Exploring TMS Injuries and Recovery

Mar 13, 2025

Lecture Notes: TMS and Related Injuries

Introduction

  • Topic: Discussion on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) injury
  • Guests: James (first interviewee on TMS injury) and Joseph (host)
  • Objective: To explore experiences and insights on TMS injuries, particularly cognitive and psychological effects
  • Background: James shares his journey through stress, work environment, psychiatric treatments, and eventual TMS usage

Context and Background

James' Professional Background

  • 15 years in banking; high-stress environment
  • Struggled with work anxiety and depression
  • Initial treatments included Lexapro (caused akathisia) and Buspar (caused sedation)
  • Attempted self-management through exercise and diet

Discovery of TMS

  • Recommended by a doctor as a safe treatment for depression
  • Initial belief: No harm, long-term depression remission
  • Lack of comprehensive informed consent regarding TMS' potential risks

TMS Treatment Experience

Initial Experiences

  • Mapping Session: Motor threshold testing
  • Treatment Period: 45 sessions over ~2.5 months
  • Symptoms: Fuzziness, confusion, inability to multitask, increased intensity levels

Deterioration During Treatment

  • Progressive worsening of cognitive symptoms
  • Development of tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Mental and physical incapacity: inability to drive

Post-Treatment Consequences

Immediate Outcomes

  • Cognitive impairment persisted post-treatment
  • Experienced job loss during this period

Long-term Effects

  • Increased anxiety, panic, and fatigue post-treatment
  • Continual cognitive challenges

Interaction with Medical System

Challenges

  • Difficulty in getting acknowledgment of TMS-related injury
  • Neurologists' limited understanding of TMS implications

Supportive Medical Encounter

  • Found a neurologist who likened it to a traumatic brain injury
  • Focused on non-medicinal recovery: diet, exercise, and time

Recovery Attempts and Insights

Initial Recovery Efforts

  • Therapy: Regular sessions
  • Self-study: Reading relevant texts (e.g., Robert Whitaker, Peter Gøtzsche)

Exploration of Fasting

  • Motivation: Inspired by anecdotal success stories and historical practices
  • Prolonged Fasting: Undertook a 23-day water fast
  • Effects: Improvement in mood, increased cognitive clarity

Reflections and Learnings

Psychological and Emotional Growth

  • Enhanced appreciation for small improvements and life experiences

Community and Support

  • Created Victims of TMS Action Group (V-TAG) for peer support
  • Realized psychological impact of group discussions; necessity of breaks

General Observations on TMS

  • Injury Patterns: Delayed onset of severe symptoms post-treatment
  • Common Symptoms: Cognitive impairment, anxiety, tinnitus
  • Recovery Variability: Spectrum from quick recovery to prolonged suffering

Conclusion

  • TMS can have significant, long-lasting impacts on mental and cognitive health
  • Importance of understanding and informed consent in psychiatric treatments
  • Continuous personal and community efforts for recovery and advocacy

Note: For more detailed personal experiences or to connect with the community, visit relevant support groups or forums like V-TAG.

Full transcript