Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic tool used to diagnose and treat various conditions. MRI is safe, non-invasive and painless.
MeRT is an innovative technology that integrates cutting-edge science with medicine, helping rewire abnormal electrical signals in your brain safely, drug-free and FDA-cleared.
What is an MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans use powerful magnets to capture detailed pictures of the inside of your body. The images help your healthcare team diagnose the cause of any symptoms you’re experiencing, without using radiation or x-rays – making MRI safe for most people, including children. Your test will last from 30-60 minutes while the scanner takes pictures from different angles. Although the process itself is painless, long periods of inactivity may cause discomfort or dizziness; to help alleviate this discomfort you will be given medicine to relax you during your examination. Movement during an MRI examination can blur images and lead to inaccurate results, so you will be asked to wear a gown and avoid wearing anything metallic such as jewelry, eyeglasses, hairpins or hearing aids; you will also be provided with earplugs to reduce noise from the scanner; you may even have access to intercoms for speaking to healthcare team during exam. Furthermore, certain MRI centers also offer television screens or special headphones so you can watch TV shows or listen to music during your scan session!
If you suffer from claustrophobia or other anxiety about being in an enclosed space, anti-anxiety medications may be provided as treatment. You will require someone else to drive you home after taking these medicines; you’ll receive your images and doctor’s report via your patient portal or directly through their office.
Some MRI exams require injections of contrast dye to provide more clear images of your tissues. The contrast material, usually gadolinium, is administered intravenously into one vein in your arm. Furthermore, certain brain MRI scans use contrast agents to examine blood flow within your brain and detect conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke and dementia.
Radiologist will review your images and send a report back to the physician who ordered your test. Some MRI centers offer open-style machines, which are more spacious and do not enclose patients as completely; these may be suitable for those suffering from claustrophobia or who cannot comfortably position themselves within conventional tunnel-style machines.
What is TMS?
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is an FDA-approved noninvasive therapy to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Using magnetic pulses, TMS stimulates nerve cells in specific parts of the brain to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms as well as treat other conditions, such as chronic pain and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). TMS offers safe and effective relief without side effects associated with medications; in fact it does not even produce such side effects as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
TMS therapy, similar to an MRI scan, uses magnetic energy pulses delivered directly into the brain via coil. This technique is known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and has been successfully utilized to treat Parkinson’s disease and ALS symptoms as well as help people stop smoking.
At your first TMS treatment session, you’ll relax comfortably in a chair as your doctor positions a magnetic coil over your head. This non-invasive process doesn’t require sedation. When the TMS begins working, you may hear clicking noises or feel light tapping sensations on your scalp; though the sensation varies according to individual, generally not painful or uncomfortable. On rare occasions it may cause brief syncope; typically related to anxiety about the procedure or not enough water intake prior to treatment.
TMS machines deliver small bursts of magnetic energy directly into specific parts of the brain, with lasting impacts that are usually visible within weeks and often lasting months or even years. The effects of TMS may become apparent within weeks but may continue to have effects for months or even years after treatment has ended.
TMS has proven itself as an effective and safe treatment option for depression; moreover, its potential is also being studied as a means of helping other mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety and chronic pain. TMS may provide another viable option for people who do not respond well to medications but are looking for other avenues.
MeRT is a form of TMS treatment that incorporates an EEG brain scan to identify where dysregulation in your brain occurs and to design tailored TMS therapy sessions specifically to your brain, leading to dramatic improvements in symptoms.
What is MeRT?
Brain disorders like Autism, Depression, PTSD and Anxiety may often be linked to disruptions in electrical signals within the brain. These disturbances may vary in severity from mild to severe and in many cases lead to reduced quality of life. MeRT (Magnetic E-resonance Therapy) aims to reshape and strengthen these signals using advanced diagnostics, scientific analysis, personalized treatment protocols to target specific parts of the brain not communicating as intended and restore proper functionality back into functioning areas of the mind.
MeRT uses qEEG to identify areas of the brain requiring stimulation and precisely map their locations, using this data to administer targeted transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This noninvasive and painless treatment uses magnetic pulses to improve communication and coordination among various brain regions for improved functioning and long-term improvements.
While FDA-cleared for treating MDD and OCD, we use it off-label to address conditions like PTSD and cognitive decline – with incredible success when applied to Autism. Furthermore, research indicates it may reduce PTSD symptoms and accelerate recovery for TBI patients.
On this episode of The Doctors, learn more about MeRT and its success with returning veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety due to war service. Hear from one mother whose autistic son uses MeRT therapy with great results!
MeRT generally has few contraindications, although there may be certain specific situations that require close protocol attention. We typically do not treat people who have pacemakers, a history of seizures or seizure disorder, steel shunts/stented (excluding titanium), an epidural cortical stimulator implant cochlear implant primary brain tumor pregnancy or suicide ideation as MeRT is not appropriate treatment option in these instances. Our new patient coordinator can help determine if you or your child qualify for MeRT so feel free to schedule a call and discuss your questions/ concerns so as to make fully informed decisions when making their decision regarding MeRT!
What are the Benefits of MeRT?
Brain WavesThe human brain functions through populations of neurons interacting and communicating via electrical oscillations known as brainwaves, or small electrical oscillations known as brain waves. When these electrical oscillations become disorganised, this can lead to various disorders ranging from mildly frustrating to severely debilitating. We can pinpoint where in your brainwaves communication breakdown occurs and help reshape any abnormal electrical signals so they function more normally.
MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive and drug-free treatment option for Autism, Depression, PTSD and other issues arising from brain activity imbalances, including Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia and other conditions. MeRT utilizes noninvasive but painless procedures which balance and stimulate brain activity with FDA approved equipment to create lasting changes for autism spectrum disorder patients and others with neurological imbalances.
MeRT begins with advanced diagnostic testing using quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). This specialized form of examination identifies areas of your brain which are out of sync with the rest of your body, and undergoes scientific analysis for identification of any brainwave irregularities that require treatment. Finally, using your mapping data from qEEG treatment guided rTMS therapy – gentle magnetic pulses designed to activate neuronal activation and connectivity.
MeRT therapy has been shown to lead to enhanced cognitive function for its patients, such as improved memory and focus. Furthermore, emotional stability was increased as anxiety, stress and depression decreased significantly. MeRT can even optimize sleeping patterns, helping people achieve longer and better quality restful slumber.
MeRT sessions consist of sitting comfortably on a chair while being administered a magnetic coil placed against your scalp by a trained technician. This coil generates low-frequency magnetic stimulation lasting six to eight seconds each minute without causing pain, making this treatment safe for anyone regardless of age or diagnosis.
MeRT is currently being studied as a possible treatment option for veterans suffering from TBIs and concussions who have difficulty finding relief through traditional medications and therapies. You can gain more information by calling to schedule a call with our New Patient Coordinator who can answer your questions, explain its protocols and fees, and help determine whether MeRT would be suitable.
