A method of treating a traumatic brain injury to reduce pressure and inflammation using pressure pulses or shock waves having the steps of placing an applicator head of an acoustic shock wave or pressure pulse generator or source on a head near a swollen region at the brain injury; coupling the applicator head directly or indirectly to an exposed surface of the skin and head near the swollen region; and activating the generator or source to emit pressure pulses or acoustic shock waves through the skin and head to brain tissue exhibiting high pressure and inflammation to reduce the pressure and inflammation.