Call Us: 269-430-7966
Call Us: 269-430-7966
Patients and families often have questions about how MeRT® Treatment works, what the evaluation process involves, and what to expect during treatment. The answers below explain the most common topics we discuss with patients considering care at Brain Treatment Center Michigan.
If you do not see your question here, our team is always happy to help.
MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) is a personalized approach to brain stimulation that uses brainwave data to guide treatment.
The process begins with a quantitative EEG (qEEG), which measures electrical activity in the brain. This information helps physicians understand how different areas of the brain are functioning and allows them to develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s unique brainwave patterns.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain and is commonly used to treat depression.
MeRT builds on this technology by adding brain mapping through qEEG, allowing physicians to individualize treatment based on the patient’s own brainwave activity rather than using a single standardized protocol.
Yes. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is FDA-approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder.
The technology used in MeRT Treatment utilizes this same FDA-cleared rTMS equipment.
However, MeRT Treatment itself is an individualized treatment approach that uses qEEG brain mapping to guide the rTMS protocol, and this specific approach has not received FDA clearance as a distinct treatment.
Your physician will review your condition and determine whether rTMS treatment or an individualized protocol may be appropriate for your situation.
No. MeRT Treatment is non-invasive and non-surgical. It does not require anesthesia or sedation, and patients remain awake during treatment sessions.
During treatment, a magnetic coil is placed gently against the scalp. The device delivers brief magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain.
Most patients describe the sensation as a light tapping on the scalp during stimulation.
A quantitative EEG (qEEG) measures electrical activity in the brain using sensors placed on the scalp.
The data is analyzed using specialized software and compared to normative brainwave databases. This analysis creates a “brain map” that helps physicians understand patterns of brain activity and guide treatment planning.
During the EEG, a cap containing sensors is placed on the patient’s head. Small electrodes may also be placed on the ears and chest to measure electrical signals and heart-brain activity.
The recording itself usually takes about 10–15 minutes, although the appointment may take longer to allow for preparation and setup. Plan for 30 minutes, or an hour if you are getting an EEG for your child with autism.
Every person’s brainwave patterns are unique. Brain mapping helps physicians understand how different regions of the brain are communicating and identify areas that may be overactive, underactive, or out of sync.
This information helps guide personalized treatment planning.
Treatment sessions typically last 15-20 minutes and are usually scheduled 5 days per week for several weeks.
During the treatment process, follow-up EEGs and clinical evaluations are performed after every 10 sessions to monitor progress and guide adjustments.
Neuromodulation treatments work through gradual changes in brain activity over time. Consistent sessions help reinforce these changes and support lasting improvements.
This approach is similar to other types of therapy where repeated sessions are necessary to achieve meaningful results.
The most common side effect reported is mild headache or scalp sensitivity, particularly during the early stages of treatment.
These symptoms are usually temporary and tend to improve as treatment continues.
The risk of seizure with transcranial magnetic stimulation is very low. Clinics carefully screen patients for medical conditions or implants that could increase risk before beginning treatment.
Brain stimulation therapies are used for a range of neurological and mental health conditions involving disruptions in normal brain activity.
These may include conditions such as depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, autism, PTSD, and other disorders affecting brain function. Each patient is evaluated individually to determine whether treatment may be appropriate.
Additionally, many patients without specific conditions use MeRT treatment to optimize their brain performance, including executives, athletes, and others.
No. MeRT Treatment is not considered a cure for neurological or developmental conditions.
The goal of treatment is to optimize brain function and improve communication among brain regions, which may reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
The best way to determine whether treatment may be appropriate is to schedule a consultation and brain mapping evaluation. During this process, the physician reviews symptoms, medical history, and EEG results to better understand how the brain is functioning.
Yes. Many patients continue therapies such as psychotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or medical care while undergoing brain stimulation treatment.
In some cases, optimizing brain function may help patients benefit more fully from other therapies.
Every patient’s brain responds differently to treatment, so the timing of improvements can vary. Some patients notice changes within the first few weeks, while others experience gradual improvements over time.
Because the brain adapts gradually, progress may continue even after the treatment program is completed.
Not every treatment works the same way for every patient. The purpose of the evaluation process is to help determine whether treatment may be appropriate before beginning care.
If a patient does not respond as expected, the doctor may recommend adjusting the treatment plan or exploring other options.
Some patients complete one treatment program and maintain improvements, while others may benefit from additional treatment later.
Follow-up evaluations can help determine whether additional treatment may be helpful.
Our team is happy to help you understand the evaluation process and whether treatment may be appropriate for you or your child.
Disclaimer
Results with Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) are based on strict adherence to individualized treatment protocols. Because every brain is unique, outcomes will vary from person to person, and no specific results are guaranteed.
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical guidance. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual condition, treatment options, and medical needs.
