Backup FAQs

Our new River Forest office offers comprehensive Neurological and Brain Longevity care for those in the near Chicago suburbs

Brainsway Deep TMS targets the insula and prefrontal cortex—the areas of the brain responsible for addiction and cravings. By dampening the activity in these circuits, TMS reduces the physical urge to smoke, making it easier to quit permanently.

 The smoking cessation protocol is typically shorter than depression treatment. Most courses involve daily sessions for about 3 weeks, followed by a taper period, compared to the 6-week protocol for depression.

Clinical data suggests that Deep TMS combined with standard support has higher long-term abstinence rates than nicotine replacement therapy alone, especially for heavy smokers who have failed to quit multiple times.

 Yes. TMS is FDA-cleared and covered by Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and most major commercial plans for patients with Major Depressive Disorder who have not found relief from antidepressants. Our intake team handles the prior authorization process for you.

Most patients describe the sensation as a rapid tapping on the scalp, similar to a woodpecker. It is generally not painful. Unlike ECT (shock therapy), there is no anesthesia, no seizure, and you remain awake and alert the entire time.

Yes. Because there is no sedation or systemic side effects, you can drive yourself to and from your appointment and return to work immediately.

We use a specific technology called "Deep TMS" (Brainsway H7 Coil) which targets the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC)—a deeper region of the brain associated with obsessive thoughts. Standard depression coils generally cannot reach this specific target effectively.

TMS is specifically indicated for "treatment-resistant" OCD. Clinical studies show that Deep TMS can provide significant relief for patients who have seen little improvement from SSRIs or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alone.

During the session, we may perform a "provocation" exercise (briefly thinking about a trigger) to activate the OCD circuitry just before the magnetic pulses begin. This helps the treatment target the active neural pathways more effectively.

No. While we are a neurology-led center, our private infusion suites are equipped to administer a wide range of non-neurological biologics for conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and Psoriasis. We frequently administer medications such as Remicade, Entyvio, Stelara, Simponi Aria, and Krystexxa. If your doctor prescribes it, we can likely infuse it.

Yes, we accept external referrals from any specialist (Rheumatologist, Gastroenterologist, Dermatologist, etc.). We act as your "administration site," coordinating directly with your prescribing doctor to obtain orders and handling the Prior Authorization process with your insurance.

We designed our suite to feel like a medical spa, not a hospital. You will have access to a comfortable recliner, warm blankets, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a TV with streaming services (Netflix/Hulu). You are welcome to bring snacks, a laptop, or a book to pass the time.

Duration varies by medication. A simple injection may take 30 minutes, while complex infusions like IVIG or Remicade can take 2-4 hours. We are open 7 days a week, allowing you to schedule these longer treatments on weekends without missing work.

Physics matters. To treat neurological conditions, wounds, or radiation injury, you must achieve pressures of 2.0 ATA or higher. Soft-sided "mild" chambers (found in spas) only reach 1.3 ATA, which is insufficient to dissolve therapeutic levels of oxygen into the blood plasma.

We use Sechrist 3600 monoplace chambers which are made of clear acrylic. You have a 360-degree view of the room and are not in a dark tunnel. Most patients find it relaxing enough to watch TV or nap during treatment.

For FDA-approved conditions (like delayed radiation injury or diabetic wounds), we accept insurance and a referral is helpful. For off-label neurological recovery (like stroke or anti-aging), we offer cash-pay packages and can perform the intake evaluation on-site.

Long COVID symptoms often stem from neuro-inflammation and hypoxia (oxygen starvation) in the brain. HBOT forces high levels of oxygen into the tissue to reduce inflammation, repair damaged mitochondria, and "wake up" idling neurons responsible for brain fog.

While every patient is different, neuroplasticity protocols typically require 20 to 40 sessions to create lasting change in brain tissue. Sporadic sessions are generally not effective for chronic Long COVID.

Currently, HBOT is considered "off-label" for Long COVID and is typically not covered by insurance. We offer competitive medical packages for patients seeking this treatment.

Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (mPNS) is a 100% non-invasive, FDA-cleared neuromodulation therapy. It uses high-intensity, time-varying magnetic fields to target peripheral nerves and "reset" maladaptive pain signals. Unlike traditional nerve stimulation, mPNS does not require surgery, implants, or needles. At CNS Brain Center, we utilize the Axon Therapy® platform to deliver this advanced care.

While both aim to reduce pain, they work very differently:

TENS: Uses electrical current on the surface of the skin. It often causes a "stinging" sensation and struggle to reach deep-seated nerves.

mPNS: Uses magnetic pulses that pass through the skin and soft tissue without resistance. This allows the therapy to reach deep nerve bundles directly and comfortably, providing a more profound reconditioning of the nervous system.

Yes. mPNS is FDA-cleared for the treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN). By stimulating the A-Beta fibers in the feet or hands, it helps "close the gate" on the burning and tingling sensations associated with high blood sugar nerve damage. Many of our Chicago patients report a significant improvement in sleep and mobility after their initial protocol.

Not at all. Patients typically describe the sensation as a rhythmic "tapping" or "pulsing" at the treatment site. Because there are no needles or electrical shocks, the procedure is comfortable and requires no anesthesia. You remain fully awake and can return to your normal Chicago commute immediately following the session.

Efficiency is a core benefit of mPNS at CNS Brain Center. A standard treatment session lasts exactly 13.5 minutes. Because there is no prep time or recovery period needed, most patients are in and out of our office in under 30 minutes.

While every patient is unique, our standard clinical protocol involves:

Induction Phase: 3 sessions during the first week.

Stabilization Phase: 1 session per week for the following 3 weeks.

Maintenance: 1 session per month to sustain the "reconditioned" state of the nerves. Most patients begin to notice a "down-regulation" of their pain levels within the first 2 weeks.

Unlike systemic medications (such as Gabapentin or opioids) that can cause brain fog, weight gain, or lethargy, mPNS has no systemic side effects. Some patients may experience mild, temporary redness at the site of the coil, but this typically dissipates within minutes.

Coverage for neuromodulation varies by provider and specific plan. During your initial consultation at our Chicago neurology clinic, our team will provide a benefits check and discuss all available financial options to ensure you can access the care you need.