Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

An individual is said to have TBI when their brain is injured by a blow or bump to the head or, in some cases, due to penetration of the skull, e.g., by gunshot or accident.  TBIs vary in severity – some people experience mild and temporary effects, whereas others have long-term difficulties.

The leading causes of TBI are:

• Falls – particularly for children and older people
• Car accidents
• Sports Injury
• Assault
• Explosions, gunshots and combat injury

Concussion

A concussion is a type of tramaumatic brain injury that is caused by any sudden event that can make the brain twist or jolt within the skull.  It can cause damage to the brain itself and, potentially, affect the chemicals within the brain.  A concussion does not usually result in permanent structural damage to the brain.  It is generally considered a mild TBI, although effects can persist over time.

Major TBI

A major TBI usually occurs following a significant impact on the brain, such as falling from a great height, car accidents, violent assault, or penetration injuries.  It is considered severe and can be life-threatening.  It is likely to lead to long-term or even permanent impairment.

Key differences between Concussion and Major TBIs

The main differences are in the duration of the symptoms and the impact on the person’s life in the short, medium and long term.

	Concussion	Major TBI
Physical Symptoms	Headache, dizziness, vomiting, blurred vision, loss of balance, light or noise sensitivity	May have prolonged loss of consciousness Severe headache Nausea and vomiting Seizures
Cognitive Symptoms	Confusion, concentration problems, ‘brain fog’, memory problem	Major confusion, agitation, slurring of speech, understanding is impaired, significant memory loss
Emotional Symptoms	Irritability, depression, anxiety, mood swings	Severe mood swings, personality changes, depression, anxiety, irritability
Sleep problems	Disorganized sleep patterns	Major sleep issues – unable to sleep or difficulty waking
Duration	Usually, days to weeks.  It may be prolonged in some people*	Ongoing and may involve physical, emotional and cognitive impairments which persist over time

 

*Post-concussion syndrome occurs in some individuals, leading to a longer-term issue with headaches, cognitive problems and emotional issues like irritability, anxiety and depression.  TMS is often helpful in these cases.

TMS treatments for TBI

TMS treatments for TBI will vary depending on how severe the injury is.  Studies indicate it is particularly effective for relieving headaches, sleep issues, memory and focus, and mood disorders.  It is often used in conjunction with conventional treatments and ongoing rehabilitation for physical and cognitive impairments.  TMS can aid increase the speed of recovery and help to support physical and talking therapies.

How TMS works

TMS is non-invasive and does not require inpatient admission.  A magnetic coil is placed against the scalp, and magnetic pulses are targeted at specific parts of the brain.  These areas are involved in mood regulation and cognitive functioning.

The treatments last 30-40 minutes, during which the patient sits comfortably in a chair.  There is no need for sedation; once the treatment is over, the patient may go home.  Treatments last for several weeks and are given on weekdays.  Patients are continuously monitored to ensure that treatment is tailored to their needs.  Afterwards, further evaluation and follow-up appointments are arranged, and any future treatments are booked.

How TMS helps people with TBI

It promotes neuroplasticity.  This is the brain’s natural ability to reorganize new connections.  These new connections are crucial in TBI, where certain functions may be impaired or lost.

It helps alleviate symptoms. TMS has been proven to reduce cognitive and mood-related symptoms.  It is particularly effective where there is anxiety and depression and other mental impairments such as lack of concentration and memory problems.

It is non-invasive and safe. TMS requires no surgery or medical implants.  It is an entirely external treatment.

TMS has few side effects.  TMS produces no body-wide side effects.  Patients may experience a headache or a feeling of being tapped on the scalp, but these are mild and short-lived.

The Benefits of TMS for TBI

TMS targets the areas of the brain involved in cognition and mood regulation.  Therefore, it can work on many issues faced by people with TBI.

Improved Cognition

TMS helps enhance memory and concentration and improves cognition overall by targeting the pre-frontal cortex.  This area of the brain is concerned with higher functions, including impulse control and decision-making.

Mood Regulation

TMS has been shown to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.  Firstly, it targets the pre-frontal cortex, impacting the amygdala.  The amygdala is directly involved in the flight or fight response, which, if over-active, can lead to ongoing symptoms of anxiety.

TMS also increases the number of chemicals within the brain (neurotransmitters) that are directly involved in mood.  One of the critical chemicals is serotonin, which is also the focus of many anti-depressant medications.  By encouraging the brain to regulate the production of serotonin keeping its levels stable, TMS can help reduce the symptoms of depression.

Improving mood enhances general quality of life and helps the patient stay motivated for physical and cognitive rehabilitation treatments.

Pain Management

For TBI patients who may experience ongoing pain, TMS has been shown to help bring about a reduction in pain perception because of its action on brain activity.

TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the areas of the brain associated with the processing of pain, namely the motor cortex and pre-frontal cortex.  This stimulation encourages the regulation of pain intensity and perception.  It helps the brain to reorganize itself using the brain’s natural neuroplasticity which can reduce the number of abnormal pain pathways and help to reduce hypersensitivity.

TMS helps encourage the release of endorphins, a natural method of pain relief produced in the body.  The release of these indigenous opioids can help provide relief without having to resort to additional medications.

How can I access TMS?

If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury and would like to find out more about the benefits of TMS, please get in touch with us today.  The Southern Colorado TMS Center is renowned for providing accessible, professional and high-quality TMS treatments for patients across a wide range of mental health and physical disorders.  Please ask for your free, no-obligation consultation.