MeRT stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy. MeRT treatment combines technologies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS, an FDA cleared therapy), Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), and Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to deliver treatments tailored for each individual’s unique brain pattern.
The patient’s EEG and ECG are analyzed to ascertain the brain’s pattern of function, detect any possible abnormalities, and determine its state of optimal neural synchronization. The resulting information is used to develop a personalized treatment protocol for each patient, aimed at restoring the brain to its optimal state. This can lead to significant clinical improvements. Definition of Terms: rTMS = Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: a non-invasive therapy that utilizes pulsed magnetic fields to change neural activity. EEG = Electroencephalogram: a non-invasive procedure that records the electrical activity of the brain. ECG = Electrocardiogram (also known as EKG): a non-invasive procedure that records the electrical activity of the heart.
Unlike standard rTMS therapy, which delivers stimulation to one location at a fixed frequency for all patients, MeRT treatment individualizes the treatment frequency and location based on each patient’s Quantitative EEG and ECG. This results in a “custom-fit” MeRT treatment protocol as opposed to the “one-size-fits-all” approach of rTMS.
Cortical MeRT treatment delivers magnetic pulses to specifically targeted areas of the brain. A typical appointment of MeRT consists of 36 trains of electromagnetic stimulation delivered for 5 seconds each with 45 seconds of rest period in between trains to a specific location on the head. The session lasts approximately thirty minutes.
From our current data side effects are few and generally mild. The most commonly reported side effect is a mild tension headache at the site of stimulation, which can last 1-2 hours and responds well to over-the-counter analgesics. Other possible side effects are hyperactivity, increased agitation, or euphoria. With brain stimulation there is also a risk of seizures; however the risk is minimal with MeRT treatment. At Brainwave Neuro Performance Center we also limit the intensity of stimulation to further reduce any possible risk of seizure activity.
Every individual’s response to treatment is different. However, some response is typically observed during the assessment week.
We recommend at least one month of treatment (20 MeRT treatment sessions) after the assessment period. However, overall duration of treatment is based on an individual’s response rate. Length of treatment will be decided by the clinician and patient after reviewing clinical and EEG changes..
Results can vary per individual. In general, the longer the length of treatment, the longer the changes remain, especially if receiving treatment for greater than one month. If a reduction in positive gains are noted after leaving Brainwave, patients may return for additional treatment.
Consistency of treatment is important, especially during the first assessment week of treatment. However, outside of the assessment period, missing one day of treatment should not affect overall results.
A patient’s response to therapy sometimes plateaus even though the brain has not yet reached its optimal state. The patient may be advised to take a break from treatment. During this time the brain may be able to improve its plasticity or ability to change for future MeRT treatment.
Protocol adjustments are implemented based on changes in your EEGs and clinical symptoms.
Since each brain is unique, the MeRT treatment protocol will be different for each patient as it is based on the individual’s own EEG/ECG data.
The treatment is most effective when the individual’s brain is in a calm awake state, without receiving and processing too much information. Thus the treatment should be administered in a quiet room (reduced auditory input) with the patient sitting awake in a chair with his/her eyes closed (reduced visual info) during the MeRT treatment stimulation ( 5 second periods ).
You may still have a lot of questions about whether MeRT is the right treatment for you. And our New Patient Coordinator is here to help you! She’ll take the time to listen, answer questions, explain costs, and put your mind at ease. She can also assist you in getting scheduled should you decide to move forward with treatment.
Think of it this way: Making one free call can be the first step in freeing yourself from the symptoms of your condition.
