Every person’s brain is as unique as their fingerprint. That’s what makes our approach so revolutionary. The MeRT protocols utilize brainwave analysis to isolate specific areas of the brain that are not functioning or communicating the way they should. We then use this data to develop a targeted, personalized approach aimed at bringing about healthy brain communication. This individualized treatment, utilizing specialized equipment, gently stimulates distinct areas of the brain that may lead to improved function.
What is MeRT?
MeRT stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy.
MeRT is an emerging technology that is non-surgical, non-invasive, and non-pharmacological that, in the simplest of terms, is used to reprogram abnormal electrical signals in the patient’s brain to ultimately modify behavior.
In more technical terms, MeRT uses a very individualized approach by obtaining a qEEG, which is a diagnostic study that measures the pattern of electrical signals in the patient’s brain. This study not only tells us what is not functioning properly in the brain, but also helps us determine how the brain should be operating. Using this information, we then create a precision treatment protocol using a set of magnets placed on the patient’s scalp to send electrical signals back into the brain in a manner that causes re-organization of the signals, thereby stimulating and organizing the function of neurons in the brain. This process is called Neuromodulation.
What is the difference between MeRT and rTMS?
What sets MeRT apart from other similar technologies is the highly individualized approach utilizing the patient’s own brain waves to make a treatment plan, while other similar technologies (rTMS) have a predetermined treatment protocol based solely on the diagnosis, which is a one size fits’ all approach.
This is a cutting edge treatment protocol which combines technologies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS, an FDA cleared therapy), Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), and Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to analyze and formulate treatments that are tailored for each individual’s unique brain pattern.
Most rTMS treatments are used to deliver stimulation to one area of the brain at a fixed frequency for all patients. Our MeRT approach is highly individualized as to frequency and location based on an initial thorough testing and evaluation. This customized, scientific approach is unique to each patient.
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.
EKG = Electrocardiogram (also known as ECG): a non-invasive procedure that records the electrical activity of the heart.
Steps We Follow:
1. Evaluation
We will perform a quantitative electroencephalogram (q-EEG) and an electrocardiogram (EKG). These tests measure brain wave frequencies, heart rate and the brain-heart coherence.
Once done, our scientific and clinical teams will carefully analyze the results and determine current state and functioning of the brain.
2. Analysis & Protocol
3. MeRT Therapy
You will simply sit in a comfortable chair while a trained technician carefully positions a simple device on your head. This device produces a magnetic field to induce mild electrical currents in targeted regions of the brain. There is no pain and no electrical currents, just a slight sensation.
The technician will apply the stimulation for 6-8 seconds per minute. A typical appointment is 45 minutes, 30 minutes of which involve stimulation.
The neuromodulation equipment used by the MeRTSM approach has been cleared by the FDA in the treatment of depression, and may be used off label for other disorders in the practice of medicine.
4. Progress Evaluation
Common Benefits Experienced*
- 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
- Less cravings (such as drugs or alcohol)
- Improved emotional stability
- Increased ability to adapt to change
- Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
This highly individualized, targeted approach hones in on the specific non-functioning areas of the brain and gently improves communication and functionality. This is the science of addressing each person’s distinctive brain state individually.
Mini Documentary about MeRT Treatment
This documentary explains the MeRT Treatment protocols and how it works.
MeRT Featured on Dr. Mark Hyman’s “Broken Brain” Podcast for Treatment of PTSD, Concussion, TBI
The famous podcast, “The Broken Brain,” promoted by Dr. Mark Hyman, featured utilizing MeRT for treatment of PTSD, Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). If you or someone you know has experienced any of these conditions it is certainly worth listening to this.
Dr. Erik Won, from our Brain Treatment Center in California, speaks about utilization of this technology to treat members of the military who have had traumatic brain injuries, concussions or who have experienced PTSD as a result of their experiences, with many incredible successes.
With other repercussions that can occur, for both military and veterans, this is incredibly important. For example, suicide is at twice the rate for veterans, with approximately 17 veteran deaths per day. In a high stress environment, such as serving in the military, the transition afterwards can be complicated and there are often underlying reasons for conditions that may occur. MeRT may help to address these issues.
We highly recommend you listen to this incredible presentation.
MeRT Featured on “The Doctors” TV Show for Treatment for Autism
MeRTSM was featured on The Doctors TV Show as a new treatment for Autism, which you can see here.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator for more Information
When many patients come to see us, they have lost hope as they don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. It’s rewarding as a practitioner to be able to help so many people realize a much better “normal” and a greatly improved quality of life.
If you have questions or would like to discuss our Treatment Protocols, we offer a Free Consultation by phone. Our New Patient Coordinator will take the time to listen and explain. She is able to answer most questions and discuss our protocols, scheduling, fees and other information. She is happy to assist you in any way she can.
Please call us to get more information about how our clinic and Dr. Miller may be able to help you with your health goals and to schedule an an initial screening to see if MeRT may be an option.
Insurance Coverage
Unfortunately, we do not accept insurance, nor file it on your behalf. However, we can provide you with CPT codes and a billing breakdown that you may submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement for conditions that have been FDA-approved such as Major Depressive Disorder and OCD. On occasion, individuals have been successful in receiving reimbursement for EEGs and clinical evaluations, and possibly other elements for treatment, depending on the individual’s coverage. It has been our experience that Medicare does not reimburse any of the treatment costs.
For conditions other than Major Depressive Disorder and OCD, because treatment is considered “off label,” insurance rarely reimburses any of the costs associated with treatment.
Starting as a New Patient
When you start as a new patient at the Brain Treatment Center Dallas, you will initially need two appointments, approximately two days apart. Both appointments will be about an hour in length. These appointments will be used to determine if Dr. Miller feels you can truly benefit from the MeRTSM [Magnetic e-Resonance Treatment] Program and, if so, to develop a tailored treatment plan based on your test results. Once you have done the testing and Consultation, you are not obliged to begin treatment. This is something that you will determine once you have seen your test results and consulted with Dr. Miller.
At the first appointment, we will go over your reasons for seeking help, your medical history, your health goals, and all of your symptoms. You will then begin initial testing, which will involve an EEG and an EKG. These are both completely painless and easy and are done right in our office. Your information and test results are then sent over to our scientific and clinical teams, who will carefully analyze the results and determine current state and functioning of the brain together with Dr. Miller.
We use a patented, scientific approach with the neurophysiological data gathered through testing to then develop a highly customized treatment plan that is aimed at encouraging healthy brain communication and function.
At your second appointment, you will meet with Dr. Miller for a Consultation. He will discuss your test results and whether or not he and our scientific team feel that results may be achieved for you through our treatment protocol. This appointment will also serve to answer any additional questions you may have. After that second appointment, Dr. Miller will lay out your individualized treatment plan and the protocols to be followed for best results. At that point you may discuss fees, length of treatment and schedules, and then decide whether to go forward and schedule your treatment.