TMS Caused My Brain Injury: Exposing the Gaslighting and Finding My Path to Healing
- jordanswellness
- Feb 28
- 27 min read
In this blog post, I share my personal journey of discovering that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, which was meant to treat my mental health issues, ultimately led to a brain injury. While TMS is commonly praised for its effectiveness in treating depression and other conditions, my experience was drastically different. I’ll walk you through the unexpected side effects, the challenges I faced in understanding what was happening to my brain, and the emotional toll it took on my life. This post aims to shed light on the potential risks of TMS and raise awareness about the need for more informed decisions regarding its use. And basically outline that TMS caused my brain injury.
Disclaimer:
The views and experiences shared in this post are based solely on my personal journey with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and the challenges I faced during treatment. I do not intend to make generalized claims about the effectiveness or safety of TMS for all individuals. My experience is unique to me, and I encourage others to consult their healthcare providers for professional advice and guidance. This post is meant to raise awareness and share my personal narrative, and should not be construed as medical advice or a reflection of the experiences of all individuals undergoing TMS therapy.
When I first began Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment, I had high hopes. I had heard the success stories, seen the glowing reviews, and was eager to improve my mental health. What I didn’t expect was that TMS would not only fail to help me, but it would ultimately lead to severe consequences that would affect my physical and cognitive health for years to come. In fact, I am a mere 3 months away from my two-year anniversary and it is a daily struggle to continue to improve from the adverse effects of TMS.
If you want to read more, you can follow my journal entries for the first three days of TMS.
Symptoms
After my TMS treatment, I've experienced a variety of persistent symptoms that have greatly impacted my daily life. My headache, which started immediately after the first session, has not subsided over two years, ranging from a daily pain level of 8/10 to 5/10. Disassociation, numbness, and cognitive difficulties—such as feeling like Scrabble letters in my brain—were severe post-TMS but gradually improved with therapies like Craniosacral Therapy, Physical Therapy and Vision Therapy. Sensitivities to light and sound became more pronounced with time, and I now use tools like rose-colored sunglasses for day and yellow -colored lenses for night and noise-canceling headphones for relief.
Exhaustion and body aches, particularly flu-like symptoms, continue to plague me, and I still struggle with disrupted sleep. Emotional volatility, minor balance issues, and neck and mid-back pain have been ongoing challenges, though my PT has helped reduce neck misalignment. Hygiene and exercise have become challenging due to cognitive difficulties and brain fatigue. While I was once an avid runner, I’ve been limited to walking a mile on the treadmill (which I just got clearance to do at the 21-moth mark), and even light exercise can worsen my symptoms due to increased brain activity and neural fatigue. Additionally, I tend to wear the same three sets of lounge wear weekly to reduce the amount of brain fatigue focused on what to wear, even if the outfit is dirty. It's nothing that I am proud of, but I know that I am trying to make my day-to-day easier. Recently, each set has been covered in paint from remodeling our home, so it's even more noticeable that I am unkempt.
Healing is a slow process, but I continue to make small strides and learn how to adapt to these new limitations.
Headache - From the moment I began TMS, I’ve experienced a severe and persistent headache, primarily on the left hemisphere of my brain. It feels like stabbing pain at the dorsolateral cortex, eerily similar to the sensation I had during each TMS session. This phantom pain continued for weeks post-TMS and, now two years later, I still deal with daily headaches ranging from an intensity of 8/10 to 5/10. The pain is a constant reminder of the impact of the TMS treatment.
Disassociation - Immediately after each TMS session, I felt disassociated from reality. My sense of self and surroundings became distant and detached, which intensified following each treatment. This feeling lasted for months but began to lessen when I incorporated healing therapies like Craniosacral Therapy, which helped me reconnect with my body and environment. Read my blog post on Craniosacral Therapy.
Numbness Feeling - After receiving TMS, I distinctly recall going home, sitting still, and holding my face while staring at the wall, feeling as though I was disconnected from my surroundings. It was as if my body was numb to everything. This sense of numbness lasted for several months and began to improve with the help of therapies such as Craniosacral Therapy, though the sensation was deeply unsettling.
