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Our depression treatment uses gentle magnetic waves to stimulate unused or blocked pathways in the brain.
MeRT® and rTMS have been used very successfully to treat Depression. It’s important to note that this treatment has also helped many who have not responded well to medications or who have suffered side effects from them.
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MeRT has shown some incredible results in treating Depression
The Brain Treatment Center in Marshall offers MeRT to help patients experiencing Depression, including Treatment-Resistant Depression, TRD, and Major Depressive Disorder, MDD.
MeRT (Magnetic Resonance Therapy) is an advanced treatment technique that builds upon the foundations of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) but offers a more customized approach.
While TMS has long been used to address brain dysregulation, it typically follows a standardized method that targets only one brain area with a single frequency, which may not be ideal for every patient.
In contrast, MeRT enhances TMS by incorporating a detailed quantitative EEG/EKG analysis to identify the specific brain areas affected and the extent of the dysregulation.
This allows for a highly individualized treatment plan tailored to address each patient’s unique needs, making MeRT a more precise and personalized alternative to traditional TMS.
Symptoms of Depression can vary from person to person. Some cases can be extreme, and others may experience it moving in and out. And some manage to shove it aside… but still, it’s there, ready to move in when opportunity strikes.
MeRT can provide relief and lasting improvement. We have used MeRT successfully to treat Depression, particularly when medications haven’t helped or caused side effects that aren’t easily tolerated.
MeRT uses rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), which is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. But MeRT is a much more individualized approach than TMS.
By starting with a quantitative EEG/EKG to determine exactly what part of the brain has been adversely affected and to what degree, we can tailor treatment specifically to each person’s needs.
“Everything changed when I started treatment. Within two weeks, I was sleeping better. I was off all 12 of my meds that I was on when I started treatment, and I was starting to enjoy life again. After the first month, I was socializing with people again. I was able to work out for the first time in years, and I started to help my wife with the bills and our budget. A conservative estimate is that I have had a 60–70% reduction of the symptoms and have a whole new lease on life. I can focus. I feel good about myself. I feel confident. I laugh again. Most importantly, I can feel the love for and from my family again. I have never met a group of people who truly focus on helping people feel human again. Spend a day here, and you will see a miracle.” — MeRT Patient
Or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.
MeRT, guided by advanced EEG imaging, uses a magnetic coil to gently stimulate and rebalance brain function.
The process begins with a quantitative EEG (qEEG) to identify areas of brain dysregulation. This test provides a detailed view of the brain’s wave patterns and overall function.
Then, based on this analysis, our doctors and scientists develop a precise neural synchronization protocol for each patient. The goal is to enhance communication within the brain, which can lead to significant clinical improvements.
After the qEEG and analysis, we then perform Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an FDA-cleared treatment for Depression. TMS works by using magnetic fields, delivered through an electromagnetic coil, to modulate brain activity.
However, MeRT takes TMS technology a step further by customizing the treatment to each patient’s unique condition, diagnostic findings, and qEEG results. This includes tailoring the frequency, location, and power of the stimulation for optimal results.
Most treatment plans last between 4 and 8 weeks, with daily appointments from Monday to Friday lasting about 30 minutes. Many patients begin noticing positive changes within the first week. And those treated for Depression rarely need follow-up sessions after completing the therapy.
For a more detailed explanation of the MeRT process, visit our “What is MeRT?” page.
To find out if MeRT is the right choice for you or your child, contact our New Patient Coordinator. She can provide detailed information about the treatment, protocols, costs, and payment options.
If you decide to proceed, we will schedule your initial two appointments. The first is for a non-invasive brain scan, and the second is a consultation with the doctor to discuss the scan results and potential benefits of treatment.
For the qEEG (brain scan), we fit a cap on your head to record the brain’s electrical activity and identify any areas with irregular function. For the EKG, we place an electrode on your chest to capture the heart’s electrical signals and assess the coherence between the brain and heart.
Following the qEEG/EKG will be a consultation with our doctor, either in person or virtually. During this meeting, we will review your test results, explain the treatment protocols, address any questions you might have, and discuss the potential benefits of treatment.
