Reflecting on My Ongoing Journey Post-TMS Injury: My Review of the Amen Clinic Brain Injury Treatment

In this review of my treatment at the Amen Clinic, I share my experience with brain injury recovery following TMS. While the SPECT imaging validated my condition, and supplements like Phosphatidylcholine and Citicoline offered support, the treatment ultimately didn’t lead to significant improvements with some of my symptoms. I discuss the value of the clinic’s diagnostic tools and the disappointments I faced as my symptoms worsened, ending with minimal follow-up care.

In the image, I am undergoing a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) scan at the Amen Clinic. I’m lying on a narrow, hard table that feels less than comfortable, positioned inside the large, triangular scanning machine. The room is like an operating room with bright lights, and the SPECT scanner hovers over my head as it captures detailed images of my brain. A technician is nearby, adjusting the equipment and monitoring the process. While the table isn’t the most comfortable, I stay still, focusing on the procedure as the advanced imaging technology gathers data to assess my brain activity and health. The environment is calm and professional, but the physical discomfort of the table adds to the intensity of the experience.

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.

It’s hard to believe that 20 months have passed since I first sought help for the aftermath of my TMS injury. Time has a way of warping when you’re caught in a cycle of medical uncertainty, but as I reflect on where I was at my six-month mark and where I am now, I can’t help but acknowledge the progress, setbacks, and continued battles for recognition that have defined this journey.

At the six-month mark, I was overwhelmed and exhausted. Despite the visible and lingering effects of my TMS injury, I faced constant skepticism from the medical community. Doctors dismissed my symptoms as simply "headaches," refusing to see past the surface of my experience. I was often met with dismissiveness or outright mockery, with some referring to me as “headache girl” and others laughing when I mentioned a possible brain injury. I even struggled to get specialist appointments, with many referrals simply noting a "headache post-TMS," which felt like a gross oversimplification of what I was going through.

So, I fought. I advocated for myself relentlessly because, as my husband wisely put it, “If I am shot in the leg or stabbed in the arm, I don’t just say I have a leg-ache or arm-ache. I call it what it is—an injury.” And that’s what this was: an injury. It was, and continues to be, a battle to be seen and heard as someone who was harmed by a medical procedure that’s often portrayed as the next great breakthrough in mental health treatment.

Fast forward to today, and the fight hasn’t stopped, but I have more clarity, and perhaps more importantly, validation. The road has been long and filled with frustrating delays, but the work I did with the Amen Clinic in Tukwila, WA (just outside of Seattle) has provided some of the answers I was desperately searching for.

Through the Amen Clinic, I had the opportunity to undergo SPECT brain imaging, which was a game-changer in terms of both understanding my injury and getting a concrete plan for moving forward. The SPECT scans, which involved two separate sessions—one while concentrating and one while resting—were grueling. The injections of radiation and the post-scan fatigue were intense, but I was determined. The hope of finally receiving some scientific evidence of what had gone wrong with my brain kept me pushing forward.

In this image, my SPECT scan vividly highlights a large deficit on the left side of my brain, where the TMS device was applied. The scan clearly shows a significant divot in the left prefrontal cortex, a critical area responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and speech. This region, which also houses Broca’s area for speech processing, is visibly damaged, likely due to disrupted blood flow from the TMS procedure. The scan also reveals a compensatory response in my cerebellum, which appears to be overworking to make up for the damaged left prefrontal cortex. However, signs of fatigue in the cerebellum suggest it’s struggling to manage the extra load. This image powerfully illustrates the lasting effects of the TMS treatment on my brain and the complex interplay between different regions attempting to compensate for the damage.

And the images didn’t disappoint. The SPECT scans revealed significant areas of damage, most notably a large divot on the left prefrontal cortex and a hole in my cerebellum. The left prefrontal cortex, which plays a critical role in decision-making, impulse control, and speech, was impacted by what the clinic suggested was disrupted blood flow due to the TMS procedure. This area also houses Broca’s area, which affects speech processing, and the scan showed it was visibly damaged. To compensate, my cerebellum, which governs coordination and movement, seemed to have stepped up in an attempt to take over functions for the injured left prefrontal cortex—though it, too, showed signs of fatigue from overcompensating.