Cognitive Difficulties - The cognitive difficulties have been one of the most frustrating and disorienting symptoms. It’s as if my brain is scrambled, like pieces of a Scrabble game that can’t be rearranged into coherent words or thoughts. Every attempt to think or speak is accompanied by intense pain, which makes even the simplest tasks feel like monumental challenges. This has affected my ability to hold conversations, write, or process information quickly.
Sensitivity to Light - While sensitivity to light wasn’t immediately apparent after TMS, it became more prominent around the one-year mark. Bright light now causes intense irritation and often leads to further discomfort and agitation. I’ve found that wearing rose-colored sunglasses over my regular glasses provides some relief, but the light sensitivity still remains a challenge in daily life.
Irritability to Sound - Right after TMS, my sensitivity to sound became overwhelming. One specific instance stands out: while watching an action movie with my husband, the vibrations from the surround sound’s subwoofer felt like a TMS session all over again, triggering pain and discomfort. The sounds that used to be enjoyable now felt intrusive, and we quickly sold the subwoofer. At 18 months, I invested in noise-canceling headphones, which have helped to some degree but don’t fully eliminate the issue.
Exhaustion - In the first few months following TMS, I slept excessively, often napping for several hours on top of regular sleep. The exhaustion wasn’t just physical—it felt as if my brain couldn’t rest or recover. Even now, I experience bouts of extreme fatigue. I often wake up in the middle of the night at 3 or 4 AM due to head pain or discomfort, and falling back asleep becomes incredibly difficult, leaving me drained the next day.
Body Aches - After the third day of TMS treatment, I started experiencing flu-like body aches that would come and go. Even two years later, I still get these aches frequently, often after doing too much in a single day. For instance, I once had back-to-back appointments for vision therapy and physical therapy, and despite my husband driving me to these sessions, I ended up bedridden for three days from exhaustion and pain. These body aches are a constant reminder of my physical limits post-injury.
Very Emotional - The emotional impact of the brain injury has been profound. In the early stages post-TMS, I would burst into tears unexpectedly. Even trivial things, like a mug shattering or dropping a single strawberry, could trigger overwhelming emotion. The most minor frustrations would send me into an emotional spiral, something that didn’t happen before the injury. These emotional episodes felt uncontrollable, further complicating my daily life.
Minor Loss of Balance and Coordination - This symptom worsens whenever my headaches intensify. It’s as though I’ve lost my proprioception, which in fact was impacted because during a test in the ER only 11-days after TMS, I was not able to touch my nose with my eyes closed. The sense of where my body is in space was impacted. I used to practice yoga with ease, often teaching classes and performing poses with my eyes closed. However, after TMS, I lost that ability. Even simple tasks, like walking in a straight line, can be difficult, and my balance has been significantly compromised.
Neck and Mid-back Pain - Severe neck and mid-back pain plagued me for over 18 months after TMS. The muscles in my neck were under constant strain, trying to protect my head from movement after the injury. Fortunately, I found a physical therapist who helped realign my C1/C2 vertebrae, and slowly, my condition improved. These adjustments became less frequent, and the pain less intense as I healed. Still, my neck remains a work-in-progress, and I continue to receive regular assessments and adjustments to ensure ongoing improvement.
Hygiene - After my brain injury, maintaining hygiene became challenging due to cognitive impairments such as memory and focus issues. Wearing the same clothes daily, even if dirty, often is a coping mechanism for the mental fatigue and difficulty in making simple decisions. It's not a choice, but rather a result of the brain's struggle to manage daily tasks, and it’s important to understand that these challenges are part of the healing process.
Exercise - Before my brain injury, I used to run daily, averaging over 50 miles a week. Now, I haven’t run in over a year, and just recently, my physical therapist cleared me to walk one mile on the treadmill. It’s a small step, but it’s progress in my recovery journey. However, I’ve noticed that even light exercise can lead to brain fatigue, and increasing my heart rate often triggers worsened symptoms due to the added brain activity. It’s a delicate balance, and I’m learning to listen to my body as I slowly rebuild my strength.
Each of these symptoms has shaped my journey of recovery, and though progress is slow, I remain focused on managing them and finding ways to adapt. Healing continues to be a slow process, but I’m learning to listen to my body and take small steps forward.
