This blog post delves into the unexpected and often hidden symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) after Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment. It highlights challenges such as sensitivity to caffeine, cognitive difficulties, light sensitivity, and heart rate fluctuations that many may not associate with brain injuries. The post aims to raise awareness and provide support for those healing from TBI and related medical treatments.
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.
Healing from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster. Some days, it feels like you're making progress, and other days, it can seem like you're back at square one. I know this firsthand. My journey began when I sought out Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment as a last-ditch effort to manage my mental health struggles. Unfortunately, the outcome of the treatment was much more severe than I could have ever anticipated. Instead of healing, I found myself dealing with a range of symptoms I never imagined—and many of them are not well-known or easily recognized as being tied to a TBI.
As I continue to advocate for myself and others who have had adverse reactions to TMS treatments, I want to shine a light on some of these hidden symptoms. If you're struggling with a similar injury or have faced challenges in your healing process, I hope my story can help you feel seen and understood. And if you're currently battling mental health challenges, remember that you're not alone. There is always hope, even when it feels like the road to recovery is long.
Here are some of the less obvious symptoms of TBI that I’ve experienced, and that others may not immediately associate with a brain injury:
1. Coffee - A Surprisingly Dangerous Trigger
You may be wondering how something as simple as coffee could be problematic after a TBI. For me, and for many others, caffeine can become a major issue. After my injury, I started to notice that drinking coffee triggered a wave of anxiety and increased my heart rate. Even though I had always been a coffee drinker without any issues before the injury, something about the combination of TBI and caffeine completely altered my body's response.
There's actually a scientific reason for this. People with certain genetic markers are more sensitive to caffeine, which can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety. The gene that plays a role in this sensitivity is called CYP1A2, and individuals with a certain variation of this gene metabolize caffeine more slowly. This means that caffeine lingers in the body longer and can amplify feelings of jitteriness, anxiety, and stress—especially for those recovering from a brain injury.
For me, a single cup of coffee could send my anxiety through the roof, making it nearly impossible to focus or calm down. While coffee may be a comfort to many, it became a hurdle in my healing process. If you’re struggling with anxiety, especially after a TBI, it might be worth exploring your body’s reaction to caffeine. It may be a trigger you haven’t yet identified.
2. Difficulty with Basic Cognitive Tasks (Like Simple Math)
As someone who once prided myself on my ability to quickly process information and handle complex financial calculations, it was a huge blow when I struggled to do something as simple as count backwards from 100 by sevens. I was asked to do this task as part of a cognitive assessment, and I literally froze. I couldn't process the numbers, and I ended up saying, “I don’t know.”
It was humbling, to say the least, and incredibly frustrating. TBI can interfere with cognitive abilities in subtle but significant ways. In my case, it disrupted my ability to concentrate, process information, and perform simple tasks that were once second nature to me. Brain fog, memory issues, and difficulty with basic math are all common symptoms of TBI, and they can leave you feeling disconnected from your former self. It’s easy to feel discouraged when tasks that should be simple become impossible, but remember: this is part of the healing process, and it doesn’t define who you are.
3. Light Sensitivity - Even on Milder Sunny Days
Another unexpected symptom I experienced was extreme sensitivity to light. Despite having brown eyes, I now find myself needing to wear sunglasses and a hat, even on milder sunny days. At first, it seemed like a minor annoyance, but over time, it became clear that it was a significant symptom of my TBI.
People with TBI often experience heightened sensitivity to light, a condition known as photophobia. It can cause headaches, eye strain, and a general sense of discomfort in well-lit environments. The injury to my brain seemed to affect how I processed visual stimuli, making bright or even moderately sunny days feel overwhelming. This symptom is more common than people realize, and it's important to take it seriously. It’s not just about being “sensitive”—it’s about protecting your brain and giving it the rest it needs to heal.
4. Heart Rate Fluctuations - A Delicate Balance
Perhaps one of the more concerning symptoms I’ve faced is the need to carefully monitor my heart rate. After my TMS treatment, I noticed that my heart rate would fluctuate unpredictably. Sometimes it would drop too low, and other times it would spike unexpectedly. Both extremes felt unsettling and posed a real danger to my health, especially since I didn't feel in control of what was happening.
For many TBI patients, autonomic regulation (the body’s ability to control involuntary functions like heart rate and blood pressure) can be disrupted. It’s important to be mindful of these changes and to seek medical advice if you're experiencing significant fluctuations in your heart rate or blood pressure. For me, finding the right balance of physical activity, rest, and stress management became essential to prevent my heart rate from going too high or too low.
Why I’m Sharing This: Advocating for TMS Survivors and Mental Health
As I continue to work through the ups and downs of my own healing process, I want to make sure others who are dealing with the aftermath of TMS treatment or other medical procedures know that they’re not alone. It's so important to get these injuries taken seriously, and to understand that the healing journey is often non-linear and full of unexpected challenges.
I also recognize that many people who seek out TMS treatment may not have the resources to access specialized care or post-treatment support. A visit to an out-of-pocket specialist might not be in the budget, and for many, TMS may seem like the last hope for mental health improvement. That’s why I’m committed to being an advocate for people who are experiencing the unintended consequences of medical treatments like TMS. Together, we can help raise awareness and make sure that these struggles are acknowledged and addressed.
If you're struggling with a similar injury, please know that you are not alone. If your mental health has been impacted, I understand what you're going through. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or comments—I'd love to offer support however I can.
Thank you for following along on my journey. I plan to continue sharing updates on my healing process through this blog, and I hope that my story can provide some insight, hope, and comfort to others who are navigating their own healing journey.
Stay strong, stay hopeful, and remember that healing takes time—but it’s worth the effort.
Stay Connected
If you’re interested in following my ongoing journey of recovery and healing from TMS treatment, be sure to check back on the blog for more updates. I’ll continue to share insights, struggles, and tips as I go along. And, as always, if you need someone to talk to, I’m here. You're not alone in this.
Stay strong, and keep advocating for your health. You're not alone in this journey. 💪🌱
All my light. All my love.
Namaste.
Jordan
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Disclaimer: This post is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or therapies.
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