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Head injuries, whether a concussion or a Traumatic Brain Injury, can cause serious symptoms that can disrupt your quality of life or even be debilitating. And sometimes, these symptoms can be long-lasting or cause permanent damage. Our non-invasive treatment uses magnetic waves to gently stimulate affected areas of the brain to help restore function with some truly stunning results.
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The Brain Treatment Center in Marshall offers MeRT to help patients experiencing adverse effects after a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Concussion.
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.
The Brain Treatment Center in Marshall offers MeRT treatment protocols to help patients who have suffered a concussion, TBI, or multiple head injuries and are experiencing long-term effects.
As you have read, MeRT is a much more individualized approach than TMS. TMS is more of a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment since it can only target a single location in the brain with a single frequency, regardless of condition.
MeRT is a unique and much-improved process. By using a quantitative EEG/EKG to determine exactly what part of the brain is affected and to what degree, we can tailor treatment specifically to each patient’s needs.
Or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as:
“A blow to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. An injury can also occur without a direct blow to the head, such as in an auto accident where the forces cause the head to move violently in one direction and then snap back in another direction. This causes the brain to be jostled around inside the skull and can also injure the brain.”
MeRT (Magnetic E-Resonance Therapy) is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment used to help with recovery of Traumatic Brain Injuries and Post-concussive syndrome. This state-of-the-art technology uses a magnetic field to stimulate and balance brain function, which is guided by sophisticated diagnostics and imaging.
With the use of this technology, MeRT can help your brain recover from injury and relieve the symptoms associated with TBI and concussions. If your brain injury is not healing and you are suffering from side-effects, you may benefit from MeRT treatment.
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 consist of 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 run for about 6 weeks with a new brain scan done every two weeks to assess progress and to continue to customize treatment for best results. Tailored treatment protocols are what 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.
“Evidence suggests that rTMS has the potential to be an efficacious therapeutic intervention for multiple symptoms after TBI, including depression, dizziness, central pain, and visual neglect. “
“In this special issue of the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, we share with readers some of the latest advancements in neuromodulation specific to TBI, while providing the framework to further our understanding of how and why functional skills are likely improved. While neuromodulatory interventions can play a critical role in functional recovery for those with TBI, the heterogenous nature of TBI means that clinical implementation of neuromodulation will require understanding, at the individual and group levels, of how, when, and where to alter brain activity to support sustained recovery of sensory and higher order functions.”
“This study suggests that rTMS is a potential treatment option for depression following TBI. Both 15 to 16 session and 30 to 38 session cohorts showed significant decreases in depression as measured by PHQ-9 following rTMS treatment. These findings support the use of rTMS in post-concussion depression treatment and highlight the need for more research on rTMS therapy following TBI.”
“Subjective measures of depression, sleep dysfunction, post-concussive symptoms (PCS), and executive function showed significant improvement with stimulation, retaining improved levels at two-week follow-up. EEG delta power exhibited elevation one week after stimulation cessation.”
“Our findings uncover the neural mechanisms underlying the improvement in emotional well-being in TBI due to application of neuromodulation. The main effect of rTMS is to reduce emotional disorders and hence consequently it may improve cognitive and executive functions.”
Our results are consistent with studies showing improved cognitive functioning in TBI following a unilateral or bilateral rTMS protocol that used low frequency rTMS over the right DLPFC. Therefore, this stimulation site may be promising for improving cognitive recovery in TBI, especially when combined with cognitive rehabilitation.”
“Case Report: A 37-year-old male with history of anxiety and bipolar depression incurred a TBI after a 60-foot fall. After his physical recovery, the patient had refractory depression. Eight months after the TBI event, he underwent a 6-week course of rTMS treatment and had a 70.8% improvement in mood symptoms by the end of the therapy as indicated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, transitioning from severe to mild depression according to the scoring system. Clinical correlation during the months following conclusion of rTMS therapy showed no signs of remission or adverse side effects. The patient remains stable and lives independently 1 year after treatment with mood-stabilizing medications.
“Conclusion: This case provides evidence for successful treatment of refractory depressive symptoms after severe TBI with the addition of rTMS to psychotherapy and mood-stabilizing medications, supporting the safety and tolerability of this novel therapeutic approach. Further studies are needed to validate the contribution of rTMS for management of mood symptoms in patients with TBI.”
MeRT, or Magnetic EEG-Guided Resonance Therapy is an advanced form of rTMS that is highly customized for each individual.
Or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.
The Broken Brain Podcast, hosted by Dhru Purohit, explores the inner workings of the brain and body. One episode featured MeRT as a breakthrough treatment for various neurological issues, including traumatic brain injuries.
In this episode, Dhru talks with Dr. Eric Won, President and Chief Medical Officer of Wave Neuroscience (the parent company behind MeRT technology). They discuss MeRT treatment, and Dr. Won shares the many successes of MeRT treating veterans who have experienced head injuries as a result of their service.
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and head injuries don’t just affect veterans; if you are experiencing symptoms because of these conditions, watching this episode of The Broken Brain podcast may help you.
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. It’s possible you may feel frustrated and uncertain about the best course of treatment. We can at least help by providing you with as much information as you would like about this treatment.
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 or not MeRT is right for you or your loved one.
Our New Patient Coordinator can answer any questions you have, explain costs and protocols, and can also assist in getting you scheduled for 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 for treatment of 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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