Continuing my Healing and Trying to Find Answers
Six months later, my health was still in a downward spiral. Despite my relentless search for answers and treatments, the effects of TMS were wreaking havoc on both my physical and mental well-being. It was during this time that I connected with others who had suffered similar adverse effects from TMS, and I was stunned to realize that I wasn’t alone. I spoke with an advocate for adverse TMS cases and was shocked to hear that many others were experiencing long-term health problems, including blocked blood flow and other lingering issues, just as I was. Yet, despite the shared experiences of those affected, the silence surrounding these issues was deafening. There is little to no acknowledgment of the harm caused by TMS, and the injuries it can cause are far from being taken seriously by the medical community.
I had tried numerous therapies in search of relief, but nothing seemed to address the full scope of my symptoms. I turned to Craniosacral Therapy (CST), a modality I had learned about through my background as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Despite my initial training in CST, I sought out a highly skilled and experienced practitioner—Jon Gissel, a Diplomate-level therapist. The gentle, yet powerful, touch of CST gave me a sense of hope when nothing else had. It was the first therapy that made me feel like my symptoms were being taken seriously, and the connection I formed with Jon gave me a much-needed sense of support.
Alongside CST, I tried lymphatic massage in an attempt to reduce the inflammation and aid in detoxification. However, it was ineffective in draining the toxins from my brain cells as I had hoped, especially after Jon, my CST, recommended that I focus on therapies that would directly encourage my body to eliminate toxins. The lymphatic massage simply didn’t deliver the results I was looking for, so I discontinued it in favor of more targeted approaches.
In addition to these therapies, I also pursued hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), hoping it would provide the breakthrough I desperately needed. However, it caused severe pain and was much too intense for my system. The treatment accelerated my symptoms and triggered intense discomfort that left me no choice but to stop. It became clear that some treatments that were meant to heal were actually making my condition worse.
In the midst of my struggle, I consulted with three different neurologists, all of whom denied that TMS could have caused any injury based on my medical history. They dismissed my concerns, claiming there was no apparent source of injury in my records. This added another layer of frustration, as I felt my experiences were invalidated by medical professionals who simply couldn’t or wouldn’t see the connection between TMS and my ongoing health problems. At this same time, I was known as "headache girl" in my primary care office because I visited bi-weekly to not only provide updates in my case, but also seek referrals after I would scour the internet for answers as to who I should see next.
Despite the rollercoaster ride of my healing journey—moments of hope followed by overwhelming setbacks—what became most painful was the lack of recognition and treatment for the injuries I had sustained. TMS, which was supposed to be the solution to my mental health struggles, ended up exacerbating my physical and emotional distress. I realized that, if I wanted to heal, I would have to become my own advocate and work tirelessly to raise awareness about the potential dangers of TMS. I had to speak up not only for myself but for the others who had been hurt by the very treatment meant to help them.
But then, the turning point came.
During my treatment at the Amen Clinic, one of the most pivotal moments was undergoing the SPECT imaging, which offered the validation I had been desperately searching for. The scans clearly showed the impact of the TMS procedure on my brain, with a noticeable divot in my left prefrontal cortex and signs of compensatory strain in my cerebellum. For the first time, I felt truly seen—my symptoms weren’t just in my head. They were the result of real, measurable damage. This provided me with the concrete evidence I needed to advocate for myself and gain a clearer understanding of my injury. Though the treatment plan didn’t lead to the significant improvements I had hoped for, the SPECT scan was a powerful tool in validating my condition and confirming that what I was experiencing was indeed the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury.
After I spent months following the Amen Clinic protocols for recovery, I spent the following subsequent 14 long months battling skepticism from doctors and feeling lost in a medical maze, until I finally received a proper diagnosis: brain injury without loss of consciousness, mild traumatic brain injury, vision impairment, chronic neck pain, vestibular dysfunction, sensory processing difficulty, and cognitive impairment. This diagnosis came from a sports medicine doctor who, unlike the others I had seen, took the time to listen and consider the full scope of my symptoms. I had spent months advocating for myself, pushing through misdiagnoses and dismissive comments, so to finally have someone acknowledge my struggles was nothing short of a relief. It felt like a long-awaited validation, and it was the key to opening doors for targeted care.
