TMS Therapy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Normal prefrontal connectivity in healthy volunteers matching age/sex PTSD typically emerges in the aftermath of either witnessing or being subjected to a violent or terrifying event. Some of the causes include accidents, physical or sexual assaults, natural disasters, or other situations in which there was an imminent threat of death or bodily harm. It is particularly common in current and former military members who have been present for scenes of extreme wartime violence. The cause of PTSD may be a single event or several occurrences which build up over the course of time, such as in an adverse living situation or abusive relationship.

Tension and worry are things that we all deal with in our lives, but PTSD symptoms are distinct from the signs of ordinary stress. While PTSD can vary in its symptoms and severity, it typically manifests in four main ways.
Intrusive Thoughts
One of the common symptoms of PTSD is intrusive thoughts or memories, which can include recurring nightmares about the traumatic event in question or flashbacks to the moment of trauma. This may happen with no discernible warning or be triggered by something that reminds you of the traumatic occurrence.
Avoidance of Triggers
People with PTSD may find themselves becoming severely avoidant of any thought patterns or stimulus that connect with their trauma. This may involve staying away from physical locations, visiting locations, or participating in situations that have some association with the traumatic event.
Changes to Mood & Thought Patterns
PTSD can have a dramatic impact on your mood, causing feelings of depression or hopelessness, as well as guilt, shame, or self-loathing. People suffering from PTSD may be distrustful or suspicious of others and less inclined to form friendships or romantic relationships. PTSD has also been associated with cognitive difficulties and memory loss.
Changes to Reactivity & Emotional Arousal
A few other issues that can often result from PTSD include mood swings, irritability, or the feeling of being constantly “on edge” without apparent reason. People with PTSD may be easily startled or quick to anger and can have difficulty sleeping or focusing on everyday tasks. Reckless or self-destructive behaviors such as drug abuse can also be a sign of PTSD.

Standard TMS has shown in many cases to be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of PTSD. However, PTSD does not uniformly affect all the neural networks of the brain, meaning that a more focused and targeted approach can vitally improve on the effectiveness of treatment. At Neurotherapeutix, we offer exactly this type of approach. Through extensive study of the brain’s PTSD responses, we have designed a specialized guided TMS approach for targeting the specific neural networks that are affected. During the first appointment with Neurotherapeutix, we use our innovative functional MRI technology to construct a detailed map of the patient’s brain function and observe the neural networks involved in PTSD, identifying abnormal neuronal activities in the brain. Based on this information, we will design a fully personalized guided TMS treatment plan for each patient to target and restore normal functions to these neural pathways. Over the course of several sessions, we will continue to assess the ongoing progress of treatment and adjust where needed to provide greater relief from the intrusive thoughts and other issues which define PTSD symptoms. Many of our patients begin to see noticeable positive results within a matter of weeks after beginning treatment. TMS is not only more effective at treating PTSD than pharmaceutical medications, but it is also non-invasive and has negligible side effects.