MeRT(sm) treatment utilizes technology for various conditions treated, which are FDA cleared for the treatment of Major Depression Disorder (MDD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). For all other disorders, MeRT technology is currently being used “off label” in the practice of medicine. FDA clearance studies for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are currently ongoing. MeRT is also used “off label” for ADHD, Learning Disorders, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Anxiety, and other brain disorders.
Major Depressive Disorder
MeRT (Magnetic EKG/EEG Resonance Therapy) is composed of a treatment protocol that utilizes rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), which is currently FDA cleared for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
It is a non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive treatment that has been used successfully to treat depression but has not responded to medication or other therapies.
Patients who are clinically depressed have markers that are visible in their EEG studies. Generally, there is an imbalance in brainwave activity between the left and right hemispheres, which is called asymmetry. The MeRT protocol corrects this asymmetry through modulation of brainwave activity, which reduces depression symptoms.
According to the Mayo Clinic, more than three million people are diagnosed with Major Depression Disorder annually. New research suggests that risk factors for depression can be caused by altered neural circuitry.
MeRT is customized to each individual’s needs based on the results of the EEG and EKG. The treatment protocol is tailored based on the location, frequency, and amount of power used by the magnet. This technology works by using a magnetic coil to neuromodulate the brain’s electrical activity. A quantitative EEG is performed on each patient in order to determine the exact frequency of the brain. We then review and evaluate these results so that the treatment is specific to each patient’s unique condition. To learn more about how The Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach utilizes MeRT treatment for depression, click here.
Autism
The Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach offers MeRT treatment for children and adults who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There are different types of therapies that can help with autism and MeRT can be used in conjunction with any of those. A diagnosis of autism can be overwhelming for parents, but early intervention can be key to the child’s development. Kids don’t usually grow out of autism, but it is possible for them to function very well.
MeRT (Magnetic E (EEG and EKG) Resonance Therapy is not currently FDA cleared for autism, and is considered “off label.” However, studies have shown that for many children it can be instrumental in helping develop skills to function more normally.
For more information about how The Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach utilizes MeRT treatment for Autism, click here.
Traumatic Brain Injury
The Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach offers MeRT treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions. While rTMS is FDA-cleared for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder, it is considered an “off-label” treatment for TBI.
MeRT, or Magnetic E (EEG and EKG) Resonance Therapy, is non-pharmaceutical and a non-invasive treatment that has been used successfully to treat TBI and concussions. If you have suffered a head injury, this treatment may be of benefit to you.
People who have suffered a brain injury will have markers that are visible in their EEG studies. Research has shown that people who have experienced a traumatic brain injury will have a higher power in their delta band frequencies and lower power in the alpha bands.
The qEEG is performed on each patient before treatment in order to determine the exact frequencies of the brain. These results are then reviewed and evaluated by our physician and her associates so that the treatment plan is specific to each patient’s unique condition. MeRT technology uses magnetic fields which pass through the scalp from an electromagnetic coil to help the brain return to normal function. Significant clinical improvements have been noted by most patients.
People with traumatic brain injuries often go through other types of therapies to help them regain function and cope with their injury or disability. MeRT treatment can be used in conjunction with these therapies. For more information regarding how The Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach utilizes MeRT treatment protocols for Traumatic Brain Injury, click here.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD can be a life-altering mental health problem. It is caused by experiencing or witnessing terrifying events, violence, or going through extended periods of extreme stress. For most people who go through a traumatic event, there is a coping or grieving period that occurs afterward, but the majority usually recover with time.
However, other people will have symptoms that get much worse and can last for extended periods of time. The onset of symptoms can occur right after the stressful time or can appear many years later, such as in child abuse cases for example. PTSD can be severe enough to completely disrupt someone’s life and make it difficult to function normally. Research shows that every year, an estimated 3.6% of adults are diagnosed with PTSD suggesting that this is a growing problem. For more information about how The Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach utilizes MeRT treatment protocols for PTSD, click here.
The MeRT Process
MeRT is a non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive treatment.
MeRT (Magnetic E (EKG and EEG) Resonance Therapy is a treatment protocol that evolved from a technology called TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) or rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). However, TMS is a more generalized approach because it is only able to target a single location in the brain with one frequency.
Studies have shown that brain wave oscillations are altered in patients suffering from conditions such as Major Depression Disorder (MDD), Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and more. MeRT treatment protocol uses a magnetic field to balance and stimulate brain function. The technology involves using very sophisticated diagnostics and imaging so that the treatment is customized for each individual and a personalized protocol is then tailored based on the location, frequency, and amount of power used by the magnet, specific to each person’s unique condition. MeRT is used to improve brain communication, and synchronization, and can lead to significant and long-lasting improvements.