You can read my post on my Sports Medicine doctor and the relief I felt gaining a proper diagnosis.
Enter: The Gaslighting in the TMS Community
However, even though my diagnosis brought much-needed clarity to my situation, the road to recovery has proven to be a long and grueling one. The hardest part of this journey isn't just managing the physical and mental symptoms—it’s the constant fight against the dismissive attitudes and outright denial that I’ve encountered from some TMS practitioners, techs, and even within certain online communities. I’ve shared my experiences, hoping to connect with others and raise awareness, only to be met with hostility and skepticism. I was even called out on the /rTMS Reddit page, where I was accused of “infiltrating the group” and “trying to sell something,” simply for expressing the harm TMS had caused me. This response was not just hurtful, it was disheartening, reinforcing the reality that TMS injuries are often minimized or completely ignored by those who should be supporting the very people who need help the most.
What makes this even more frustrating is the culture of silence and denial within the TMS field. Many professionals, who are supposed to be allies in healing, quickly dismiss patient concerns or, worse, gaslight those of us who are suffering. The dismissal of real pain and injury is a pattern I’ve experienced time and time again, and it highlights a deeper issue: the TMS community’s reluctance to acknowledge the risks associated with the procedure. The lack of transparency and accountability in the field only adds to the burden of recovery. It’s critical to understand that the longer a brain injury goes unrecognized or untreated, the more likely it is to result in permanent or exacerbated symptoms. Recovery depends on receiving the right diagnosis and timely care, but for many people like me who have experienced injury from TMS, we’re often left to fight for the recognition and treatment that should have been there from the beginning. This lack of proper care delays healing and makes the already challenging journey toward recovery even more difficult.
The real heartbreak lies in the reality that there are countless others suffering just as I have. Yet, the silence surrounding TMS-related injuries remains deafening. We are often ignored, blamed, or dismissed—both by professionals and within the communities that should be offering support. For those of us who have been hurt by TMS, it can feel like we’re fighting a battle on two fronts: one against the injury itself and another against a system that refuses to acknowledge our pain. And as much as I’ve tried to stay hopeful and patient, it’s incredibly difficult to move forward when the very people who could help you heal refuse to even acknowledge that your suffering is real. It only underscores the urgent need for change—change in how TMS injuries are recognized, treated, and discussed. Because until that happens, people like me will continue to fall through the cracks, left to navigate this painful journey alone.
The Dismissive Attitude from the TMS Psychiatrist
In a series of text messages with my psychiatrist, the conversation reflected not just a lack of urgency but a dismissive attitude toward the very real symptoms I was experiencing after undergoing TMS. On July 19, weeks after I had undergone the treatment on June 28, she told me, “At this point, it has been too long for you to have these symptoms, so the less likely this is a side effect from TMS, and I would want to rule out an organic cause for this.” Her words seemed to minimize the possibility that TMS could be responsible for my ongoing struggles. Despite her repeated assurances that she would refer me for an MRI to investigate further, nothing came of it. After asking for my medical notes, I heard nothing from her for an entire month. It wasn’t until I followed up that she finally checked in with me, only to leave me feeling even more unsupported.
When I did respond, I provided her with a detailed list of the life-altering symptoms I had been dealing with since undergoing TMS. I wanted to paint a clear picture of how drastically my life had changed in such a short time. I explained how my sleep had deteriorated, how I now needed daily naps to cope with the constant exhaustion from head pain, and how something as simple as working on the computer for an hour had become unbearable due to the intensity of the pain. I shared how I had to cancel a planned trip to visit family because I couldn’t bear the head pain, and how I couldn’t even consider running or doing yoga anymore due to the excruciating discomfort. I described how my cognitive function had deteriorated, making me feel like I was slowing others down, struggling to communicate, and feeling increasingly isolated.
After I sent my psychiatrist a detailed list of the symptoms I was experiencing, she did show some initial empathy, stating that she wanted to help me figure out the source of my symptoms. She suggested that I fill out a report to NeuroStar and even asked me to brainstorm what other sub-specialists I should see—an odd request, considering I was still struggling to understand the full scope of my condition myself. It felt like I was being put in the position of determining the next steps, which was overwhelming given how little I knew about the broader medical landscape for my situation.
