We treat post-concussion syndrome regularly in our clinics across Allen, McKinney, Frisco, and Dallas, and one of the most common questions we hear is whether TMS therapy for post-concussion syndrome actually works. Based on what we see clinically and what current research supports, TMS for concussions can be an effective, non-invasive concussion treatment for patients whose symptoms have not resolved with rest, therapy, or medication alone.
Can TMS Help Post-Concussion Symptoms? What the Research Shows
Post-concussion syndrome treatment options become limited when symptoms last longer than expected. Research on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation shows promising improvements in areas commonly affected after concussion, including mood regulation, attention, and cognitive endurance. Early studies focused on depression, but clinicians noticed that patients with prior concussions often experienced meaningful neurological improvements during treatment, leading to broader use of TMS for brain injury recovery.
TMS for Concussions Explained: A Non-Invasive Option for Brain Recovery
TMS treatment for brain injury symptoms uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive or disrupted brain circuits. It does not involve surgery, sedation, or medication. Sessions are short, done while fully awake, and patients can return to normal activities right away. This makes TMS therapy for neurological healing appealing for people who are sensitive to medications or want a concussion treatment without medication.
How TMS Therapy Supports Neurological Healing After Concussion
TMS does not repair structural damage, but it helps the brain communicate more efficiently. In our experience, this often leads to gradual, functional improvements rather than sudden changes. Patients commonly report benefits such as:
- Improved focus and mental clarity
- Reduced irritability, anxiety, or low mood
- Fewer or less intense headaches
- Better sleep quality and energy levels
One Dallas-area patient we treated after a sports-related concussion noticed improved concentration by week three and was able to return to full-time work shortly after completing treatment.
Does TMS Work for Brain Injuries Compared to Traditional Care?
Traditional concussion care focuses on rest, graded activity, physical therapy, and symptom-based medications. For many people, that works. For others, progress stalls. TMS for post-concussion syndrome vs traditional concussion treatments differs because it directly targets brain networks rather than only managing symptoms. TMS is not usually a first-line treatment immediately after injury, but it can be a valuable next step when standard approaches stop helping.
Safety and What Patients Should Know Before Starting TMS
Safety is a major concern for patients with brain injuries, and the data is reassuring. TMS is FDA-cleared for multiple neurological and psychiatric uses and is well tolerated when patients are properly screened. Common considerations include:
- Mild scalp discomfort or temporary headache early in treatment
- Extremely low seizure risk with appropriate screening
- No cognitive slowing or sedation
As Dr. Clayton L. Allison explains, “In patients with lingering post-concussion symptoms, we are often treating disrupted brain signaling rather than structural damage, and TMS allows us to do that without adding medication burden.”
Persistent Concussion Symptoms? How TMS Therapy May Help
We often see patients who feel frustrated or dismissed after months or years of symptoms. When TMS therapy for post-concussion syndrome improves mood stability and cognitive stamina, patients frequently describe feeling like themselves again. Brittany Huckaby, PHNP, notes, “Many of our patients come in exhausted from trying everything. When their focus improves and emotional symptoms ease, it can be a turning point in their recovery.”
Is TMS a Safe and Effective Treatment for Long-Term Concussion Symptoms?
TMS is not a cure-all, but for the right patient, it can be an effective part of a broader recovery plan. Outcomes tend to be best when:
- Symptoms have lasted longer than three months
- Mood or cognitive symptoms are prominent
- Other post-concussion syndrome treatment options have plateaued
- Care is guided by clinicians experienced in both brain injury and neuromodulation
Exploring TMS Therapy for Concussion-Related Cognitive and Mood Symptoms
If you are struggling with lingering concussion symptoms and want to explore non-invasive concussion treatment options, a professional evaluation can help determine whether TMS is appropriate for you. At NorTex Psychiatry, our team, led by Clayton L. Allison, M.D. and Brittany Huckaby, PHNP, offers personalized TMS evaluations for post-concussion syndrome. If persistent symptoms are limiting your quality of life, we invite you to schedule a consultation and explore whether TMS for concussions could be the next step in your recovery.
