Memory Issues? Worried That It May Be More Serious? MeRT Can Help.
This non-invasive and drug-free treatment is now available at the Brain Treatment Center.
We use a magnetic field to stimulate and balance brain function, guided by very sophisticated imaging and diagnostics.
Are You Concerned That Your Memory Issues Are More Than Just Forgetfulness?
Ever walked into a room and forgotten why you were there? Or spent a few minutes searching for your phone, only to realize it’s in your hand? We’ve all been there.
But what if those brief memory slips start feeling more like gaping holes? Are they just a normal part of aging or something more?
One thing we know for sure: It’s normal to feel worried and scared. We also know that you have more options than ever to improve your memory as you age.
That’s why we offer a breakthrough treatment to improve brain function. It’s called MeRT, or Magnetic E (EEG/EKG) Resonance Therapy.
MeRT is an emerging technology that aims to improve brain function and communication. The equipment used is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder and OCD and is used off-label to treat a wide variety of conditions.
Doctor Julie Kim provides this state-of-the-art technology to Newport Beach and surrounding areas. It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and stimulates and reorganizes brain function. This can help to improve memory and overall cognitive performance.
Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More
How MeRT Can Help You Regain Control Over Your Memory Issues
No two brains ever function exactly the same — your brain and memory functions are unique to you. That’s what makes MeRT so revolutionary: We customize treatment specifically for you.
To do this, we use a quantitative EEG to identify any dysregulation or decline in your brain activity. Your individual test results allow us to develop a personalized treatment approach to optimize your brain function.
Then we use targeted TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) on the precise areas of your brain discovered to be out of sync. We use a magnet to gently stimulate specific areas of your brain, leading to better communication and function.
MeRT is a breakthrough treatment that helps your brain to heal itself, and that can mean a tremendous improvement in your mental abilities.
How MeRT Differs from Standard TMS
The MeRT treatment protocol evolved from a technology called rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation). However, rTMS is a more generalized approach because it can only target a single location in the brain with one frequency and is not guided by qEEG results.
With MeRT, we can determine the precise location, frequency, and amount of power used by the magnet specific to your unique condition. As this treatment is so precise and tailored, it can lead to significant and long-lasting improvements.
Memory Issues in Normal Aging vs. Early Dementia
The early stages of dementia can be challenging to distinguish from normal age-related memory issues. Here are some key differences to be aware of:
- Frequency and severity of forgetfulness: Occasional forgetfulness is normal as we age. However, with early dementia, memory lapses become more frequent and noticeable.
- Impact on daily life: With normal aging, memory lapses don’t significantly disrupt daily life. With early dementia, forgetfulness starts to interfere with daily activities.
- Difficulty learning new information: Learning may take a bit longer as we age, but you can still acquire new skills and knowledge. However, learning and retaining new information with early dementia becomes progressively more challenging.
- Language and communication problems: Difficulty finding the right words or pauses in conversation can happen as we age, but they’re not consistent. With dementia, language difficulties increase, such as losing track of conversations and repeating oneself.
- Spatial and navigation challenges: Normal aging can bring on mild difficulties, such as occasionally getting lost in familiar places. With early dementia, these challenges become more pronounced and regular.
- Mood and personality changes: With normal aging, mood and personality remain stable, only shifting due to life events. However, noticeable mood swings, anxiety, and apathy can emerge in early dementia.
- Difficulty planning and problem-solving: Older adults can still manage complex tasks and make plans, even if they may take more time. With early dementia, these abilities decline, and it can be overwhelming to make decisions.
It’s important to note that everyone’s experience with aging and cognitive changes is unique. Early diagnosis and intervention can be crucial for managing dementia and maintaining quality of life.
MeRT for Memory Issues: What to Expect
For the initial analysis, you will come in for a comprehensive testing appointment. We will gather your new patient paperwork, and then our chief neuro technician will perform a qEEG and EKG. This testing will enable us to identify any dysfunction or communication problems in your brain.
This appointment usually takes about 45 minutes. Should you decide to proceed with treatment, we will schedule your assessment period.
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 you may have and discuss your applicable treatment plan.