For the first time, I felt seen. My symptoms weren’t in my head, they were the direct result of an injury.

Review of Treatment at the Amen Clinic for Brain Injury

When I first sought treatment at the Amen Clinic, I was desperate for answers after being injured by TMS. The mainstream understanding of TMS as a safe, revolutionary treatment for mental health had left me feeling isolated and misunderstood, and my symptoms were difficult to explain. At the time, I didn’t have many options available, so I turned to the Amen Clinic in Tukwila, WA, hoping for some clarity and a path forward.

I learned that the Amen Clinic primarily handles mental health cases, which wasn’t an ideal fit for my specific brain injury. My condition—what was later diagnosed as a "traumatic brain injury without loss of consciousness"—didn’t perfectly align with their usual patient base. That being said, I felt that they were my best option given the information I had at the time, and I hoped they could offer insights into the damage caused by the TMS procedure.

One red flag I now recognize, but didn't know at the time, occurred during one of my bi-weekly check-ins with the secretary assigned to my case. She asked me to count backwards by 7s from 100. As a business major who took every finance course in college, I was completely stunned when my mind went blank. I couldn’t even start, and the more I tried to figure it out, the worse the pain in my head became. I didn't think to use my fingers, or ask for a pen or paper, I was just stuck, overwhelmed, and in pain. In the moment, I simply laughed it off and said, “I don’t know. My head hurts. I can’t.”

Now, I realize that this is a common test used to assess cognitive function in cases of brain injury. What concerns me, though, is that during my next visit, my doctor never mentioned it. There was no note in my file, no discussion, nothing. The fact that this critical moment wasn’t even acknowledged or addressed is one of the reasons I feel the Amen Clinic may not be fully equipped to address brain injuries like mine. While they may be well-suited for treating mental health conditions such as OCD and ADHD, which I've heard positive things about from others seeking treatment there, I feel they may fall short when it comes to addressing more complex, physical brain injuries.

After the fat, this lack of attention to my cognitive struggles further fueled my frustration and made me question whether I was receiving the right care for my specific needs.

Validation Through SPECT Imaging

One of the most significant aspects of my treatment at the Amen Clinic was the SPECT brain imaging. The scan revealed clear evidence of brain injury—something I had been searching for since the TMS incident. The images showed a divot on the left prefrontal cortex and damage to my cerebellum, confirming that my brain had been harmed in ways that other doctors had dismissed or ignored. This validation was essential in helping me understand the extent of my injury and also gave me concrete evidence to advocate for myself with other healthcare providers.

Supplementation to Support Healing

In addition to the imaging, the Amen Clinic recommended several supplements to support my brain and body’s recovery. These included:

1. BodyBio PC (Phosphatidylcholine): This supplement is designed to support cell membrane health and help with cognitive function. Phosphatidylcholine is an essential component of the brain’s cellular structure, and it plays a vital role in repairing brain tissue and improving overall brain function.

2. Neuro PS (Phosphatidylserine): Another supplement used by the Amen Clinic, Neuro PS is known to support cognitive function, memory, and stress reduction. It is particularly beneficial for brain health as it helps maintain the structure of brain cells and assists in the communication between neurons.

3. Citicoline: Citicoline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in memory and learning. This supplement has been shown to support cognitive function and repair brain cells, making it a critical part of my recovery plan.

4. Zinc and Iron: These minerals are crucial for maintaining healthy brain function. Zinc helps with neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons) and supports the immune system, while iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood, which is vital for brain energy and focus.

These supplements were meant to help with the brain’s healing process by improving cell membrane integrity, enhancing communication between neurons, and promoting overall neurological repair. While I can’t say I noticed dramatic improvements from the supplements alone, they seemed to play an important role in supporting my body’s natural healing mechanisms. Without them, I may be worse off, though it’s hard to tell. The gradual improvements I’ve experienced—such as slightly better cognitive clarity, reduced brain fog at times, and less fatigue—could very well be attributed to the supplements’ role in supporting my recovery. I continue to take them to this day, alongside my ongoing therapies, as part of a holistic approach to brain recovery. While these supplements may not provide instant results, I believe they have contributed to stabilizing my condition and giving my brain the best chance to heal over time.

