A Non-invasive and pain-free treatment to improve brain functionality used to treat Autism, Depression, PTSD, and a wide range of other issues that stem from brain activity imbalances.
What is MeRT?
MeRT, also known as Magnetic e-resonance Therapy, is an innovative technology that enables doctors to analyze your brainwave data and deliver precise treatment for optimal results. The magnetic waves utilized are specifically designed to target specific regions of your brain and specific frequencies that assist in the expansion of areas requiring assistance.
Did you know that the human brain consists of around 100 billion neurons? Neurons communicate with one another through brain waves, which are small electrical oscillations, to regulate the functioning of your brain.
Various factors, whether originating from within or outside the body, can lead to disruptions in your neurons, resulting in brain dysfunction. Some of these disruptors can include:
• Trauma to the head such as a concussion
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Developmental disorders such as Autism, ADD, and ADHD
• Illness or disease such as stroke or Parkinson’s Disease
• Drug or alcohol addiction
• Learning disorders
• Dementia
• Multiple sports injuries (head hits)
• Anxiety
• Sleeping disorders
• Congenital issues
These disruptions might range from slight to substantial. Everyone has varying levels of tolerance. Some people can continue to operate daily, while others are severely impaired and lose their quality of life. MeRT seeks to rewire the brain's abnormal electrical signals.
MeRT treatment starts with an evaluation that uses sophisticated brain imaging to locate the areas of the brain that are not communicating. We customize the treatment of gentle magnetic waves specifically for your brain patterns. We stimulate those brain parts and encourage them to start communicating again.
Neurological conditions addressed through MeRT treatments.
MeRT addresses different mental health conditions such as PTSD, Autism, TBI (traumatic brain injury), depression, and others. MeRT is a definite option for people who have failed multiple medications and therapy, and would like to simplify medication regimes or just wish to feel better.
Important to know that MeRT has been shown to significantly improve symptoms of Autism. Research has documented that many children and adults with autism have little or disorganized alpha-wave activity in their brains. Mert has been shown to optimize Alpha wave activity in the brain. When this occurs in someone with Autism, they can see improvements in eye contact, connection to others, ability to focus and concentrate, speech, ability to understand and follow directions, and ability to tolerate complicated environments.
MeRT uses the combined technologies of:
MeRT, or Magnetic e-resonance Therapy, is customized for each patient.
qEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram). Firstly, this non-invasive procedure involves placing electrodes along the scalp to map your brainwaves.
ECG/EKG (electrocardiogram). At the same time, this procedure measures electrical signals coming from your heart. This helps us target the therapy to be as accurate as possible.
rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation). Following the two procedures above, this third procedure uses magnetic coils placed along your scalp to stimulate specific areas of the brain.
The qEEG and EKG tell us how different areas of the brain are functioning. As a result of these tests, we can identify disruptions to your brain network. Then we create a treatment plan specifically tailored to you.
The MeRT Treatment Process:
STEP 1: EVALUATION
The first step after we receive your new patient paperwork is to perform a qEEG (quantitative Electroencephalogram) and EKG. It’s important to note that these tests are simple and painless: We place a cap on your head to measure the electrical activity in your brain and map out any areas not performing as they should. At the same time, we also place a lead on your chest to capture the EKG data.
STEP 2: ANALYSIS AND TREATMENT PLAN
Once we’ve completed your initial tests, we send the data to our scientists and clinical teams. Along with Dr. Sosnowski, they carefully analyze the test results to identify any dysregulation occurring in your brain. Then, based on their analysis, we develop a treatment plan customized to your specific condition and schedule your assessment period of treatment.
Your second appointment, after your qEEG/EKG, is a consultation with Dr. Sosnowski. She will answer any questions you may have and let you know more about what to expect during your assessment period of treatment. She will also go over your medical history, along with symptoms.
STEP 3: ASSESSMENT PERIOD AND EVALUATION
The assessment period of treatment lasts two weeks and begins on a Monday. Treatment for the first week occurs Monday through Friday. The second week of treatment occurs Monday through Thursday.
If you are traveling from out of town, we aim to schedule your qEEG/EKG on a Friday, then your consultation and first treatment session for the following Monday.
After two weeks of treatment, we perform an additional qEEG and EKG to track your progress and make any needed modifications. We also monitor your progress throughout your daily treatments to confirm how you feel and track any improvements.
Once we complete the appropriate assessment period and you are noting improvements in brain function, we will schedule additional MeRT treatment for two weeks at a time.
At the end of every two weeks, we will perform a qEEG/EKG to monitor your progress. You will then consult with Dr. Sosnowski to confirm that changes are still showing on the testing.