However, as time passed, the promised updates and actions didn’t materialize. I repeatedly asked for updates on the NeuroStart report, as there were glaring issues that had been overlooked, but I received no concrete answers. Despite her saying she would refer me to specialists, nothing ever came through. Then, I finally received a message stating that she had spoken to the medical team about my case, and their response was less than reassuring: “We spoke to the medical team and they were not aware of the effects like the one you experienced. They do see headaches, but these usually go away within a few days, unlike what you experienced. Any other updates on your end by the other providers? The neuro we reached out to for a peer-to-peer review did not feel it was necessary.”
This message left me feeling not only dismissed but utterly helpless. To be told that my symptoms weren’t even recognized by the medical team, and that the peer review from the neurologist deemed my case unworthy of further exploration, was a harsh blow. My struggles felt invisible to them, and the lack of action or genuine concern from my psychiatrist and her team left me more isolated in my suffering.
This lack of follow-through and understanding was deeply frustrating. I was desperate for validation and support, but instead, I felt dismissed at every turn. It was as though the more I expressed the profound impact TMS had on my life, the more I was met with disbelief and neglect. Even in a time when I was struggling just to get through each day, it seemed that my experiences weren't being taken seriously—leaving me to wonder how many others in my situation was facing the same lack of compassion and attention.
The Gaslighting in Online Communities in an Attempt to Silence
This gallery showcases a series of images from a Reddit thread in the /r/tms community, starting with a post titled "TMS Broke My Brain." The Reddit user who wrote this post shared a deeply unsettling experience they had after undergoing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). They described feeling a significant shift in their cognitive function after the very first session—something akin to part of their brain “shutting off.” Since then, they have experienced numbness in their thought processes, a disconnect from their own mind, and a physical sensation of “space” inside their head. These changes have persisted for months, and they’re desperately seeking others who might have gone through a similar experience.
This user’s post, which was shared in an attempt to find others who had experienced something similar, sparked a conversation in which I became involved, sharing my own healing journey after TMS injury. But as the discussion progressed, the support for those of us expressing the negative impact of TMS began to face resistance.
A commenter, who had also suffered severe side effects after paying out of pocket for TMS, reached out, resonating deeply with the experience described in the original post. They shared their own trauma, recounting the gaslighting, stroke-like symptoms, and emotional turmoil they endured as a result of the treatment. In response, I shared what had helped me heal—approaches like Craniosacral Therapy (CST), sports medicine, and vision neuro-optometry, hoping it might offer some relief or insight.
However, as this conversation developed, the moderator of the thread intervened, claiming that we were violating the community rules by sharing personal experiences about what has helped us recover. The accusations aimed at me were especially troubling—one Reddit user even referred to me as an “influencer” with an agenda, trying to discredit my intentions, despite the fact that I have no financial interest in sharing my story. Both the moderator and the community members attempting to shut us down were trying to silence a conversation that needed to be had—one that highlights the very real risks of TMS for some patients.
This situation is a clear example of how gaslighting can manifest in online communities. When individuals share their stories of injury or harm caused by TMS, the immediate reaction from those who defend the treatment is often to discredit, silence, or ignore those voices. This not only invalidates the experiences of those who have suffered, but it also prevents them from seeking the help they need to heal. When these voices are shut down, it becomes even harder for patients to find the proper support, and the cycle of harm continues.
The events in this thread reveal a bigger issue: the struggle to have complex, nuanced conversations about medical treatments that don’t fit the mainstream narrative. The silencing of those who have had negative experiences with TMS prevents these conversations from evolving and inhibits the discovery of what might work for those who don’t fit the typical success story. These discussions are vital for those who are still seeking answers or healing, and they deserve a space where they can be heard and supported, free from the pressure of invalidation and suppression.
