Through a treatment coil, the NeuroStar TMS Therapy system generates highly concentrated, magnetic fields which turn on and off very rapidly. These magnetic fields are the same type and strength as those produced by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine.
The treatment coil is applied to the head above the left prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain is involved with mood regulation, and therefore is the location where the magnetic fields are focused. These magnetic fields do not directly affect the whole brain; they only reach about 2-3 centimeters into the brain directly beneath the treatment coil. As these magnetic fields move into the brain, they produce very small electrical currents. These electrical currents activate cells within the brain which are thought to release neurotransmitters.
NeuroStar TMS Therapy is a 40-minute outpatient procedure that is performed under the supervision of a psychiatrist. It does not require anesthesia or sedation, and patients remain awake and alert during the procedure. Treatment is administered daily for four to six weeks (20-30 treatments). NeuroStar TMS Therapy® is indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from one prior antidepressant medication at or above the minimal effective dose and duration in the current episode.
*Richelson, E. Mechanisms of Action of Repetitive Transcranial magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Vagus Nerve Simulation (VNS). Psychiatric Annals, 2007: Vol 37-No. 3, 181-187.
Copyright 2004-2010 Alan Manevitz, M.D. Alan Manevitz, M.D. Practice of Psychiatry, 60 Sutton Place South, Suite 1CN, New York NY 10022 212.751.5072 or 866.374.7465
Through a treatment coil, the NeuroStar TMS Therapy system generates highly concentrated, magnetic fields which turn on and off very rapidly. These magnetic fields are the same type and strength as those produced by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. 