Monthly Check-Ins and Support

Throughout my treatment, I had monthly check-ins with the clinic. These meetings were helpful in monitoring my progress and adjusting the treatment plan as needed. The team was attentive and thorough in reviewing my symptoms and ensuring that my supplements were properly tailored to my needs. While these appointments were valuable, they ultimately didn’t seem to lead to significant improvements in my condition. In fact, some of my symptoms, such as head and neck pain, visual disturbances, and balance issues, worsened as time went on.

Additionally, my first meeting with the doctor focused on my scan results and there was a protocol in place, but there was also a need for a blood test that was not ordered until after the initial meeting, so the time to schedule the blood draw, get the results, and then wait on the month-later follow-up seemed like wasted time. I think that this could be prevented if I was told to get a full comprehensive blood panel before the first meeting, so the doctor had all of my results before the first meeting.

Disappointing End to Treatment

As I approached the end of my treatment at the Amen Clinic, I began to feel disillusioned. Despite following the prescribed plan and making every effort to stay on track, my symptoms were not improving, and in some cases, they were getting worse. The most frustrating part was that once my treatment ended, the support seemed to disappear. The doctor who had been overseeing my care became unreachable, and the only follow-up I received was a link to the clinic’s alumni Facebook group. This was extremely disappointing, especially after having invested so much time, energy, and money into the process.

The lack of a clear conclusion or ongoing support left me feeling abandoned. It’s one thing to receive treatment that doesn’t work, but it’s another to be left without any guidance on how to proceed once your time at the clinic has come to an end.

Final Thoughts

While the Amen Clinic provided some much-needed validation through SPECT imaging and gave me a few tools for healing through supplements, the overall experience was underwhelming. The lack of targeted care for my specific type of brain injury, combined with the eventual disappearance of the doctor who had been guiding my treatment, left me feeling both frustrated and unsupported.

I can’t deny that the SPECT imaging provided valuable insight, but in the end, the treatment didn’t lead to the improvements I was hoping for. If you’re seeking help for a brain injury, I would encourage you to consider whether the Amen Clinic’s approach aligns with your needs. For me, it was a necessary step in the journey, but not the final answer.

Would I recommend the Amen Clinic? Maybe, but with caution. If you're dealing with a brain injury like mine, it’s important to thoroughly research other options and be prepared for the possibility that the clinic's focus on mental health may not fully address your specific condition. And if you choose to move forward, make sure to stay vigilant in advocating for your ongoing care.

Since then, healing has been slow, as expected. The damage to my brain is significant, and recovery takes time. But the answers from the Amen Clinic have given me a clearer path forward. I’ve learned that healing isn’t linear, and setbacks are a normal part of the process. I’ve continued to work with doctors, including the Amen Clinic team, to create a personalized plan that includes brain health support, cognitive rehabilitation, and stress management techniques.

Unfortunately, the medical system still moves at a snail's pace. Referrals and appointments are often delayed, and I still face challenges in finding a community of doctors who truly understand my condition. But the validation I received from the Amen Clinic has helped me continue to advocate for my own healing. I know now that I’m not just a “headache girl” or a patient struggling with vague symptoms; I’m someone dealing with a real injury that deserves proper care and attention.

As I reflect on these past 20 months, I’ve learned to embrace the long road to healing. While there are days of frustration, I also have moments of hope. I’m grateful for the support of my family, particularly my husband, who has been my unwavering advocate throughout this journey. And I’m thankful for the small victories, the doctors who listen, and the tools I now have to continue working toward recovery.

The road is far from over, but I remain committed to my path. I will continue to share updates on my blog as I make progress, in the hopes that my story may provide some hope or understanding for others facing similar challenges. If you’re reading this and are on a similar journey, please know you’re not alone. Healing may be slow, but with persistence, advocacy, and the right support, it is possible.

Thank you for following along with me so far. I look forward to sharing more of this journey with you.

What’s Next?

Now, I’d love to hear from you. Have you or someone you know gone through something similar? How have you navigated the process of finding the right diagnosis and treatment? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Stay strong, and keep advocating for yourself.

All my light. All my love.

Namaste,

Jordan

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