TMS Therapy for Head Injuries

What is a Head Injury?

A head injury refers to any trauma that affects the brain, scalp, or skull.

These injuries can range in severity from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even a seemingly minor impact can lead to subtle but persistent neurological dysfunction.

Types and Severity of Head Injuries

Common types of head injuries include:

• Concussion: A mild traumatic brain injury often caused by a blow to the head or rapid movement.
• Contusion: A bruise on the brain that may result in bleeding or swelling.
• Coup-Contrecoup Injury: Injury at both the site of impact and the opposite side of the brain.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Damage to nerve fibers throughout the brain caused by rotational or shearing forces.
• Penetrating Head Injury: When an object enters the skull and damages brain tissue.

Head injury severity can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, based on loss of consciousness, neurological symptoms, and imaging results.

Common Symptoms After Head Trauma

Post-head injury symptoms vary by condition, but may include:

• Headaches.
• Dizziness or balance problems.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Slowed thinking or memory issues.
• Depression, anxiety, or mood swings.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Light or sound sensitivity.

Causes and Risk Factors for Head Injuries

Head injuries can occur from:

• Motor vehicle accidents.
• Sports-related injuries.
• Falls.
• Assault or domestic violence.
• Work-related trauma.
• Military combat or blast exposure.

Risk factors include high-impact environments, age (children and older adults), and previous concussions or TBIs.

TMS for Head Injury Recovery

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate regions of the brain affected by injury.

At Neurotherapeutix, we use fMRI-guided TMS therapy, which allows us to precisely target areas with disrupted neural activity, tailoring treatment to each individual’s brain.

By enhancing neuroplasticity, TMS encourages the brain to reroute and rebuild neural connections, potentially improving symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and emotional regulation after trauma.

Can TMS Help with Post-Traumatic Brain Injury?

TMS does not reverse the physical damage from TBI, but it may help support functional recovery.

TMS can improve brain activity and connectivity in key areas responsible for mood, memory, attention, and executive function, which are often common challenges following a head injury.

Our fMRI-guided approach allows us to track areas of neural disruption and apply targeted stimulation to promote healing and symptom improvement.

Research-Backed Benefits of TMS Therapy

Several studies support the use of TMS in post-concussive and post-traumatic brain injury recovery:

• A 2020 study in Frontiers in Neurology found that repetitive TMS improved cognitive function and depressive symptoms in patients with persistent post-concussion syndrome.
• A 2019 pilot study published in Scientific Reports showed that individuals with recent concussions (under 12 months) experienced significant improvement in post-concussion symptoms after a 3-week course of repetitive TMS compared to those receiving placebo treatment.

These findings reinforce TMS therapy as a valuable part of multidisciplinary care for individuals with lingering effects from head trauma.

Non-Invasive, Drug-Free Brain Stimulation

Unlike medications, TMS doesn’t come with systemic side effects or the need for recovery time.

Sessions are done in-office, require no anesthesia, and typically take 20–30 minutes.

Many patients report feeling more focused, energized, and emotionally balanced within a few weeks of starting treatment.

Symptoms That May Improve with TMS Therapy

While results vary, fMRI-guided TMS therapy may help relieve common post-head injury symptoms such as:

• Cognitive fog and slowed thinking.
• Emotional dysregulation (depression, anxiety, irritability).
• Sensory sensitivity (light, sound, motion).
• Persistent headaches or neuropathic pain.
• Sleep difficulties.
• Fatigue and lack of motivation.

What to Expect During TMS Therapy

At Neurotherapeutix, we personalize each TMS treatment using our proprietary Computational Brain Mapping system.

Your treatment journey includes:

• Functional MRI imaging to map altered brain regions.
• Custom protocol development based on your unique symptoms and neural activity.
• 20–30 minute sessions, conducted several times per week in a calm outpatient setting.
• Progress tracking through imaging, symptom scores, and regular provider check-ins.

Is TMS Therapy Right for You?

You may benefit from fMRI-guided TMS therapy if you:

• Have had a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion.
• Still experience cognitive, mood, or sensory symptoms.
• Want a non-invasive, medication-free recovery option.
• Are seeking a science-backed treatment to support neurorehabilitation.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery with Neurotherapeutix Today

Healing from a head injury can take time, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

At Neurotherapeutix, our expert team uses advanced brain imaging and personalized TMS protocols to help patients regain clarity, focus, and function.

Request an appointment today to begin your recovery journey or contact us to learn more about our NYC clinic and services.lp? Request an appointment or contact us to learn more today.