What is MeRT and How Does it Work?
MeRT, or Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, is a new approach to treating many conditions affecting the brain. It’s drug-free, non-invasive, and has created some miraculous results.
The human brain contains approximately 100 billion neurons. Through electrical oscillations or brain waves, the neurons control how the brain functions. Whenever internal or external forces disrupt normal brain activity, dysfunction can occur. Some examples include:
- Trauma to the head such as a concussion
- Emotional trauma or high amounts of chronic or acute stress, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Illness or disease such as stroke or Parkinson’s Disease
- Drug or alcohol addiction
- Learning disorders
- Developmental disorders such as Autism, ADD, and ADHD
- Dementia
- Multiple sports injuries (head hits)
- Anxiety
- Sleeping disorders
- Congenital issues
Disorders like these can cause brain dysfunction ranging from mild to severe. Some people can still function in their day-to-day activities, while others are completely debilitated and have no quality of life.
At Summit Brain Health in San Carlos, we can identify exactly where your brain waves are not communicating properly and help to restore proper function. MeRT technology can reshape the activity in your brain, regardless of what caused the dysfunction. Patients have reported results that they consider nothing short of miraculous.*
* Results are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual user and are not guaranteed.
What is MeRT?
Each person’s brain is completely unique to them. Your brain’s electrical activity, brain waves, or thought patterns are unlike anyone else’s. What makes the MeRT process unique is that treatment protocol is customized for each individual.
MeRT technology reprograms abnormal electrical signals and pathways in the brain. This cutting-edge treatment protocol that uses the combined technologies of:
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS, an FDA cleared therapy),
- Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), and
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
The results of the qEEG and EKG tell us what is functioning normally, and also shows us where dysregulation is occurring. Our doctors then use this information to create a precision treatment protocol using TMS.
We use a completely non-invasive technique where a magnetic is used to stimulate the exact part of the brain where communication is poor and increase activity in that area. This technology, with the help of our doctors, truly help the brain learn pathways that have never been used or have been abandoned or blocked by trauma. The technique is painless and the patient is comfortable throughout.
“Everyone has a unique frequency…”
“What we’ve learned is that everyone has a unique frequency or unique signature. All of us during our waking hours, we’re looking for something called an alpha frequency where our brain most comfortably operates in. It’s basically a cycle rate where we’re all somewhere between eight and 13 Hertz. And you might be, for example, an 11.4 Hertz brain. I might be an 8.9 Hertz brain. And somebody else may be a 10.3 Hertz brain. It’s just kind of where we’re born. But when we get these brain images, whether it’s through the physical trauma of a blast injury, or the chemical trauma of years of drug use, or the emotional trauma of seeing a loved one pass away, we may find areas of the brain that are not cycling at the same rate as the rest of our cortex. …
“EEGs (electrical pictures of the brain) can tell us when there are abnormalities in neural networks. …We can look at these signals and find areas that are abnormal, [then we] use this FDA cleared technology, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, to navigate to the area that’s not working properly and try to stimulate it and remind it that it wants to fire at a certain frequency and a certain rate.”
– Dr. Erik Won, President of Wave Neuroscience, from his appearance on the Broken Brain podcast
What are the Differences Between TMS Treatment and MeRT?
TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is the process of neuromodulating the brain by using a magnetic coil on the scalp to reorganize the brain’s signals and pathways.
TMS, in and of itself, is more of a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment regardless of the individual’s particular brain dysregulation. Most TMS treatments are used to deliver stimulation to one area of the brain at a fixed frequency for all patients.
Conversely, MeRT is a treatment process that uses a qEEG/EKG to analyze and formulate treatments tailored exclusively for your unique brain pattern and dysregulation. While TMS is the means used for brain neuromodulation, its frequency and location are customized for each patient.
What is a qEEG and How is it Used in MeRT Treatment?
A standard EEG (electroencephalogram) records electrical activity and brainwaves to show the underlying brain activity. However, the qEEG (qualitative electroencephalogram) applies state-of-the-art mathematical and statistical analysis to the brainwaves. This analysis compares the brainwaves to age- and gender-controlled databases compiled from EEGs of people with no known brain dysregulation.
The qEEG also allows us to create a brain “map” which identifies patterns of dysfunction consistent with various disorders of the brain such as brain injury, emotional disorders, learning problems, behavioral issues, and more. We use this map to tailor our treatment to each individual, improving brainwave activity, and correcting dysregulation step-by-step.
Wondering if MeRT Can Help You?
Contact Our Clinic Today.
Our New Patient Coordinator is ready to assist you with your questions.
You can also book an appointment for an EEG and a consultation with Dr. Geraci.