Most conditions treated with MeRT provide noticeable and long-lasting results after four to eight weeks of treatment. However, each patient is different, and the results may vary.
STEP 4: MERT TREATMENT
Once your treatment protocols are in place, you will come to therapy five days a week, at two-week intervals. All you need to do is sit in a comfortable chair while a highly trained neuro-technician places a magnetic coil on your head. This device produces a low-frequency magnetic field to induce mild electrical signals in the targeted areas of the brain.
The stimulation occurs for six to eight seconds every minute. You will be required to close your eyes during that six-to-eight-second period. You will typically spend 30 to 45 minutes in the chair each day.
FAQ'S
How is MeRT different from TMS?
Unlike standard Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, which delivers stimulation to one location at a fixed frequency for all patients, the Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) approach individualizes the treatment frequency, location, and output intensity based on each patient’s unique brain function. Additionally, in standard TMS, patients do not receive an EEG. The data collected for their progress is based on subjective reporting. With MeRT, there is a potential to see improvements in a patient’s neuronal organization with objective data.
What is an EEQ and qEEG?
EEG stands for electroencephalogram. This is a process whereby one of our trained neurotechnicians records your brain waves. The use of the EEG allows our team to tailor the treatment to your brain pattern. Treatment is personalized and unique to you. You receive an EEG before your first treatment.
In addition, you will receive a follow-up EEG every two weeks. This follow-up EEG allows you to see objective results from your treatment.
An EEG takes approximately 15 minutes for adults, though possibly longer for children
A quantitative EEG (qEEG) applies sophisticated mathematical and statistical analysis to these brainwaves and compares them to age and gender controls.
What takes place during a MeRT session?
MeRT therapy delivers magnetic pulses to specifically targeted areas of the brain. A typical appointment of MeRT consists of 32-36 trains of electromagnetic stimulation to a specified location, lasting 5-8 seconds each. There is a 28-45-second rest period depending on how many treatment locations are a part of your protocol. Appointments usually last approximately forty-five (45) minutes.
What benefits may result from MERT treatment?
The primary objective of treatment is functional recovery. There is a wide range of variability from person to person. Common benefits include improvements in quality of life:
• Sleep
• Concentration and focus
• Mood
• Attention span
• Sociability and interaction with others
• Motivation
• Mental clarity
• Memory
• Ability to adapt to change
• Self-confidence and self-esteem
• Emotional stability
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Pain
• Fewer cravings (e.g., drugs and alcohol)
What are the side effects of MeRT?
Our current data indicates side effects are few and generally mild. The most common 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 include hyperactivity, agitation, fatigue, or euphoria. These effects are temporary and typically pass shortly after treatment. With brain stimulation there is also a risk of seizures; however, the risk is minimal. The risks of seizure associated with MeRT (Approximately 1 in 100,000) are less than the stated risk of seizure associated with a Nintendo Switch (Approximately 1 in 4,000) (Click here view the Nintendo warning label.)
Is the therapy safe?
Our equipment is currently FDA-cleared for the treatment of Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). For all other disorders, the use of the equipment is currently being used “off-label.”
Will insurance cover my therapy, and what are my payment options?
We do not bill insurance for MeRT℠ services. Whether you can be reimbursed for treatment depends on your condition, insurance company and coverage. If you wish to request reimbursement, we provide you with the appropriate paperwork to submit to your insurance company for determining coverage or reimbursement.
How much does it cost?
Please call 469.200.4094 for more information about pricing or to schedule an in-person consultation.
Should I stop taking any medications before treatment?
Please do not stop taking any medications before treatment without express direction and supervision from your physician or psychiatrist. While some patients may feel improvement to the point of being considered in remission following treatment, it is not suggested to stop any prescriptions without seeking medical consultation first.
What is the average length of a full course of treatment?
Typically a full course of treatment is complete in about 4-8 weeks, although this will vary from patient to patient. Factors to consider in determining the length of treatment include how quickly desired results are seen, cost, and time dedicated to treatment.
What does the sensation of this treatment feel like? Is it painful?
The sensation of this treatment is a rapid, light tapping on your scalp. It may feel as if your forehead muscles are clenching and releasing repeatedly. Depending on your individual treatment intensity there may be some mild discomfort, but it should not cause intense pain.
Do You Know Which Significant Cities Compassionate Psychiatric Services Offer Its Mental Health Services To?
Compassionate Psychiatric Services range from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, trauma, and eating disorders to numerous other mental health conditions and are offered to all our patients in the following city locations: Dallas, The Colony, Richardson, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Prosper, Irving, and Arlington.
To learn more about MeRT therapy and find out if you’re a candidate for it, call the Compassionate Psychiatric Services office or schedule an appointment online today.
