Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine deficiency disrupts normal brain signaling, leading to the characteristic movement changes and symptoms of Parkinson’s. Common signs of Parkinson’s include:
- Tremors or shaking at rest (often in the hands or legs).
- Muscle stiffness and rigidity.
- Slowed movements (bradykinesia), making everyday tasks more difficult.
- Stooped posture and impaired balance (leading to increased falls).
- Reduced facial expression and monotone or slurred speech.
- Difficulty with fine motor skills (e.g., writing, buttoning clothes).
- Non-motor issues such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, or chronic pain.
Parkinson’s disease most often affects older adults and worsens over time. While treatments like medication and therapy can help manage symptoms, there is currently no cure for PD. In Canada, about 153,000 people lived with Parkinson’s in 2021, a number projected to rise significantly. Effective symptom relief and supportive care are therefore essential for maintaining quality of life.
Conventional Treatments and Limitations
Traditional Parkinson’s treatments include medication and rehabilitative therapies. These can temporarily improve mobility and symptom control, but they only mask the underlying cause. As the American Parkinson Disease Association notes, such approaches “help manage symptoms, but they don’t stop the disease from progressing”. Recognizing these limitations, patients and clinicians are exploring novel, non-drug therapies. Neuromodulation methods like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are one such advance, since they aim to retrain neural circuits directly. At Vancouver’s Neuro Brain Treatment Center, we use an advanced form of TMS called MeRT® therapy to target the brainwave irregularities associated with Parkinson’s disease.
MeRT Therapy: A New Approach
Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT®) is a cutting-edge, EEG-guided form of TMS initially developed for neurologic recovery. Each treatment begins with detailed diagnostics: we perform a quantitative EEG (qEEG) to map the patient’s unique brainwave patterns. Based on this data, MeRT applies personalized magnetic stimulation to balance neural activity. For Parkinson’s patients, this means targeting the disrupted networks that cause tremors, rigidity, and other motor symptoms. By restoring healthier brainwave communication, MeRT therapy aims to improve movement coordination and cognitive function.
Importantly, MeRT treatments are completely non-invasive and pain-free. During each session, a magnetic coil is placed on the head and delivers gentle pulses to specific brain regions. Patients simply sit comfortably while the device emits rhythmic stimulation. Typically, each session includes about 30 minutes of active stimulation within a 45-minute appointment. Over multiple weeks (often 4–8 weeks of sessions), this process aims to retrain the brain and improve motor function. Because MeRT is precisely tailored to each individual’s EEG profile, it avoids the one-size-fits-all limitations of some other therapies.
Scientific Evidence for TMS/MeRT in Parkinson’s
Research supports the use of TMS for Parkinson’s symptoms. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that active repetitive TMS produced significantly greater motor improvement compared to sham treatment. In that analysis of 20 randomized trials, patients receiving rTMS showed medium-sized gains in motor function (e.g. reduced tremors and rigidity). The benefits were most pronounced with high-frequency stimulation of the motor cortex (≥5 Hz). These results suggest that targeted brain stimulation can reinforce the motor circuits weakened by Parkinson’s disease.
TMS-based therapies also have excellent safety profiles. In the cited studies, no severe adverse events were reported. Minor side effects (such as a brief headache) were rare and transient. Because MeRT relies on magnetic fields rather than medications, systemic side effects are minimal. As a result, many patients are able to continue their regular PD medications while adding MeRT, often finding enhanced symptom relief when combining approaches.
Personalized Care in Vancouver
Neuro Brain Treatment Center Vancouver is proud to be the first certified MeRT® provider in the region. Our clinicians specialize in advanced neurological therapies for movement disorders. We use state-of-the-art brain mapping (qEEG) and neuroimaging to deliver truly individualized care. Every Parkinson’s patient receives a comprehensive evaluation, and our team focuses magnetic stimulation on the brain areas that need it most.
At Neuro Brain Treatment Center, we prioritize patient comfort and understanding. Our New Patient Coordinator will answer all your questions about the MeRT process, costs, and expected outcomes. We maintain an open, no-pressure consultation so you can make informed decisions.
Conveniently located in Surrey (Vancouver area), our clinic serves patients from across British Columbia. We offer flexible scheduling and support services to ensure a smooth treatment experience.
Many patients at our clinic report meaningful improvements. For example, individuals often experience reduced tremor intensity, smoother gait, and clearer speech after a full MeRT treatment course. Some even find better mood and energy levels as neural networks rebalance. While results vary by person, our clinical experience matches published findings: personalized brain stimulation can significantly boost motor function and quality of life in Parkinson’s patients.
If you or a loved one is seeking innovative Parkinson’s disease therapy in Vancouver, Neuro Brain Treatment Center is here to help. Our advanced MeRT treatment offers new hope by addressing the brain’s circuitry directly.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how personalized MeRT therapy may improve symptoms and daily life for Parkinson’s disease. Reach out to our Vancouver clinic to get started on a path to better brain health.