You may not be ready to commit to going through an assessment period of treatment. Or perhaps you would prefer to have your qEEG and consultation done to ensure you are a candidate for treatment. In that case, we 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 Dr. Julie Kim oversees the treatment of each patient.
Assessment Period
The assessment period of treatment lasts for two weeks. This assessment will help you — and us — determine how you are responding to treatment.
At the end of the assessment period, we will perform a second qEEG to note any changes occurring in your brain.
The first week will be Monday through Friday, and the second week, Monday through Thursday — nine sessions in total, followed by a repeat qEEG to determine progress.
Continuing Treatment
Once you complete the assessment period and we are seeing progress both clinically and on the qEEG, we will schedule subsequent two-week treatment periods.
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.
Because each treatment period lasts for two weeks, you must be able to stay in Newport Beach or the surrounding area. We advise that to get the most out of your treatment — and for long-lasting results — you stay for an entire six weeks of treatment (which includes the assessment period).
We highly advise a total of six weeks of treatment (which includes the assessment period) for optimal and long-lasting results.
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 prefer occasional follow-up treatment as needed. However, each person is different, and protocols may vary.
Your provider will have regularly scheduled follow-up EEGs and meet with you to gauge your progress.
Additional Information
A typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes. You will sit in a chair while the neuro-technician administers the treatment near the scalp via a hand-held magnet. The gentle magnetic impulses are delivered for six to eight seconds each minute. You may feel a slight sensation while the treatment is occurring, but it is not painful or uncomfortable.
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. Plus, the results of therapy can vary per individual. In general, the longer the length of MeRT therapy, the longer the changes remain.
Benefits of MeRT Treatment
While each patient is unique, here are some of the reported benefits of MeRT treatment:
- Improved sleep
- Better decision-making skills
- Improved clarity of thinking
- Improved concentration skills
- Increased motivation
- Better attention span and decreased response to distractions
- Decreased anxiety
- Better mood
- Improved emotional stability
- Fewer cravings for alcohol and/or drugs
- More energy
- Improved social skills
- Improved self-confidence
- Elevated sports/athletic performance
Your memory issues don’t have to hold you back. MeRT can improve your brain performance and help you live a happier, more fulfilled life!
Contact Our New Patient Coordinator for More Information
It’s normal for patients and their families affected by brain disorders to feel alone, frustrated, and hopeless. Yet, there is hope.
MeRT has helped patients restore their brain function, reclaim their lives, and get a whole new lease on life.
We understand what you are going through. 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.
Many of our clinicians and technicians have gone through MeRT treatment and have experienced incredible results firsthand. As a result, they are passionate about helping you to heal too.
Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer any questions that you may have about how MeRT can help you. She’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and put your mind at ease. She can also help schedule you with the clinic should you decide to move forward with treatment.
Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More
(949) 418-1108
Or fill in the form below, and we will contact you.
Insurance Coverage
We are an in-network provider with TRICARE. If you have TRICARE insurance, it is possible that your policy may provide coverage, depending on your specific situation. Our New Patient Coordinator can discuss this with you in further detail.
For all other insurance, we are considered out of network and cannot file an insurance claim on your behalf. We can, however, provide you with the paperwork at the end of your treatment, which you can submit to your insurance company to see if they may provide you with any reimbursement. Unfortunately, our clinic is unable to treat patients with Medicare and Medicaid.
Currently, rTMS is FDA-approved for Depression and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Treatment for all other conditions is considered “off-label.” For non-FDA-approved treatment, it is not likely that insurance will provide reimbursement for our protocols.
Some patients have reported that they have been able to receive some reimbursement for EEGs or clinical evaluations. But this depends on their health coverage. Medicare patients have reported that their coverage provides no reimbursement for MeRT.
We take all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Care Credit is also an option to help finance medical expenses. This is a separate company from The Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach. Care Credit is a credit card that can cover medical expenses and services. They typically offer zero-interest financing for 12 months.
Usually, when you go to the Care Credit website and apply, they will promptly let you know your approval status.
Contact Us
For more information or to book a Consultation.