If you are considering NeuroStar for depression or OCD, one of the first questions people ask is simple: do NeuroStar treatments hurt? The short answer is that most people do not find the treatment painful. Many describe it as a tapping feeling on the scalp. This guide explains what a session feels like, the common side effects, and what to expect.
NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy can be an option for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and MDD with anxious depression, especially when medication has not helped enough. If you want details for your own situation, you can schedule a consultation with one of our clinicians.
Do NeuroStar Treatments Hurt?
For most people, NeuroStar treatments do not hurt. During a session, you feel a tapping or knocking sensation on your scalp where the device sits. It can feel unusual at first, and some people notice mild discomfort in the first few sessions. This usually eases as you get used to it.
You stay awake the whole time, and there is no anesthesia or sedation. If any discomfort comes up, tell your care team. They can adjust how the session is set up to help you feel more comfortable.
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is a non-invasive, non-drug treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood. NeuroStar is one system used to deliver TMS for MDD, OCD, and MDD with anxious depression.
How Does NeuroStar Work?
In depression and some other conditions, activity can be lower in the brain regions that help regulate mood, emotion, and behavior. Medication works from the inside through brain chemistry. TMS works from the outside. During treatment, the NeuroStar device sends targeted magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain. You can read more about how TMS therapy works. The magnetic fields are similar to those used in MRI machines. To learn more about this type of care, see the National Institute of Mental Health overview of brain stimulation therapies.
What Does a NeuroStar Session Feel Like?
Sessions take place in our clinic and usually last about 20 to 40 minutes. You recline in a treatment chair while the device rests against your head and delivers magnetic pulses. You feel a tapping sensation, and you hear a clicking sound. You are awake and alert throughout.
There is no recovery time. Most people drive themselves home or return to their day right after a session. It is FDA-cleared and generally well tolerated by eligible adults.
Common Side Effects of NeuroStar
TMS is non-invasive, and side effects are usually mild. According to the manufacturer’s safety information, the most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. This is usually temporary and often eases after the first week of treatment.
- Scalp discomfort or tenderness at the treatment site
- A mild headache, similar to the feeling after wearing tight headphones
- Twitching in the face or jaw during the pulses
There is a rare risk of seizure, reported at under 0.1% per patient. Your provider will review your health history and the full safety information with you. You can also read it at neurostar.com. Individual results vary.
How NeuroStar Compares With Other Treatments for Comfort
People often compare TMS with medication or more invasive options. It is non-invasive, does not require anesthesia, and does not involve surgery. Because nothing enters your bloodstream, it does not cause the systemic side effects that some medications can, such as weight change or nausea.
Comfort is personal, so the best way to know how it feels for you is to talk with a clinician about your options.
Who Should Not Use NeuroStar?
Most eligible adults tolerate NeuroStar well, but it is not right for everyone. It is generally not used for:
- Young children
- People who are pregnant or nursing, who should talk with their provider first
- People with conductive metal or stimulator implants in or near the head, such as deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, or vagus nerve stimulators
A provider will confirm if TMS is appropriate for you. See Is TMS right for you? for more.
Tips to Stay Comfortable During Treatment
A few simple steps can help, especially in your first week:
- Bring headphones or a playlist, or watch something on your phone to relax
- Tell your care team if the tapping feels too strong so they can adjust the setup
- Ask about over-the-counter pain relief if you get a mild headache afterward
- Stay consistent, since discomfort usually decreases after the first several sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NeuroStar treatments hurt during the session?
Most people do not find them painful. You feel a tapping on the scalp and hear a clicking sound. Some mild discomfort in the first few sessions is common and usually fades.
Does NeuroStar require anesthesia?
No. You stay awake and alert during treatment. There is no sedation and no recovery time, so most people return to their day right afterward.
How long does a NeuroStar session take?
Sessions usually last about 20 to 40 minutes. A standard course runs over several weeks, and your care team will set the schedule.
Are there lasting side effects?
Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as scalp discomfort or a brief headache. There is a rare risk of seizure. Your provider can review the full safety information with you.
Is NeuroStar safe?
NeuroStar is FDA-cleared and generally well tolerated by eligible adults. The treatment is not suitable for everyone, so a provider will review your history to see if it is appropriate.
Schedule a Consultation
NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy is an option for eligible adults with MDD, OCD, or MDD with anxious depression. If you have questions about comfort or what to expect, our team can answer them during a one-on-one consultation at our Riverview, Tampa, or Miami, Florida offices.
Call (813) 662-5919 or contact us to learn more. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 in the United States for immediate support.
