Understanding SPECT Imaging: How It Helped Validate My Brain Injury and Guide My Healing Journey at the Amen Clinic

SPECT imaging helped validate my brain injury after TMS, revealing significant functional changes in my prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. While supplements helped support my healing, it was clear that I needed to build a broader care team to fully address my symptoms. This blog explains how SPECT imaging can uncover brain issues missed by traditional scans and offer clarity for those dealing with undiagnosed brain injuries.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is based on my personal experience and research regarding brain injury and recovery. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a trusted qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment.

Brain injuries can be tricky to diagnose, especially when symptoms are subtle and traditional imaging methods like MRIs or CT scans don’t show any visible damage. This was my reality after suffering from significant cognitive issues following a TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) procedure. It wasn’t until I turned to the Amen Clinic and underwent SPECT imaging that I began to get the answers I desperately needed.

If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms after a brain injury, especially from treatments like TMS, or if you simply want a clearer understanding of your brain health, SPECT imaging could provide the crucial insights you need. Here’s how it worked for me, and why it might be the tool you’ve been looking for.

This image shows the results of my SPECT scan, which highlights both areas of my brain with abnormal blood flow and the overactive regions linked to trauma responses. In addition to the scan revealing structural damage, a follow-up scan of brain activity showed a marked pattern of overactivity in regions typically associated with the “fight-or-flight” response, such as the amygdala and limbic system. This pattern is often seen in those suffering from trauma, indicating that my brain was operating under stress and in survival mode—likely triggered by the TMS procedure. This scan provides undeniable proof that the TMS treatment not only caused structural damage but also led to a trauma-induced brain state, further validating the ongoing symptoms I’ve been experiencing.

What Is SPECT Imaging?

SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) imaging is a nuclear imaging technique that gives doctors a clear picture of how blood flows through the brain and how different regions are functioning. Unlike MRIs and CT scans, which primarily reveal structural issues like tumors or swelling, SPECT looks at functional changes—specifically how well the brain is working in real-time.

SPECT can be especially helpful in diagnosing brain injuries that don’t show up on standard scans. For example, with a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) or side effects from a procedure like TMS, there may not be any obvious damage to the brain’s structure, but the brain's functionality can be impaired. That’s where SPECT imaging shines.

My Journey with SPECT Imaging at the Amen Clinic

After experiencing months of debilitating symptoms—severe head pain, cognitive struggles, and fatigue—I turned to the Amen Clinic in Seattle for help. I had undergone TMS to treat mental health issues, but something went wrong. Instead of improvement, my symptoms worsened, and I felt stuck in a cycle of frustration.

Many doctors seemed unfamiliar with the potential side effects of TMS on the brain, leaving me feeling dismissed and uncertain. That's when I decided to take control of my health and pursue the comprehensive diagnostic approach offered by the Amen Clinic, known for its focus on brain health and TBI (traumatic brain injury) diagnostics.

At the clinic, I underwent two separate SPECT scans: one while I was focused and the other while I was at rest. These scans involved an injection of a radioactive tracer that allowed the SPECT machine to measure the blood flow in various parts of my brain. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but the process wasn’t as invasive or complicated as I had imagined.

The SPECT image shows a reduction in blood flow and damage caused by disrupted circulation from the TMS procedure. This reduction in blood flow and cellular damage is linked to the cognitive difficulties and speech problems experienced. Additionally, the image reveals a noticeable hole in the cerebellum, which is responsible for balance and coordination. The cerebellum appears to be fatigued and compensating for damage in the prefrontal cortex, attempting to manage functions beyond its intended role. Or, it was also reached by the TMS electromagnetic pulses.

The Results: Validation and Clarity

When the results came back, I felt a mix of relief and validation. The scans revealed two major areas of concern:

1. A Large Divot in My Left Prefrontal Cortex

   • This area of my brain is responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and speech. The scan showed a reduction in blood flow, likely due to disrupted circulation from the TMS procedure. This was a major source of the cognitive difficulties and speech problems I had been experiencing.