If you move forward with treatment, the first week of MeRT will entail 45 minutes each day for five days, Monday through Friday. The second week of treatment will last for four days, Monday through Thursday, followed by new testing on Friday.
Most courses of treatment with MeRT last about six weeks, with a new brain scan every two weeks to assess progress and customize treatment for the best results. Tailored treatment protocols help make MeRT even more effective than rTMS.
MeRT is a highly customized version of rTMS [repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation]. The science and protocols of MeRT are based on years of authoritative research published in some of the most prestigious scientific journals. Here are just some of these.
The article’s author, Richard A. Bermudes, reviewed a decade’s worth of studies on the effectiveness of TMS and wrote this:
“As I read the [APA] guidelines recently and considered the number of new outcome studies conducted with TMS, I believe TMS should be considered, in addition to pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, as a first-line treatment for patients with moderate to severe major depressive disorder.”
“This data provides a demonstration of significant reduction in PTSD and depression symptoms and safety with the application of a-rTMS in active-duty special operations military personnel. Expansion of targeted neuromodulation programs could be impactful for military and civilian populations.”
“Several meta-analyses proved the efficacy of rTMS treatment in MDD, which is comparable to pharmacotherapy, and may have even better tolerability. Our results strengthened that rTMS is associated with clinically relevant antidepressant effect in TRD as well, and may be a beneficial tool in the add-on treatment of patients with TRD. Furthermore, rTMS adjunctive treatment to antidepressants was found to be specifically effective in achieving full remission.”
This study found: “Conclusion: These data confirm that TMS is effective in the acute treatment of MDD in routine clinical practice settings. This symptom benefit is accompanied by statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported QOL [quality of life] and functional status outcomes.”
“These data indicate that TMS is an effective treatment for those unable to benefit from initial antidepressant medication.”
“Overall, 16 out of the 17 studies suggested that rTMS treatment was effective, safe and tolerated in TRD. For patients with TRD, rTMS appears to provide significant benefits through the reduction of depressive symptoms…”
“Data from nearly 3000 patients from 65 randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. rTMS was confirmed as efficacious in treating depression when looking at symptom reduction, response and remission.”
“rTMS is rapidly gaining popularity as a treatment modality for depression. There is growing evidence to support its use in patients with depression as a monotherapy or as adjunct with pharmacotherapy. Additionally, rTMS has been found to be safe and effective in pregnant patients and elderly patients…”
“The clinical efficacy of TMS as an antidepressant has been well established. TMS is an innovative and promising treatment modality for patients with TRD [treatment-resistent depression].”
“In a double-blind controlled study, high doses of magnetic brain stimulation, given on an accelerated timeline and individually targeted, caused remission in 79% of trial participants with severe depression.
“A new type of magnetic brain stimulation brought rapid remission to almost 80% of participants with severe depression in a study conducted at the Stanford University School of Medicine.
MeRT, or Magnetic EEG-Guided Resonance Therapy is an advanced form of rTMS that is highly customized for each person.
While our New Patient Coordinator is happy to answer your questions and explain things, here are some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers.
We have seen some incredible results with MeRT for Depression Treatment. Yet we know you may feel frustrated or uncertain about the best course of treatment. That’s why we want to provide you with as much information as you would like about MeRT.
MeRT has helped many restore or improve their brain function and reclaim their lives. We want to help you make an educated decision about whether MeRT is right for you or your loved one.
Our New Patient Coordinator can answer any questions you have and explain costs and protocols. She can also help schedule testing and a consultation with the doctor if you would like to explore further.
Currently, rTMS (the treatment used in the MeRT process) is FDA-cleared to treat Depression and OCD. If you think you may be able to file for reimbursement from insurance, we can provide you with the documentation you will need to do so. Please note that neither Medicare nor Medicaid provide any coverage for MeRT or TMS treatment.
Or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.
We offer an emerging treatment that is non-invasive and drug-free for Autism, Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, and other neurological conditions.
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