After experiencing a brain injury from TMS, I’ve learned firsthand the potential dangers of this treatment. Recently, the European Union reclassified TMS as a Class III medical device, which highlights the serious risks associated with it. In this post, I share my personal journey and the importance of this change to help protect patients from the harm I experienced.
Disclaimer: The content shared on this blog is based on my personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. I am not a healthcare professional, and the information provided is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions related to your health, treatments, or therapy. Results and experiences may vary from person to person, and I cannot guarantee specific outcomes.
As someone who has experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a medical procedure involving transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), the recent decision by the European Union to reclassify TMS and similar devices to Class III medical devices resonates deeply with me. Having endured the negative effects of TMS firsthand, I fully support the move to classify these devices as Class III due to the significant risks they pose. The decision to treat TMS with greater caution is not just scientifically warranted but also crucial for protecting patients like myself who have been adversely affected by these treatments.
Understanding the Reclassification of TMS
The European Union’s reclassification of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to a Class III medical device comes as a result of growing evidence highlighting the potential risks associated with these technologies. TMS uses magnetic fields to alter brain activity, which can result in side effects such as anxiety, fatigue, headaches, muscle spasms, vertigo, and even seizures.
From my own experience, these side effects are not mere inconveniences but serious and long-lasting impairments. After undergoing TMS as part of a medical procedure, I found myself dealing with daily head pain, neck pain, vision issues and cognitive issues that continue to affect my life. It’s clear that TMS, when not carefully monitored, has the potential to cause significant harm—something that was not fully communicated to me before undergoing treatment.
Why Class III Classification Matters
The reclassification of TMS to Class III is critical because it requires these devices to undergo more rigorous testing and clinical trials before they can be used in patients. As Class III devices, they will be subject to closer scrutiny by regulatory bodies, ensuring that proper safety measures are in place to minimize the risk of adverse effects. This reclassification serves as an important reminder that TMS is not a harmless, low-risk treatment—especially for those like myself who have had negative experiences with it.
Having experienced firsthand the damage that TMS can do, I believe it is vital that these devices are not only properly regulated but also that their use is reserved for situations where their risks are thoroughly weighed against their potential benefits. For many people, the side effects of TMS can be debilitating, and the long-term effects are still not fully understood. As someone whose life was irrevocably altered by this procedure, I can attest to the need for tighter regulations to protect others from undergoing the same experience.
A Personal Experience with TMS-Induced Brain Injury
In my case, the TMS procedure was intended to help with a mental health condition PTSD and an "overactive amygdala", but instead, it led to a brain injury that has left me struggling with constant pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues. I was told that the procedure was non-invasive and that any side effects would be temporary. Unfortunately, the opposite was true for me. Not only did I suffer from immediate symptoms like emotional unstableness and dizziness, but over time, I developed long-term issues that have not gone away like vision and cognitive issues.
My symptoms, including severe head and neck pain, cognitive fog, and an inability to engage in normal daily activities, have forced me to rethink my entire approach to healing. Instead of finding relief, I was left with debilitating challenges that impacted every aspect of my life. It’s been a difficult and exhausting journey, and I wish I had been more informed about the risks before deciding to undergo TMS.
The Importance of Clear Guidelines and Better Awareness
Given the potential for harm, I believe it’s crucial that medical professionals are fully transparent about the risks involved in TMS and similar procedures. Patients should not be led to believe that these treatments are entirely safe or without long-term consequences. As we see in the case of the EU’s reclassification, more oversight is necessary to ensure patient safety and minimize unnecessary harm.
It’s not just about ensuring that devices like TMS are classified properly; it’s about making sure that patients are fully informed and that healthcare providers take full responsibility for the long-term effects of these treatments. We need clear guidelines that prioritize patient safety, provide a better understanding of potential risks, and ensure that alternatives are considered before proceeding with potentially harmful interventions.
Moving Forward: Advocacy and Awareness
As a brain injury survivor, I strongly advocate for greater awareness and more stringent regulations surrounding the use of TMS. The new Class III classification is an important first step in ensuring that these devices are used responsibly. However, the road ahead requires continued vigilance and advocacy to ensure that the voices of those who have been harmed by TMS are heard and that changes are made to protect future patients.
For those considering TMS or similar treatments, I urge you to do your research, ask critical questions, and consult with healthcare providers who prioritize your long-term well-being. Brain injuries are complex, and the impact of treatments like TMS can be far-reaching. It is essential that we move forward with caution and make informed decisions based on both scientific evidence and personal experiences.
The reclassification of TMS to Class III is a necessary step toward protecting patients from the potentially severe risks of these devices. My personal experience with TMS-induced brain injury has shown me how easily things can go wrong when proper precautions are not taken. While the reclassification is a step in the right direction, it’s clear that more work needs to be done to ensure that TMS is used safely and effectively. As we move forward, let’s continue to advocate for safer, more informed approaches to brain stimulation therapies and ensure that patients are fully protected.
If you're interested in reading more about my brain injury journey, I've shared numerous blog articles detailing my experience. From the first three days of TMS, to the process of diagnosing my brain injury, and the therapies I've tried (and continue to pursue) in my healing journey, my story is documented in depth. I hope my experiences can offer insight and support for others facing similar challenges.
Here are some of the blog posts:
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