2. A Hole in My Cerebellum

   • The cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination, was showing signs of fatigue. My doctor explained that it appeared to be compensating for the damage in the prefrontal cortex, trying to take on functions it wasn’t designed to manage.

     
     

These findings were both a relief and a confirmation. The SPECT scan not only validated that my symptoms were real, but it also revealed functional changes that weren’t visible on MRIs or CT scans. This was key to understanding how TMS had affected my brain, and it gave me the clarity I needed to move forward with a treatment plan.

Next Steps: Healing, Supplements, and Building My Team

After receiving the SPECT scan results, the Amen Clinic team worked with me to create a treatment protocol. SPECT imaging is a fantastic diagnostic tool, but it’s just one part of the puzzle. The real work comes after the scan, with targeted therapies to help the brain heal and function better.

I began a regimen of supplements designed to promote brain health and improve circulation. Over time, I started to feel better—less foggy, more focused, and more energized. However, the healing process didn’t fully reverse all of my symptoms.

I realized that for complete recovery, I needed more than just supplements. I needed a team of professionals. This included a neuro-optometrist to address vision issues tied to my brain injury (like light sensitivity and convergence insufficiency) and a functional neurologist to explore more specialized therapies, such as brain retraining, that could help me regain full function. I also work with a PT and speech therapist to help with all my other symptoms.

The Importance of SPECT Imaging for Undiagnosed Brain Injuries

The SPECT image shows a reduction in blood flow, likely caused by disrupted circulation from the TMS procedure. This reduction in blood flow is linked to the cognitive difficulties and speech problems experienced. Additionally, the image reveals a noticeable hole in the cerebellum, which is responsible for balance and coordination. The cerebellum appears to be fatigued and compensating for damage in the prefrontal cortex, attempting to manage functions beyond its intended role.

While the SPECT image provided much-needed validation during a time when the only symptom recognized was a headache—which I had wanted to categorize as “head pain” because I had so many other overlooked symptoms—the reality is that, for some, paying for an image may not necessarily change the trajectory of healing. For me, however, the most valuable takeaway from my experience with SPECT imaging was the validation it provided. It gave me concrete evidence that my brain had been injured and that the changes I was experiencing weren’t just in my head—they were real, measurable issues.

SPECT imaging is particularly valuable in cases where conventional imaging fails to show any structural damage but functional problems persist. This tool allowed me to pinpoint the exact areas of my brain that had been compromised and helped guide my treatment plan. For anyone struggling with unexplained neurological or cognitive symptoms—especially after a procedure like TMS—SPECT imaging can reveal hidden injuries and offer insight into how to best address them.

Takeaway: SPECT Imaging Could Be the Key to Unlocking Your Recovery

While my journey to recovery is ongoing, the SPECT scan results gave me direction, validation, and a concrete path forward. It helped me understand the physical changes in my brain, which allowed me to advocate for the right treatments.

If you're struggling with unexplained cognitive, emotional, or neurological symptoms—particularly after TMS or any other brain-related procedure—SPECT imaging could be a game-changer. It can reveal brain dysfunction that other scans may miss and provide critical insight into how your brain is working.

If you’ve been dismissed by doctors or feel like your symptoms aren’t being taken seriously, I encourage you to explore SPECT imaging as an option. It was a pivotal step in my healing journey, and it could be just what you need to start understanding and addressing your brain health and creating a path towards healing. But again, if you already have a diagnosis, a decision to pay for an image out-of-pocket probably will not change your healing path - PT, vision therapy, speech therapy, etc.

Thank you for following my journey. I’ll continue to update my progress as I work with my team to heal and move forward.

All my light. All my love.

Namaste,

Jordan

My Gear:

HealthyLine

Xero Shoes  

Nexus Fitness

Loops - Ear Plugs

Upledger Institute - Find a Therapist in Your Area