Much of the initial MeRT research has been done by the U.S. Department of Defense for veterans returning from combat. There is an article that was published in Defense One that further explains the DOD’s research and the benefits that MeRT has been shown to have on people suffering from TBI, PTSD, and MDD. Additional studies have been completed in the private sector on other conditions.
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MeRT Treatment Featured on “The Broken Brain” Podcast
If you suffer from Depression, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), we highly recommend watching this incredible podcast. Dr. Erik Won, from Wave Neuroscience (the parent company behind MeRT technology), speaks about how this technology has evolved and the utilization of MeRT treatment for members of the military who have experienced depression, TBI, and PTSD as a result of their service to their country. Dr. Won also gives testimony to the incredible successes that these veterans have realized as a result of going through treatment.
With other repercussions that can occur, for both military and veterans, this is incredibly important. For example, suicide is at twice the rate for veterans, with approximately 17 veteran deaths per day. In a high-stress environment, such as serving in the military, the transition afterward can be complicated and there are often underlying reasons for conditions that may occur. MeRT may help to address these issues.
Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and TBI don’t just affect veterans; if you are experiencing any symptoms as a result of any of these conditions, this podcast can be of help to you. Click here to watch this amazing podcast!
What to Expect
Initially, you can expect to come in for your first appointment which will last approximately 45-minutes to an hour. We will gather your new patient paperwork at this time, and then our chief neuro technician will perform a qEEG (quantitative EEG) and EKG which are used to evaluate brain activity and enables us to identify any dysfunction or communication problems in your brain. While this appointment usually takes about 45-minutes, if you are seeking treatment for your child with autism, please plan on spending an hour with us. At your qEEG appointment, we will set up the schedule with you for your assessment period, should you decide to proceed with treatment.
Your second appointment is 45-minutes long. During this time, you will meet with Nurse Practitioner Kayleigh Prowse for your clinical evaluation. She will answer any questions that you may have and discuss your applicable treatment plan. Please note that Dr. Julie Kim oversees all treatment for each and every patient.
The assessment period of treatment lasts for 2 weeks. The assessment period of treatment will help you and us determine how you are responding to treatment. At the end of the assessment period, a second qEEG will be done to note any changes occurring in the brain.
After completing a 2-week assessment period, the patient will have their initial qEEG/EKG completed, and then attend treatment sessions the first week, Monday through Friday, and then for the second week, Monday through Thursday for a total of 9 sessions, followed by a repeat qEEG to determine progress.
Once the assessment period has been completed and we are seeing progress both clinically and on the repeat qEEG, subsequent two-week treatment periods will be scheduled. Because each treatment period lasts for 2-weeks, you must be able to stay in Newport Beach or the surrounding area. We do advise that to get the most out of your treatment, and for long-lasting results, you are able to stay for an entire 6-weeks of treatment (which includes the assessment period). The comparison between the initial and second qEEG/clinical evaluation will determine if you are responding. You should also start to experience changes in the way you are feeling during this time period. We highly advise a total of 6-weeks of treatment (which includes the assessment period) for optimal and long-lasting results to take effect.
If you are not yet ready to commit to going through an assessment period of treatment or prefer to have your qEEG and consultation done to ensure you are a candidate for treatment, we do also offer the option of coming in for a qEEG/EKG and consultation with our clinician to see your results before proceeding with the assessment period.
Please note that results and improvements are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual users and are not guaranteed.
Results of therapy can vary per individual. In general, the longer the length of MeRT therapy, the longer the changes remain. Since each brain is unique, the protocol will be different for each patient as it is based on specific qEEG/EKG data from your brain, and the specific condition being treated. Generally, the results of treatment can last a lifetime, though some people do prefer occasional follow-up treatment as needed.
A typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes. The patient will sit in a chair while the neuro technician administers the treatment via a hand-held magnet that is held near the scalp. The gentle magnetic impulses are delivered for 6-8 seconds each minute. There may be a slight sensation felt while the treatment is occurring, but it is not painful or uncomfortable.
Each individual is different, and protocols may vary. Your provider will have regularly scheduled follow-up EEGs and meet with you to gauge your progress.
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It’s normal for patients and their families who are affected by brain disorders to feel frustrated and isolated, and many have lost hope that there is any relief in sight. MeRT is a treatment protocol that has helped patients restore their brain function, reclaim their lives, and feel passionate about living again. We understand what you are going through, and our goal is to help guide you through the process so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not MeRT is the right treatment for you or your child.
Many of our clinicians and technicians have gone through MeRT treatment protocols themselves and have realized firsthand what the treatment has done for them, and as a result, are passionate about helping others to heal too.
Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer any questions that you may have about how MeRT can help you specifically. She’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and put your mind at ease. She can also assist in getting you scheduled with the clinic should you decide to move forward with treatment.
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