MRI treating PTSD

A new add-on for combat PTSD treatment: MRI-guided TMS significantly reduces symptoms in clinical trial

April 7, 2026
6:53 am

An advanced version of a procedure using magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells in treating depression was significantly effective for 85% of active military and veterans suffering from combat post-traumatic stress disorder enrolled in a recent study, when added to psychotherapy.

The breakthrough study led by UT Health San Antonio researchers used their patented MRI-guided, robotic-controlled form of transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, which they termed “navigated TMS.”

They added navigated TMS to the treatment plan for one of two groups of a total of 119 active-duty military and veteran participants with combat PTSD—92% with severe or extremely severe conditions—during a 30-day residential program at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center in San Antonio.

A new add-on for combat PTSD treatment: MRI-guided TMS significantly reduces symptoms in clinical trial

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