Doctors I’ve Seen and the Therapies That Are Helping My Recovery
As I continue to share the painful realities of my TMS journey, it’s important to turn the conversation toward healing. The experiences of those who have faced TMS-induced injuries—like the Reddit user who started the "TMS Broke My Brain" post—serve as a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, but it requires the right approach. Despite the silencing and gaslighting that occurs when we speak out about our struggles, I’ve found several healing modalities that have truly helped me on my path to recovery. In this next section, I’ll dive into the treatments and therapies that have made a significant impact in my healing process—from Craniosacral Therapy (CST) to vision neuro-optometry, and more. These modalities have not only given me the chance to regain my mental clarity but have also restored my sense of hope, proving that healing is possible even after the most devastating experiences with TMS.
It’s important for anyone experiencing brain injury symptoms, especially those related to TMS, to seek out professionals who are equipped to help heal the brain. Here is a list of the doctors I’ve seen and the therapies I’ve pursued, all of which are crucial for me in addressing my brain injury caused by TMS:
1. Physical Therapist (PT)
Therapies:
C1/C2 Adjustments: These adjustments target the cervical spine (specifically the top two vertebrae) and can help alleviate pressure on the brainstem. Misalignments in this area can cause headaches, dizziness, and neck pain, all of which are common in brain injury cases.
Jaw Alignment Work: Misalignment of the jaw, also known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, can contribute to neck and head pain. Adjusting the jaw alignment helps reduce muscle tension and prevents pain from radiating to the head.
Neck Instability Treatment: This includes exercises that stabilize the neck muscles and joints, which are often weakened or compromised after a brain injury.
Balance Exercises: Brain injuries frequently lead to problems with balance. Physical therapists design specific balance training exercises to retrain the brain’s ability to coordinate body movement and improve stability.
Upper Back/Neck Strengthening: Strengthening the muscles around the neck and upper back helps reduce pain and improve posture, which can support better brain function and healing.
Why it’s helpful: Physical therapy is essential for addressing the physical symptoms that often accompany brain injuries, especially when it involves the neck and spine. These therapies help improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore stability—all of which are crucial for the healing process.
Check out my full blog on Physical Therapy.
2. Neuro-Optometrist
Visual Skills Diagnosis:
Deficient Smooth Pursuit Eye Movement: This is when the eyes struggle to follow a moving object smoothly, leading to difficulties in tracking moving items.
Deficient Saccadic Eye Movements: These are quick, simultaneous movements of the eyes, typically used for reading. Difficulty here can result in problems with reading or scanning the environment.
Convergence Insufficiency: The inability to focus both eyes together on a near object, leading to double vision and difficulty with close-up tasks.
Fusion with Defective Stereopsis: Problems with depth perception and seeing things in 3D, which is crucial for daily tasks like navigating spaces and driving.
Diplopia (Double Vision) and Dizziness: The brain’s inability to properly fuse visual input from both eyes, causing dizziness and visual confusion.
Why it’s helpful: Brain injuries often disrupt visual processing. Vision therapy with a neuro-optometrist addresses these issues by retraining the brain’s ability to process and interpret visual information. Correcting these dysfunctions improves daily tasks like reading, driving, and even simple activities like walking around without feeling dizzy.
Check out my full blog on Neuro-Optometry.
3. Speech Therapy
Therapies:
Memory Exercises: These involve tasks that challenge recall and working memory, such as recalling numbers, words, or short sequences after varying intervals of time. These exercises help the brain rewire and improve memory retention.
Comprehension Tasks: This involves exercises designed to help improve understanding, whether it’s auditory or written. Cognitive exercises often target the ability to process information more effectively.
Word-Finding Issues and Cognitive Roadblocks: Many brain injuries lead to difficulties in retrieving the correct words during conversations or in writing. Speech therapy helps to overcome these cognitive roadblocks by providing structured tasks that stimulate word recall and improve communication fluency.
Why it’s helpful: Speech therapy addresses cognitive deficits related to communication, memory, and comprehension. These functions are often compromised after a brain injury, and therapy is crucial to improving overall brain function, verbal expression, and day-to-day cognitive tasks.
Check out my full blog on Speech Therapy.
4. Vision Therapy
Exercises:
Ballistic Dotting: A rapid eye movement exercise that helps to improve the speed and accuracy of eye movements.
