Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MeRT)

MeRT, or Magnetic Resonance Therapy, is a highly customized approach to using TMS and demands sophisticated diagnostics. It is a “type” of TMS treatment and, as such, remains a medication-free, non-invasive treatment with no downtime. TMS Institute of Arizona in collaboration with Brain Treatment Center is the first TMS specialized center in Arizona offering MeRT therapy. Call 480-725-8998 to schedule a detailed evaluation.

MeRT protocols involve a quantitative electroencephalogram (q-EEG), which allows clinicians to see dysfunction patterns within the brain. These may include, but are not limited to, emotional disorders, behavioral disorders, and brain injuries. Every patient undergoes a qEEG when preparing for MeRT treatment, allowing clinicians to map a guideline for a 100% individualized treatment.

All equipment used with MeRT is FDA-approved. Just like with traditional TMS, magnetic pulses are generated so that the targeted areas of the brain can be stimulated. MeRT has been successfully used to treat various conditions including PTSD, TBI, anxiety, sleep disorders, depression, and especially Autism Spectrum Disorder, amongst many others.

MeRT allows for a customized way of delivering TMS in four unique indications. However, MeRT is not covered by insurance. Still, if you are looking for a way to further individualize your TMS treatment and if you are a good candidate for MeRT, you may become one of the many patients who enjoy relief from this specialized mode of treatment.

MeRT Therapy | TMS Institute of Arizona
Brain Treatment Center in Scottsdale, AZ

Disorders that may be treated with MeRT

MeRT can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Depression, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Sports Recovery / Traumatic head injuries, and more.

Disorders Treated with MeRT

Autism Spectrum Disorder

MeRT can be used to help with autism in a non-invasive and drugless manner. Great success has been had in previous MeRT treatment when used for autism, including improved speech, connection, and eye contact. Those with developmental delay often present with indicators in the front ¾ of the brain. By combining delta and theta waves with high beta wave frequency, the frontal regions of the brain can be effectively treated with MeRT. This allows abnormal brainway activity to align with the rest of the brain, resulting in harmonization and brain organization.

One clinical study found that MeRT treatment resulted in 66% of patients improving their speech while 70% improved eye contact. These results required years of treatment (which is not the norm with MeRT). Other studies show that MeRT can also help those who have autism enjoy more sociability, attention, focus, better sleep, an increased ability to adapt, and less toe walking, anxiety, and depression.

Depression

Biomarkers and qEEG research suggest that those with depression have a lack of symmetry in left and right frontal lobe brain waves. This results in altered theta and alpha waves. MeRT treatment can pinpoint this asymmetry and TMS treatment can help to bring back correct communication in these areas, which in turn reduces depression symptoms.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Those with PTSD often present with two alpha frequencies competing in the frontal lobe of the brain as well as slow-rolling delta and theta waveforms. This interferes with the healthy, singular alpha frequency. A qEEG recording determines a person’s alpha frequency, which then informs a customized protocol in order to minimize the competing brainwaves. When this competition subsides, patients can enjoy better cognitive processing, sleep, emotional stability, and holistic well-being. The protocol for using MeRT in PTSD patients has been well-studied and used for veterans from all ranks including Navy Seals and Army Delta Forces.

Sports Recovery / Traumatic Head Injuries

Head trauma, particularly repetitive trauma, can cause serious cognitive impairments such as more aggression, memory loss, light sensitivity, and psychological changes. Athletes in particular are prone to repetitive trauma coupled with sleep deprivation. This causes the brain to either speed up or slow down. Co-morbid issues such as stress, chemical dependency, and a poor diet can further deplete a person’s cognitive health.

MeRT offers a customized protocol based on a person’s unique qEEG. By targeting the areas affected by trauma, patients may enjoy a healthier and happier life with a reduction in symptoms.

How MeRT Works

MeRT treatment begins with a quick 10-minute brainwave recording. This is the qEEG, coupled with an electrocardiogram (ECG), to measure your brainwave frequencies, heart rate, and the relationship between brain and heart.

Next, your clinician re-processes the data via a database with more than 30,000 other brainwave recordings. This is how your unique brain image is translated into a report that provides insight via comparison and matching. At this point, it can be determined if some areas of your brain are not functioning as they should. When this happens, a custom treatment plan is created.

The third step is personalized brainwave stimulation. Your unique protocol is based on your brainwave recordings and is delivered via MeRT. Everyone’s protocol may vary, but MeRT sessions can occur as often as daily. Typically, 30-35 minute sessions five days per week for 4-6 weeks is the most common protocol.

MeRT Therapy | TMS Institute of Arizona

After sessions are complete, your clinician performs a brainwave recording re-assessment. A second 10-minute recording session will be required a few weeks after your last session. Combined with questionnaires and assessments, we will work together to gauge the effectiveness of the treatment and determine if additional treatment sessions are needed.