How TMS Therapy Works

The NeuroStar TMS Therapy system generates highly concentrated, magnetic fields thorough a treatment coil 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. To learn more please view the below video.