NeuroStar TMS Therapy® — Unique Mechanism of Action

Transcranial magnetic stimulation uses a highly focused pulsed magnetic field, similar in type and strength to those produced by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, to stimulate cortical neurons.

1.  Pulsed magnetic fields induce small electric currents in the prefrontal cortex of the brain
2.  Local neurons depolarize and release neurotransmitters
3.  Distant areas of the limbic system are activated via neuronal pathways
4.  Blood flow and glucose metabolism rise in the stimulated regions, which is thought to result in improved mood.

Neuroimaging studies have documented changes in cortical metabolic activity in tissue directly stimulated by TMS and in distal networks known to be involved in mood regulation2

Repeated activation of the left prefrontal cortex is known to produce antidepressant effects in patients suffering from major depression.1

NeuroStar provides targeted stimulation of the brain regions involved in mood regulation without the burden of systemic side effects.

Learn how NeuroStar TMS Therapy® fits in the treatment of depression

 

  1. Demitrack MA, Thase ME. Clinical significance of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the treatment of pharmacoresistant depression: synthesis of recent data. Psychopharm Bull. 2009, 42(2): 5-38.
  2. Adapted from: Kito, et al, Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 2008