What Is MeRT?
Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) combines rapid electroencephalogram (EEG) assessments to analyze brain network function then guide individualized Transcranial Magnetic
Stimulation (TMS) protocols.
The Default Mode Network (DMN) has been implicated as playing a key role in many neurological disorders and diseases. By recording a 10-minute eyes-closed EEG, Wave Neuro can assess the efficiency of this critical brain network and, if necessary, generate a personalized treatment protocol meant to improve and strengthen this network through neuromodulation. Every person has a unique frequency at which their brain functions most efficiently, this is known as Individual Alpha Frequency (IAF). Wave Neuro’s proprietary EEG-Guided rTMS (MeRT) leverages precise and personalized protocol aimed at each individual’s IAF, resulting in mental health treatments that are up to 2x more effective than standard, non-specific TMS treatments.
A typical treatment protocol consists of 30-minute sessions five times per week for 4-8 weeks, based on their physician’s recommendation. Treatment is non-invasive and painless. Also, the negative side effects from MeRT treatment have been reported as minimal. MeRT has been used, off-label, to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Post Concussive Syndrome, PTSD & Autism.
Why MeRT?
Wave Neuro’s MeRT therapy is built to meet the specific needs of each patient providing a highly personalized and effective alternative to the traditional one-size-fits all 10Hz TMS treatment. Just as a musical symphony depends on the rhythmic harmony of its instruments, the human brain relies on the synchronized patterns of its brainwave communication. Disruptions in brain waves occur when they lose their synchronization, resulting in irregular patterns. These disruptions represent the metaphorical “missed beats” in the brain’s symphony, resulting in a range of mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, sleep disorders, migraines, ADHD, and autism, among others. By retraining your neurons to communicate in a more synchronous manner, the brain’s performance improves, and symptoms that may be resulting from neuronal misfiring diminish.
The Four Steps to MeRT
What does MeRT treatment do?
MeRT Treatment encourages healthy, synchronized neuronal activity through personalized and guided stimulation. Magnetic pulses gently nudge neurons that are misfiring toward organization and synchronization, optimizing your brain’s efficiency.
What's the difference between MeRT and Neurofeedback?
The MeRT process is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation therapy that reshapes brainwave activity through the delivery of magnetic pulses over the course of several weeks through an FDA cleared TMS device.
Neurofeedback is a brain training activity that requires an individual to actively engage with a platform. Often with Neurofeedback, an individual will be wearing an EEG or EKG to actively monitor physiological response to a stimulus, like a videogame, and the user will work to change their heart or brain activity based on what is happening on the screen.
How often does someone need to return for "maintenance”?
Results vary per individual. In general, the longer the length of treatment, the longer the changes remain, especially if receiving treatment for longer than a month. If a reduction in positive gains is reported after leaving the clinic, patients may return for another treatment period. Some individual’s return on an annual/bi-annual basis to ensure positive changes are sustained.
How long should a patient receive MeRT to achieve best results?
We recommend at least 6 weeks of treatment (30 treatment sessions). Sessions are broken up into 2 sections- Phase I: Initial Treatment Period to assess the patient’s response and alter protocol if necessary. Phase II: Extended Treatments to ensure optimal brainwave synchrony. However, overall duration of treatment is based on an individual’s response. Length of treatment will be decided by the clinician and patient after reviewing clinical and EEG changes.
How long will the effects of MeRT treatment last?
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 the clinic, patients may return for additional treatment.
Will missing one treatment effect results?
Consistency of treatment is important, especially during the first assessment week of treatment. However, outside of the initial treatment period, missing one day of treatment should not affect overall results.
Common Benefits of MeRT Can Include:
- Improved sleep
- Relaxation and better mood
- Improved memory
- Better able to concentrate and focus
- Improved mental clarity
- Better ability to cope with stressors
- Improved social skills
- Increased motivation
- Fewer cravings (such as drugs or alcohol)
- Better ability to adapt to change
- Less anxiety
- Improved ability to interact with others
- Increased confidence