MeRT stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy. MeRT treatment combines technologies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS, an FDA cleared therapy), Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), and Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to deliver treatments tailored for each individual’s unique brain pattern.
The patient’s EEG and ECG are analyzed to ascertain the brain’s pattern of function, detect any possible abnormalities, 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. This can lead to significant clinical improvements.

Definition of Terms:
➢ rTMS = Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: a non-invasive therapy that utilizes pulsed magnetic fields to change neural activity.
➢ EEG = Electroencephalogram: a non-invasive procedure that records the electrical activity of the brain.
➢ ECG = Electrocardiogram (also known as EKG): a non-invasive procedure that records the electrical activity of the heart.
            

Unlike standard rTMS therapy, which delivers stimulation to one location at a fixed frequency for all patients, MeRT treatment individualizes the treatment frequency and location based on each patient’s Quantitative EEG and ECG. This results in a “custom-fit” MeRT treatment protocol as opposed to the “one-size-fits-all” approach of rTMS.
            

➢ Cortical MeRT treatment delivers magnetic pulses to specifically targeted areas of the brain. A typical appointment of MeRT consists of 30 trains of electromagnetic stimulation delivered for 6 seconds each with 54 seconds of rest period in between trains to a specific location on the head. The session lasts approximately thirty minutes.
            

Functional recovery is the primary objective of treatment. Results are individual in nature, depending on the initial presenting symptoms.
            
Common benefits of functional recovery include:

    

        
✔ Increased sleep quality
        
✔ Improvement in clarity of thought
    
    

        
✔ Increased sleep duration
        
✔ Improvement in mood
    
    

        
✔ Increased attention span
        
✔ Decreased cravings (e.g. drugs and alcohol)
    
    

        
✔ Increased sociability
        
✔ Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
    
    

        
✔ Increased motivation
        
✔ Reduction of anxiety
    
    

        
✔ Increased concentration and focus
        
✔ Reduction of pain
    
    

        
✔ Increased emotional stability
        

    
    

        
✔ Increased ability to adapt to change
        

    

            

From our current data 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 treatment. At the Brain Treatment Center we also limit the intensity of stimulation to further reduce any possible risk of seizure activity.
            

Every individual’s response to treatment is different. However, some response is typically observed during the assessment week.
            

We recommend at least one month of treatment (20 MeRT treatment sessions) after the assessment period. However, overall duration of treatment is based on an individual’s response rate. Length of treatment will be decided by the clinician and patient after reviewing clinical and EEG changes.
            

Preliminary results suggest that 40 to 60 % of patients with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) show a significant clinical response, defined as 30% or greater reduction in CARS scores, after 10 weeks of treatment.
            
For patients with a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), preliminary results suggest that over 6patients show significant reduction in the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist – Military version (PCL-M) scores, after 4 weeks of treatment.
            

Results can vary per individual. In general, the longer the length of treatment, the longer the changes remain, especially if receiving treatment for greater than one month. If a reduction in positive gains are noted after leaving BTC, patients may return for additional treatment.
            

Consistency of treatment is important, especially during the first assessment week of treatment. However, outside of the assessment period, missing one day of treatment should not affectoverall results.
            

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 treatment.
            

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

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

The treatment is most effective when the individual’s brain is in a calm awake state, without receiving and processing too much information. Thus the treatment should be administered in a quiet room (reduced auditory input) with the patient sitting awake in a chair with his/her eyes closed (reduced visual info) during the MeRT treatment stimulation (6 second periods).
            

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

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

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

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

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

You should eat a healthy snack soon after a MeRT session in order to replenish your body’s glucose stores that may be decreased during the treatment session. This is especially important if you feel light-headed or tired after treatment.
            

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

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

Exposure to morning blue light (450-500nm) regulates your circadian rhythm by suppressing melatonin to keep you alert and awake during the day, and releasing melatonin at night to help you sleep well. Blue light exposure from electronic gadgets after sunset delays the release of melatonin which is counterproductive to obtaining quality sleep. It is highly recommended to limit the use of electronic devices 1-2 hours prior to bedtime.
            

People are in their deepest sleep in the earlier parts of the night. Deep sleep allows your body to regenerate, and allows the brain to rest and recharge. If your brain does not get sufficient rest, it will not function optimally. Maintaining healthy sleep habits plays an important role in obtaining the best results from MeRT treatment.
            

Yes. Although you may be sleeping through the night, your sleep may not necessarily be deep or restful sleep. Morning light will help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and improve the quality of your sleep.
            

Yes, the blue light penetrates through the clouds.
            

Driving in your car with the windows down might provide some benefit, but we recommend 45 minutes to 1 hour of exposure to blue light between 7am to 11am outside, with no glasses or contacts covering your eyes.
            

Treatment is most effective when you have sufficient, good quality sleep. If your lack of blue light exposure in the morning results in poor quality sleep, then you may not respond to treatment as well as someone with good quality sleep. As such, we advise regular morning exposure to blue light.