Does TMS Therapy Provide Hope for those Healing from Brain Injuries?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an FDA-approved therapy tool commonly used for depression, is emerging as a promising tool for aiding in the brain’s recovery following a brain injury. When the brain is injured, connections between neurons are damaged or destroyed, often affecting movement, speech, memory, and mood. In the weeks and months that follow, the brain works to heal through neuroplasticity— the process of rerouting signals, strengthening weak connections, and forming new ones. Researchers are now exploring how TMS can help speed up this healing process by stimulating targeted areas of the brain and supporting recovery.
Expert Insight: Dr. Ruchir P. Patel on TMS for Brain Injury
“In brain injury rehab, we look for safe ways to reignite neural pathways—to give the brain a second chance to rewire. TMS offers targeted, noninvasive stimulation that can complement physical therapy and aid in recovery,” says Dr. Ruchir P. Patel, physician and TMS therapy specialist at TMS Institute of Arizona.
Does TMS Therapy Provide Hope for those Healing from Brain Injuries?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an FDA-approved therapy tool commonly used for depression, is emerging as a promising tool for aiding in the brain’s recovery following a brain injury. When the brain is injured, connections between neurons are damaged or destroyed, often affecting movement, speech, memory, and mood. In the weeks and months that follow, the brain works to heal through neuroplasticity— the process of rerouting signals, strengthening weak connections, and forming new ones. Researchers are now exploring how TMS can help speed up this healing process by stimulating targeted areas of the brain and supporting recovery.
Expert Insight: Dr. Ruchir P. Patel on TMS for Brain Injury
“In brain injury rehab, we look for safe ways to reignite neural pathways—to give the brain a second chance to rewire. TMS offers targeted, noninvasive stimulation that can complement physical therapy and aid in recovery,” says Dr. Ruchir P. Patel, physician and TMS therapy specialist at TMS Institute of Arizona.
TMS and Brain Injury–How It Works
TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. This stimulation may help restore disrupted neural connections involved in movement, thinking and emotional control. Although TMS is FDA-approved for conditions such as major depressive disorder (since 2008), obsessive–compulsive disorder (2018), and chronic pain (2013), its application in brain injury recovery is still considered off-label. However, research on TMS therapy for brain injuries has shown encouraging results for people recovering from both severe traumatic brain injury and stroke.
Research & Regulatory Landscape
TMS has a well-established safety record in its approved uses, and appears to be a gentle, noninvasive option for those with brain injuries. While research continues to explore how TMS affects injured brain tissue, early results are encouraging. Advanced techniques, such as fMRI-guided TMS help tailor treatments to individual needs and unique brain patterns. Specialized clinics are leading the way in applying TMS for conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other post-injury challenges. Although the FDA has yet to approve TMS specifically for brain injury treatment, many experts view it as a valuable and safe complement to traditional rehabilitation.
Looking Ahead
For members and supporters of BIAAZ, TMS offers hope as a noninvasive therapy tool in brain injury recovery. While it is not a cure and awaits FDA approval for brain injury, TMS is a unique complement to physical rehabilitation that can be tailored to one’s individual needs. Ongoing research—including clinical trials and advanced imaging-guided treatments—continues to expand our understanding and application of TMS. Early patient experience and scientific advances offer hope that TMS will play an important role in helping injured brains regain function.
The Brain Injury Association of Arizona is the state’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of brain injury survivors, their families, and caregivers. Your generous support is crucial to continue providing them with programs and services.
ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA
The Brain Injury Association of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.
What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.