Sometimes, when we find transmissions from an echo point who has time traveled, we find that their method of time travel does not allow them to travel within their own internal timeline. Occasionally, this can result in multiple splinter-universes been generated rapidly as the subject continues to try and rectify their own time line.

Other times, the subject finds themselves trapped in the new dimension. It is often not known what happens to the original dimension. There is some evidence that, the subject might be effectively considered dead but the dimension otherwise continues unchanged. Other times, we have seen transmissions where it appears the old dimension is destroyed shortly after.

Since the risk of time travel - particularly when deliberate - is high, often times subjects who know this is how it works in their dimension will consider the cost too high (see transmission "Eternal Return" in E-M616). However, when in a doomed timeline that isn't always a deterrent.

Not to be mistaken for time loops in which event repeat more than once, events in a splinter loop only occur once in a timeline, however they do bear similarities to aborted loops, Splinter loops begin when time has been altered, setting the timeline onto a new path or sometimes even starting a new dimension, but before the new reality is allowed to become fully realized, events within the loop cause it to collapse. Frequently, this is done by sending the time travel back to a time before the timeline change. The collapse of such loops set off echos in the trans-dimensional waves that are so "loud" we have collected a large amount of data on such loops, even when those who experienced them are unaware of the events

See paradoxes for more information or Star Trek (E-ST1966) Video Transmission S03E15 or Star Gate (E-SG1) Video Transmission S10E20 for an example.

More information may also be found in the intercepted communications "Letters That Never Existed."

Time travel can often create a feeling of déjà vu in the person who has moved backwards through time. Often a persistent sense of that things have happened before. See Undertale (E-UT173) Audio Transmission "that wasn't cool" for an example.

It can be often be mistaken with psychological phenomena such as flashbacks and intrusive thoughts. However, close study can show that the source of such thoughts are from the previous timeline and generally will also need evaluation outside of a psychological framework.

This side effect is extremely rare when time travel moves the user forward through time.