receive this therapy through a treatment device in a weekly treatment session that takes approximately 20 minutes.
During the session, our specialist will gently tape the NeuroStar device on your head, through which electromagnetic waves will be emitted to strategic regions of your brain. This is what stimulates your brain to improve its activity, which will relieve some of the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. While we recommend the full six-week treatment course for best results, many patients experience relief as early as after their first or second treatment session.
Do NeuroStar Treatments Hurt?
One of the most frequently asked questions asked by our patients is whether NeuroStar treatments hurt.
Most patients tolerate NeuroStar well, with no side effects. However, some patients may encounter mild to moderate discomfort at or near the area of treatment during sessions. They have described these feelings as “uncomfortable” rather than “painful.” The discomfort tends to fade over one to two weeks.
This mild discomfort, which may manifest as a minor headache, can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medication. What makes NeuroStar such an attractive treatment compared to medication is that its minor side effects are far less severe compared to those of standard medications for mental health treatment.
Schedule Your Appointment for NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy at Infinity Life Wellness Center
We provide NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy for qualifying patients in Miami experiencing major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or major depressive disorder with anxious depression. NeuroStar is a viable and potentially life-changing treatment option for eligible adult and adolescent patients who have not found relief through standard treatments such as medication or psychotherapy.
If you have additional questions about NeuroStar, we can help answer all your queries, including whether NeuroStar treatments hurt. Schedule your consultation with our office today to discover if NeuroStar treatment is right for you.