“Look Hard, Look Soft” Exercise: This exercise trains the eyes to alternate between focusing on distant and near objects, which can help with convergence and visual focusing.
Palming: A relaxation technique that helps reduce eye strain and stress, especially helpful when dealing with visual fatigue.
Space Fixator: A tool that trains the eyes to focus and maintain alignment, improving coordination between both eyes.
VTSM Chart Level 1—Color Exercises: These exercises use color and contrast to challenge the visual system, helping to recalibrate how the brain processes visual information.
Why it’s helpful: Vision therapy plays a significant role in rehabilitating the brain’s ability to process visual stimuli. After a brain injury, the brain-eye connection is often disrupted, leading to problems with focus, depth perception, and visual tracking. These exercises help improve those abilities and ultimately make everyday tasks less difficult.
Check out my full blog on Vision Therapy and Light Therapy.
5. Syntonic Light Therapy
Colors of Light Therapy Used:
Omega N (Purple): Often used for relaxation and stress relief, reducing cognitive overload.
Upsilon Omega N (Yellow/Green): Helps improve mental clarity and focus.
Mu Upsilon (Green/Teal): Used for calming effects and reducing anxiety, which is important for emotional recovery.
Mu Delta (Blue): This light is often used to promote mental relaxation and aid sleep, which is critical for brain healing.
Why it’s helpful: Light therapy is a non-invasive method of stimulating neural pathways and supporting the healing process. Different colors of light are believed to have specific effects on brain function, from reducing anxiety to enhancing cognitive function. This therapy helped me manage cognitive fatigue and promote relaxation during recovery.
Check out my full blog on Syntonic Light Therapy and Vision Therapy.
6. Trauma Glasses and Prism Glasses
Trauma Glasses: Trauma glasses are specially designed eyewear that addresses the visual disturbances often experienced following a brain injury, such as light sensitivity, blurry vision, and difficulty focusing. These glasses are tailored to the individual's specific needs and often include tints or filters that help to reduce glare and ease the strain on the eyes. The lenses can be adjusted to cater to the particular visual challenges associated with brain trauma, improving comfort and reducing visual stress. By aiding the brain in processing visual information more efficiently, trauma glasses can significantly alleviate symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and visual distortion that can be exacerbated by bright lights or prolonged screen time.
Why it’s helpful: Trauma glasses are crucial in addressing the specific visual difficulties caused by brain injury, which can often be overlooked in traditional treatment plans. After a brain injury, the brain may struggle to interpret and process visual stimuli, leading to symptoms like light sensitivity, blurred vision, and double vision. Trauma glasses help filter and balance the light entering the eyes, reducing the sensory overload and helping the brain more effectively process visual information. By using trauma glasses, individuals can reduce visual discomfort and fatigue, which can often hinder daily activities, work, and even basic movement. These glasses provide relief and improve focus, allowing for a more functional and comfortable experience of the world, both in the short term and as part of long-term healing.
Prism Glasses: Prism glasses are another specialized form of eyewear designed to address the misalignment of the eyes that often results from brain injuries. These glasses incorporate prisms in the lenses to correct issues like double vision, eye strain, and difficulty with depth perception. The prisms work by altering the path of light entering the eyes, which helps the brain merge the two images it is receiving into one clear image. For individuals who experience misalignment or visual disturbances after a brain injury, prism glasses help realign visual input, allowing for improved focus, clearer vision, and reduced visual fatigue.
Why it’s helpful: Prism glasses are essential for individuals recovering from brain injuries who experience symptoms like double vision, difficulty with visual tracking, or problems with depth perception. Following a brain injury, the neural pathways responsible for coordinating eye movements and processing visual information may be disrupted, leading to a lack of coordination between the two eyes. This can result in double vision, dizziness, or difficulty focusing on objects. Prism glasses provide an immediate, non-invasive solution by realigning the visual input and helping the brain fuse images correctly. This can reduce visual confusion, improve spatial awareness, and ease the strain on the eyes, leading to increased comfort and better functioning throughout daily life. By improving visual alignment, prism glasses support both the physical and cognitive aspects of brain injury recovery, promoting a smoother healing process and enhancing quality of life.