Call us: 650-750-1529
Want to See MeRT in Action? Watch this 5-minute Video:
What are Some of the Benefits Experienced from MeRT?*
Benefits from MeRT treatment are highly individualized, but may include:
- Improved Sleep
- Increased Relaxation
- Better Concentration and focus
- Improved Memory and Mental Clarity
- Decreased Pain
- Better Mood
- Increased Ability to Cope with Stress
- Increased attention span
- Improved sociability
- Increased motivation
- More clarity of thought
- Fewer cravings (such as drugs or alcohol)
- Improved emotional stability
- Increased ability to adapt to change
- Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
* Results are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual user and are not guaranteed.
Wondering if MeRT Can Help You?
Contact Our Clinic Today.
Our New Patient Coordinator is ready to assist you with your questions.
You can also book an appointment for an EEG and a consultation with Dr. Geraci.
Call us: 650-750-1529
MeRT Treatment Featured on The Broken Brain Podcast
Mark Hyman, M.D., is an esteemed functional medicine physician and best-selling author. He founded the Cleveland Clinic Functional Medicine Clinic and created an ongoing podcast called The Broken Brain. This podcast focuses on anything that could affect the brain and overall health, from diet to sleep to therapy.
MeRT was featured on an episode of The Broken Brain as an exciting new treatment for patients suffering from traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, and major depressive disorder.
Dr. Erik Won from the Brain Treatment Center speaks about using MeRT to treat members of the military who have had traumatic brain injuries or concussions, or who have experienced PTSD as a result of their experiences. He highlights the many incredible successes of using this treatment.
If you or someone you know has experienced conditions such as PTSD or major depression, we highly recommend you listen to this presentation.
MeRT Treatment for Autism Featured on “The Doctors”
Starting as a New Patient for MeRT Treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area
Starting as a new patient at Summit Brain Health initially involves two appointments, both of which are about 45 minutes to an hour in length. Your first appointment is when your testing takes place, and the second appointment is when you have your consultation with Dr. Geraci.
Testing
At the first appointment, we will collect your new patient paperwork, and our neurotechnician will complete your qEEG and EKG testing. During this test, 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. We also place a lead on your chest to capture the EKG data.
This testing is simple and painless, and we perform it right here in our office, then send the data to our scientists and clinical teams. They, along with Dr. Geraci, carefully analyze the test results to identify any dysregulation occurring in the brain. 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. Geraci. He will be able to answer any questions that you may have and let you know more about what to expect during your assessment period of treatment. He will also go over your medical history, along with symptoms.
Assessment Period
The assessment period of treatment lasts for two weeks and begins on a Monday. Treatment for the first week occurs Monday through Friday, and for the second week occurs Monday through Thursday. Then, on Friday of the second week, we perform another qEEG/EKG to measure progress.
During the assessment period, we closely monitor any clinical changes you may be realizing, and the qEEG/EKG confirms what changes are occurring in the brain. The treatment sessions generally last 30 to 45 minutes each day.
If you are a patient who will be traveling from out of town, we aim to schedule your qEEG/EKG on a Friday, then schedule your consultation and first treatment session for the following Monday.
For patients who prefer to have their first and second appointments before deciding to move forward with treatment, we are happy to work with you on this.
After we complete the appropriate assessment period and you’re noting improvements in brain function, we will schedule additional MeRT treatment in two-week intervals. At the end of every two weeks, we will perform another qEEG/EKG to monitor your progress. You will then have a consultation with Dr. Geraci 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 results may vary.
Insurance
We do not accept insurance at our clinic, nor do we file it on your behalf. We are happy to provide you with the appropriate paperwork at the end of your treatment period so that you can submit it to your insurance company to see if they will provide any reimbursement. Please note, however, that neither Medicare nor Medicaid offer any reimbursement coverage for MeRT treatment.
Currently, the equipment used with the MeRT process has been FDA-cleared for the treatment of Depression and OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). Treatment for all other conditions is currently considered “off label.” Texas A&M University is now completing final testing and studies for FDA clearance for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion; however, clearance is likely an additional two years away.
For non-FDA cleared treatment, it is unlikely that your insurance company will provide you with any reimbursement for MeRT.
Contact Our New Patient Coordinator for More Information
Life can be frustrating and isolating for those affected by brain disorders—and their loved ones. In fact, many have lost hope for any relief. However, there IS hope: MeRT has helped many patients restore their brain function, reclaim their lives, and feel passionate about living again.
We understand what you may be experiencing, and our goal is to help guide you through the healing process. To that end, we will provide you with quality care in a warm and compassionate environment.
It’s important to note that many of the clinicians and technicians employed by various clinics that offer MeRT have gone through treatment protocols themselves and have realized first-hand what the treatment has done for them. As a result, they are passionate about helping you to heal.
Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer questions about how MeRT can help you or your child. During your call, she’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, explain costs, and put your mind at ease. She can also assist you in getting scheduled should you decide to move forward with treatment.
Call Us Today. We are Here to Help.
Our New Patient Coordinator will take the time to answer your questions,
listen to your concerns, and explain our procedures.
Call us: 650-750-1529
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