This study is an open-label, prospective evaluation of noninvasive neuromodulation using MRT for two weeks in 21 veterans with PTSD who received MRT treatments; 16 completed treatment and showed improvement on the PCL-M checklist; pre and post-treatment EEG data showed trends toward normalization of EEG pathophysiology.
MeRT is an innovative technology that uses a highly precise, personalized approach by conducting a qEEG and then performing an in-depth examination to pinpoint any imbalanced hertz frequencies that require treatment, followed by creating a tailored therapy protocol.
What is TMS?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure that uses pulses of magnetic energy to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS has proven highly successful at treating depression in those who don’t respond well to traditional antidepressants or don’t wish to take more medications, without needing surgery, implants or anesthetic sedation – making it both safe and effective in outpatient clinics as an outpatient solution. Furthermore, TMS has also been found safe and effective for people dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder, OCD as well as chronic pain/tinnitus issues.
TMS treatment begins by sitting comfortably on a chair and resting your head on a device, where a small, curved device fitted with a magnetic coil will be placed on your scalp, creating an audible clicking noise and tapping sensation on your scalp. Each session typically lasts 30 minutes; after which time, you can resume regular activities or drive yourself directly to subsequent appointments.
Patients typically receive TMS treatments five days a week for six weeks and, within this period, about two out of three notice significant improvement in their depression symptoms. TMS may also be combined with psychotherapy or medication to further alleviate them; additional forms such as rTMS have even been approved by regulatory bodies for stroke rehabilitation, Parkinson’s management, depression management, migraine prevention and pain relief management.
TMS therapy may not be a complete cure for depression, but it has helped many individuals reclaim their normal lives and reduce antidepressant medication consumption after receiving TMS therapy. Many have even reported being able to forego this route altogether after trying TMS.
TMS therapy seeks to target specific areas of the brain associated with mood. Stimulation helps increase communication and activity. TMS is an FDA-approved noninvasive therapy without implanted electrodes that has minimal side effects; MeRT treatment starts off with an EEG scan to identify which parts of the brain are dysregulated; using this information allows a more tailored plan tailored specifically for you brain pattern.
How Does TMS Work?
The brain is an intricate network of neurons and pathways connected by nerve cell pathways that communicate via specific frequencies of brain waves. When these channels become disrupted or out-of-sync, this can have profoundly adverse effects on mood and behavior. MeRT or magnetic resonance therapy provides neuromodulation using targeted magnetic signals to alter brain wave patterns so you can function more effectively.
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that does not involve injections or surgery, yet has been proven effective through numerous studies. Furthermore, many patients who undergo MeRT have found themselves able to reduce or discontinue medication altogether (under their doctor’s guidance of course).
At our office for TMS treatment, you’ll relax while we place a device with a magnet against your head. When activated by an electrical current, this coil produces a magnetic field which penetrates scalp hairs, skull bone tissue and muscle tissues in order to stimulate specific areas of your brain – you may feel a tapping sensation for 6-8 seconds during use of this magnet.
Your brain will respond to magnetic stimulation with nerve cells transmitting the signal from one area of your mind to the next, activating previously inactive neural pathways and improving brain functioning more efficiently. MeRT may also assist in managing underlying neurological processes that contribute to symptoms.
MeRT differs from TMS by taking an individualized approach by performing a qEEG study prior to treatments, which allows your physician and our brain scientists to accurately pinpoint which areas of your brain are misfiring, so your MeRT technician can create a tailored treatment protocol based on this data.
MeRT may be used alone or combined with other treatments for many conditions related to brain dysregulation, such as depression, OCD, PTSD, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
What are the Benefits of TMS?
TMS and rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) have been approved by the FDA as a treatment option for severe depression that does not respond to medications or psychotherapy, including migraines and pain management. TMS/rTMS may also help treat other conditions where there is brain dysregulation such as migraines or pain management.
TMS therapy is a safe and noninvasive therapy that requires no medications or implants to operate. When receiving TMS treatments, patients sit comfortably on a reclined dentist-style chair while awake and alert while an experienced technician places a small device with a magnetic coil against your forehead and delivers magnetic stimulation directly into areas associated with depression symptoms in your brain. You may hear clicking sounds or experience tapping sensations; most patients find TMS treatments relaxing and pleasant without pain or discomfort.
Every TMS session typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes and you can return directly to work or home afterward without needing sedation. Most people receive TMS treatments five days a week for four to six weeks; it has been found to improve depression in 50-60% of treated patients when combined with ongoing medications and psychotherapy treatments.
MeRT utilizes cutting-edge technology to quickly identify and target areas of your brain that are misfiring, beginning with a painless brain scan called qEEG that measures electrical activity in your head to detect patterns indicative of brain dysregulation. Physicians and brain scientists then interpret this data and create customized TMS treatment protocols tailored specifically for you that address exactly what’s going on inside – with life-altering results!
MeRT may help alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms to enable you to live a more fulfilled and joyful life. If other anti-depression medication or psychotherapy fails to alleviate them, MeRT provides additional support in order to get you feeling normal again. We advise continuing treatment with your current provider in order to provide optimal management of depression and anxiety.
Where can I get TMS?
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a noninvasive therapy, free from surgery or injections, but you may feel an intermittent tapping sensation on the head during treatment. FDA has cleared it to treat depression; now, however, OCD sufferers are turning to this form of therapy too.
MeRT treatment uses the results of the qEEG as guidance, unlike TMS that is “one-size-fits-all”.
Search the term “TMS near me”. Ideally, look for providers who use MeRT procedures with qEEG recordings as this will ensure you receive treatment tailored specifically to your brain’s needs.
