PTSD

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that affects some people after experiencing traumatic life events. PTSD symptoms may be mild to severe and sometimes crippling when not treated. The Smart Brain and Health experts provide treatment suggestions based on the results of cutting-edge brain imaging.

Which symptoms can PTSD cause?

PTSD symptoms may include:

• Depression
• Intrusive thoughts or memories
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Always being on guard for danger
• Getting startled easily
• Anxiety
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Mood swings
• Irritability

You might also have thoughts of suicide because of untreated PTSD. Visit Smart Brain and Health to get help for worrisome symptoms when other treatments have not helped.

Who is at risk of PTSD?

It’s not entirely clear why some people develop PTSD after a traumatic event while others don’t. Potential contributors to PTSD include:

• Childhood abuse or neglect
• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Being a first responder
• Military combat
• Natural disaster
• Watching violence
• Losing a loved one

Any experience that feels traumatic is a risk factor for PTSD, especially severe trauma or multiple traumatic events.

How is PTSD treated with TMS and brain imaging?

Smart Brain and Health offers functional MRIs and other brain imaging procedures to create images of the brain and guide treatment decisions. More specifically, they determine if you’re a candidate for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and monitor this treatment’s effectiveness.

TMS uses magnetic energy to stimulate brain cells that are responsible for mood control and symptoms of many common mental health disorders, including PTSD. This treatment is safe, effective, and doesn’t require medications or anesthesia.

The Smart Brain and Health experts use advanced 3D MRI brain imaging (“GPS for the Brain”™) to accurately target TMS treatment and track its progress. They provide stereotactic techniques on a Brain Lab system developed for brain surgery but adapted for customized TMS therapy by the Smart Brain and Health specialists.

You will meet with the Smart Brain and Health experts several times during TMS treatment to evaluate its effectiveness.

Brain imaging can screen for depression and anxiety, which often co-occur with PTSD.

Your individualized PTSD treatment plan may also consist of lifestyle changes, medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of treatments. 

Schedule a PTSD evaluation at Smart Brain and Health by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.