Together, trauma and prism glasses play a pivotal role in addressing the complex visual symptoms that often accompany brain injuries. They work by providing tailored solutions to unique visual processing challenges, helping individuals regain functional vision, reduce discomfort, and navigate their world with more ease and confidence.
Check out my full blog on Neuro-Optometry.
7. Integrative Therapist
Therapies:
Breathing Exercises: These exercises are designed to calm the nervous system and help regulate stress responses. Techniques like deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and controlled inhalation/exhalation are effective at reducing physical symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Healing Visualization: Guided imagery and visualization techniques are used to help create a sense of safety and healing. These exercises help reduce trauma-related anxiety and promote emotional recovery.
Why it’s helpful: Integrative therapy targets the mental and emotional aspects of recovery, addressing the trauma, anxiety, and stress that often accompany a brain injury. These therapies help manage stress, improve relaxation, and support emotional healing, which is essential in any recovery journey.
Check out my full blog on Integrative Therapy.
8. Amen Clinic Daily Supplementation Program
Why it’s helpful: In a nutshell, my experience with the Amen Clinic was positive because I received A TON of validation through the SPECT image - it was the first visual of my brain injury, but as I have learned more about brain injuries, I believe the Amen Clinic is better equipped to handle mental health cases than brain injuries, though I do appreciate the supplementation protocol. The Amen Clinic provides a comprehensive supplementation program designed to support brain health. The supplements focus on reducing inflammation, promoting neuroplasticity, and improving overall brain function. These supplements help to address deficiencies in brain chemistry and provide additional support during the healing process.
In addition to the imaging, the Amen Clinic recommended several supplements to support my brain and body’s recovery. These included:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out my full blog on Amen Clinic Review and Supplementation.
9. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and UMAC Therapy
Therapies
Craniosacral Therapy (CST): CST uses gentle, hands-on techniques to release tension in the cranial and spinal systems, allowing the body to heal itself. This therapy focuses on enhancing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and restoring balance within the nervous system, addressing physical tension and emotional blockages.
Tao Acupuncture (UMAC): Integrating traditional acupuncture with Taoist principles, UMAC therapy targets the body's energetic pathways. Through subtle needling and meridian stimulation, UMAC helps restore harmony, support healing, and alleviate both physical and emotional symptoms caused by brain trauma.
Why it’s helpful: CST and UMAC therapy offer a holistic, integrative approach to brain trauma recovery. They work synergistically to address both the physical and emotional aspects of healing. CST helps reduce head pain, tension, and anxiety, while UMAC therapy restores energetic balance, addressing deeper issues related to trauma and stress. This combination promotes relaxation, enhances mental clarity, and helps the body release pent-up tension, providing much-needed relief and supporting long-term recovery.
For me, the impact of CST and UMAC therapy has been transformative. After my brain injury and the frustration of navigating conventional treatments, these therapies offered a sense of safety and healing that I hadn’t experienced before. Working with Jon Gissel, a compassionate and knowledgeable therapist, provided not only physical relief but also emotional validation and support. His understanding of trauma and his ability to listen attentively allowed me to feel truly seen and heard, which has been invaluable in my journey. These therapies have been essential in helping me reconnect with my body, manage the ongoing symptoms, and continue my path toward recovery.
Check out my full blog on my experience with Craniosacral Therapy.
Each of these specialists has played an important role in my recovery, helping me address the many facets of brain injury. And while my diagnosis is a step in the right direction, there’s still a long road ahead. The most important takeaway from my journey is that TMS can cause brain injuries, and any delay in treatment—whether because of dismissive medical professionals or gaslighting by TMS practitioners—only hinders the healing process.
TMS was supposed to help my mental health, but instead, it caused profound damage that I’m still recovering from. This experience has been a painful reminder of the importance of advocating for ourselves, especially when the system is quick to dismiss our struggles. To anyone who has suffered similar effects, don’t give up. There are ways to heal, and there is a community of professionals who can help guide you on the path to recovery.
Together, let’s raise awareness about the potential risks of TMS and advocate for those who have been adversely affected. If you’re going through a similar struggle, I’m here to remind you: you are not alone, and healing is possible.
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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