Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is a pervasive and debilitating mental illness for which few effective treatments exist. Neuromodulation using magnetic brain stimulation has shown significant clinical improvements as well as trends toward normalizing EEG pathophysiology associated with PTSD.
MeRT integrates technologies of rTMS (an FDA-cleared treatment for depression) and qEEG into one treatment that’s tailored to each person’s brain patterns, and can rebalance communication within your cortex to bring dramatic improvements in mental performance.
What is MeRT?
MeRT uses cutting-edge brain neuromodulation techniques to achieve remarkable results for various mental health conditions, including depression. MeRT’s noninvasive treatment approach uses gentle magnetic waves to revitalize normal pathways within the brain – it has proven its worth as an effective solution against PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), TBI (traumatic brain injury) and more.
MeRT differs from traditional TMS in that each session is tailored specifically for each patient through qEEG analysis, using stimulation at specific frequencies and locations tailored specifically to your brain pattern. We then use this information to improve neural communication, which in turn promotes mental wellbeing and emotional regulation.
MeRT has been shown to normalize abnormal electrical activity in the brains of those suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This finding is significant as it shows how MeRT can change how the brain responds to stressful stimuli; helping sufferers reclaim control over their lives after years of struggling with it.
MeRT’s success at normalizing EEG patterns and ameliorating clinical symptoms associated with PTSD lies in its targeting of abnormal areas in the brain – specifically delta and alpha frequencies that tend to be off in PTSD patients. Furthermore, this therapy has also shown promising results at increasing alpha wave activity – a process associated with calmness and relaxation that plays an integral part of therapy for this condition. MeRT therapy may help individuals manage anxiety more effectively and feel better faster overall.
MeRT has proven itself safe for both children and adults with Autism, according to extensive research. Studies have demonstrated its success at improving eye contact, social interactions and communication skills while simultaneously decreasing hyperactivity and impulsivity. Furthermore, it has shown to significantly alleviate symptoms related to low or disorganized alpha wave activity in a short amount of time.
MeRT’s safety and effectiveness make it suitable for use with other therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy or family-based interventions, diet changes or supplements, etc. While not covered by insurance plans directly, we will provide all the paperwork to submit directly to them upon completion of treatment in the hopes of possible reimbursement from their insurer.
How is MeRT different from other TMS treatments?
TMS uses one method for stimulating and reorganizing brain signals and pathways; MeRT offers a more tailored approach. Beginning with an EEG or brain map scan to identify areas of dysregulation and create an individual treatment protocol, we are then able to precisely target dysfunctional neural networks while balancing brainwave patterns to increase mental functioning and overall emotional well-being.
MeRT involves placing a small magnetic coil against your scalp and administering short bursts of electromagnetic energy directly to your brain, much like rapid tapping on the head; most patients report feeling something similar but without pain or distraction; intensity may be adjusted during your session to ensure maximum comfort. Treatment sessions generally occur Monday to Friday for four to six weeks with monitoring of qEEG to ensure we’re targeting appropriate brain regions.
MeRT integrates TMS and real-time qEEG analysis for highly customized procedures. Compared with standard TMS, this approach offers more tailored treatments by enabling practitioners to select stimulation frequencies and locations based on each patient’s unique brain pattern – providing high levels of customization that ensure the appropriate stimulation while minimizing any adverse side effects.
MeRT is an FDA-cleared therapy for treating PTSD, OCD, and depression; providing hope to those who haven’t found relief with medications or other therapies. We also use MeRT as an adjunctive therapy for traumatic brain injuries – seeing encouraging results treating depression and anxiety associated with TBIs.
21 veterans suffering from PTSD took part in a pilot study utilizing Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MRT), consisting of 30 trains of magnetic stimulation per session delivered over their prefrontal cortex at frequencies determined by their dominant alpha waves on qEEG. Out of 21 patients treated, 16 experienced improvement in their symptoms as measured by PCL-M. Furthermore, treatment caused an increase in pre-treatment relative power for alpha band qEEG measurements and decrease in delta bands; both indicators that their brain’s response to stress has normalized.
How does MeRT work?
MeRT differs from standard TMS by using detailed brain mapping and diagnostics to devise a tailored treatment protocol, tailoring every session’s frequency, duration and magnetic intensity based on each patient’s individual needs – leading to marked improvements in health conditions such as depression.
MeRT is a noninvasive, drug-free procedure administered through the scalp that utilizes magnetic pulses similar to those found in MRI machines – an approach proven safe over decades of use. At our center we use MeRT equipment for treating Depression and OCD, while investigating its possible utility “off label” against PTSD and TBI.
Utilising information gleaned from qEEG testing, we identify areas of your brain which are functioning below optimally and utilize MeRT to strengthen communication between these regions. Our aim is to balance out your natural chemistry resulting in reduced symptoms and an overall increase in quality of life.
MeRT typically causes temporary, mild headaches that resolve within two to four hours with over-the-counter pain relief medications. Most patients begin seeing positive results within their first week of therapy and most courses of treatment last six weeks with weekly appointments lasting about 30 minutes each.
Research has demonstrated that those suffering from PTSD typically exhibit lower than average levels of alpha wave activity in their brain, and MeRT therapy has proven successful at increasing these levels – leading to decreased symptoms associated with PTSD as well as improved quality of life for our patients.
MeRT has also proven effective at treating symptoms associated with autism. People living with autism tend to exhibit low or disorganized Alpha wave activity levels; MeRT has been found to significantly boost these levels, leading to improvements in eye contact, connection to others, speech skills, and the ability to tolerate complex environments.
MeRT is a safe and effective treatment option, ideal for use alongside other therapies or medications. In fact, we encourage our patients to continue their current plan while taking advantage of MeRT’s potential advantages.
What are the benefits of MeRT?
MeRT therapy stands apart as one of the few neuromodulation treatments to integrate EEG results, giving each treatment session an individualized approach tailored specifically for an individual’s brain activity and condition. This helps maximize its impact by targeting areas of dysfunction while encouraging neuroplastic changes – an approach safe and effective treatment option suitable for all age groups, from adults to children of all ages.
MeRT can be highly effective for treating various conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic concussion syndrome chronic pain addiction ADHD Parkinson’s disease as well as many others. Patients have also reported improved sleep quality and duration increased energy enhanced memory function among other benefits.
MeRT can also assist patients with autism to improve social engagement and communication. On “The Doctors”, one neurologist was recently featured using MeRT with patients living with ASD to incredible effect – watch here for the full episode!
Side effects from MeRT are typically minimal and short-lived, most commonly manifesting themselves with mild tension headaches at the site of stimulation that last 1-2 hours and can easily be treated using over-the-counter pain relief products. Furthermore, there is a very low risk of seizure activity with MeRT; we take extra measures to limit its potential.
MeRT significantly decreased symptoms and clinical metrics measured using PCL-M. Alongside these improvements were changes to alpha frequency power between pre and post treatment EEGs.
MeRT can be utilized alongside pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and wellness strategies to provide comprehensive care. This may lead to faster symptom relief as well as increased motivation and engagement from the therapeutic process. Furthermore, using MeRT as part of residential treatment programs such as Enterhealth Ranch can increase patient outcomes by showing they take their conditions seriously while employing evidence-based treatments. For more information about how MeRT can be utilized to address mental health and addiction contact our office now!
