Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at Vera French
What is NeuroStar Advanced Therapy?
NeuroStar is an FDA-cleared device that delivers a therapy called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). It uses a targeted pulsed magnetic field, similar to what is used in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. This magnetic field stimulates areas of the brain that are under-active in people with depression. This treatment method is noninvasive. TMS is not electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and has none of the side effects of ECT.
Of those who complete the 6-week course of TMS as directed by our psychiatrist, nearly half will finally be completely free from depression and nearly all will experience a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. For patients who have tried everything else, NeuroStar TMS gives them and their families real hope that recovery is possible.
How does TMS Therapy work, and how is it different?
Individuals experiencing major depression who have tried multiple medications without success have a promising new option in TMS Therapy at Vera French. As prescribed and directed by our specially-trained psychiatrist, Neurostar is FDA approved and uses safe, magnetic pulses delivered to the brain in exactly the right location for maximum benefit – with none of the harmful side-effects of medication.
TMS Therapy is an in-office treatment that typically lasts between 19 to 37 minutes per session and is administered five days a week over the course of approximately four to six weeks. Treatments are provided at our Vera French Clinic at Central Park location: 1441 W. Central Park Avenue, Davenport, IA 52804. Our dedicated and experienced TMS staff is committed to providing exceptional care every step of the way.
TMS Therapy is covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare, Iowa Medicaid, TRICARE, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, (Optum), Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.
With more than one million treatments performed nationwide, this innovative approach to achieving remission is bringing new hope to people every day!
During a TMS treatment session at Vera French, a magnet is used to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain thought to control mood. These magnetic pulses may have a positive effect on the brain’s neurotransmitter levels, making long-term remission possible.
Before
You’ll recline comfortably in the treatment chair
A small, curved magnetic coil will be positioned lightly on your head
During
TMS delivers focused magnetic stimulation directly to the target areas of the brain
You’ll hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head
After
You can resume normal activities immediately
Because there are no effects on alertness or memory, you can drive yourself to and from treatment sessions
Watch our CEO talk about TMS Therapy at Vera French on KWQC’s Midday Medical.
Is TMS Therapy right for me?
For people with depression who have not benefited from antidepressant medication, TMS Therapy is an exciting treatment option.
If you agree with two or more of these
statements, TMS Therapy at Vera French may be right for you.
- Depression symptoms have interfered with my daily life.
- I am not satisfied with the results I get from depression medication.
- I have had or worry about side effects from depression medications.
- I have switched medications for depression due to side effects.
- I am interest in a proven, non-drug therapy for depression.