Facts About MeRT

Prospective Patients

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What is MeRT℠ and how does it work?

MeRT℠ stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy. MeRT℠ brain treatment combines technologies of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS, an FDA cleared therapy), Electroencephalogram (EEG), and Electrocardiogram (EKG) to deliver repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatments tailored for each individual’s unique brain pattern.

The patient’s EEG and EKG are analyzed to ascertain the brain’s pattern of function, detect current patterns, and determine its state of optimal neural synchronization. The resulting information is used to develop a personalized treatment protocol for each patient, aimed at restoring the brain to its optimal state that can lead to significant improvements.

Definition of Terms:
MeRT℠ = Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy
EEG = Electroencephalogram, a non-invasive procedure that records the electrical activity of the brain
EKG = Electrocardiogram, a non-invasive procedure that records the electrical activity of the heart
rTMS = Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

Is MeRT℠ brain treatment covered by insurance?

We do not bill insurance for MeRT℠ services. Whether you can be reimbursed for treatment depends on your insurance plan and coverage. If you wish to request reimbursement, we can provide supporting documentation.

How is MeRT℠ different from rTMS?

MeRT℠ delivers magnetic pulses to specifically targeted areas of the brain. A typical MeRT℠ brain treatment appointment consists of 30 trains of electromagnetic stimulation delivered for 5 seconds each with 45 seconds of rest period in between trains, to a specific location on the head.

What takes place during a typical MeRT℠ treatment session?

What benefits may result from MeRT℠?

Functional recovery is the primary objective of the MeRT℠ brain treatment. Results are individual in nature, depending on the initial presenting symptoms.

Common benefits of functional recovery include:
Improved sleep quality
Improved clarity of thought
Increased sleep duration
Improvement in mood
Improved attention span
Increased ability to adapt to change
Increased sociability
Decreased cravings (e.g. food, drugs and alcohol)
Increased motivation
Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
Improved concentration and focus
Reduced anxiety
Increased emotional stability
Reduced pain

What is the success rate with MeRT℠ for different diagnoses?

For patients with a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), preliminary results suggest that more than 60% of patients show a significant reduction in the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist – Military version (PCL-M) scores, after 4 weeks of treatment.

Preliminary results suggest that 40% to 60% of patients with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) show a significant clinical response, defined as a 30% or greater reduction in CARS scores after 10 weeks of treatment.

Current Patients

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What are the side effects of the MeRT brain treatment?

Current data indicates side effects are few and generally mild. The most commonly reported 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 are hyperactivity, increased agitation or euphoria. With brain stimulation there is also a risk of seizures; however, the risk is minimal with MeRT℠. At Brain Health Restoration we limit the intensity of stimulation to further reduce any possible risk of seizure activity.

How soon after I start MeRT℠ should I expect to see a response?

Every individual’s response to treatment is different. Notable response to treatment has been observed during the assessment period.

How long should I receive MeRT℠ brain treatments to achieve the best results?

Recommendations will be specific to your goals and our plan. Typically, we recommend one month of treatment after the assessment period. However, overall duration of treatment is based on an individual’s response rate.

How long will the effects of MeRT℠ last?

Results will vary by individual. In general, the longer the length of the MeRT brain treatment the longer the changes remain, especially if receiving treatment for greater than one month. If a reduction in gains are noted over time patients may return for additional treatments.

Will missing one MeRT℠ treatment affect my results?

Consistency of the MeRT℠ brain treatment is important especially during the period of assessment. However, outside of the assessment period missing one day of treatment typically does not affect overall results.

Why is it sometimes recommended to take a break from MeRT℠?

A patient’s response to therapy sometimes plateaus even though the brain has not yet reached its optimal state. The patient may be advised to take a break from treatment. During this time, the brain may be able to improve its plasticity or ability to change for future MeRT℠ treatments.

Will my MeRT℠ protocol change?

Protocol adjustments are implemented based on changes in your EEGs and clinical symptoms.

Is my protocol different from other patients’?

Since each brain is unique, the MeRT℠ protocol will be different for each patient as it is based on the individual’s own EEG/EKG data.

Why do I have to keep my eyes closed during MeRT℠ stimulation?

The treatment is most effective when the individual’s brain is in a calm awake state, without receiving and processing too much information. Therefore, the treatment should be administered in a quiet room (reduced auditory input) with the patient sitting awake in a chair with eyes closed (reduced visual info) during stimulation (5 second periods).

Does my child still get the benefits of MeRT℠ if he or she does not close their eyes?

Yes, the treatment will still be effective with eyes open, but to maximize the effect we recommend that patients close their eyes during stimulation (6-8 second periods).

Should I be concerned about medications I am taking?

During your intake appointment, disclose all medications you are currently taking. Your clinician will address any and all questions regarding medications.

Should I continue other medical or therapeutic treatments and activities while receiving MeRT ℠?

We do not advise making any changes to your normal routine without first seeking the guidance and direction of your primary medical provider.

Should I be concerned if I have a pacemaker?

Notify the clinician if you have a pacemaker or other internal electric device during your intake session. Individual circumstances will be evaluated by your clinician, however, pacemakers usually do not preclude treatment.

Can I wear eyeglasses, earrings, jewelry or hearing aids during MeRT℠?

It is not necessary to remove eyeglasses, earrings, or jewelry. But it is recommended to remove hearing aids during treatment.

Will MeRT℠ affect my appetite?

A change in appetite might be noticed as a byproduct of decreased anxiety or increased energy level and motivation.

Is it common to become more emotional after initial MeRT℠ treatments?

Some patients report a re-discovery or awareness of emotions after initial MeRT℠ treatments.

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