Any results shown are based on active and strict observation of our personnel. Results may vary based on individual users and there are no guarantees given.
What is MeRT
MeRT stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy. It is a highly customised use of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or rTMS, based on sophisticated diagnostics. It is a non-invasive, painless, and drug-free option for treating a wide range of neurological conditions.
MeRT treatment combines technologies of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), and Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to deliver treatments tailored to each individual´s unique brain pattern. rTMS is recognised by The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
The client´s EEG and ECG are analysed to ascertain the brain´s pattern of function, detect any possible abnormalities, and determine its state of optimal neural synchronisation. The resulting information is used to develop a personalised treatment protocol for each client to restore the brain to its optimal state.
MeRT is a therapy that is used to treat Depression, OCD, anxiety and pain. It has also shown great results for conditions such as PTS, concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and a wide range of other conditions that stem from brain activity imbalances.
How is MeRT different from rTMS?
What sets MeRT apart from other similar technologies is the highly individualised approach utilising 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" all approach.
This is a cutting-edge treatment protocol that combines technologies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS, a RANZCP recognised therapy), Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), and Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to analyse 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 clients. Our MeRT approach is highly individualised as to frequency and location based on initial thorough testing and evaluation. This customised, scientific approach is unique to each patient.
MeRT is a unique and improved version of rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), is a much more individualised approach to brain modulation, and is tailored to the client's needs based on frequency, location, and power used.
What is rTMS?
rTMS, or Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a non-invasive therapy that utilises pulsed magnetic fields to change neural activity.
What is EEG?
EEG or Electroencephalogram is a non-invasive procedure that records the electrical activity of the brain.
What is ECG/EKG?
ECG/EKG or Electrocardiogram is a non-invasive procedure that records the electrical activity of the heart.
How is MeRT performed?
You simply sit in a comfortable chair while a trained neuro-technician places a magnetic coil on your head. This device produces a low-frequency magnetic field to induce mild electrical signals in the targeted areas of the brain. Time spent in the chair is typically 30 minutes.
What benefits may result from MeRT treatment?
Functional recovery is the primary objective of the treatment. Results are individual in nature, depending on the initial presenting symptoms.
Common benefits of functional recovery include:
- Increased sleep quality
- Increased sleep duration
- Increased attention span
- Increased sociability
- Increased motivation
- Increased concentration and focus
- Increased emotional stability
- Increased ability to adapt to change
- Improvement in clarity of thought
- Improvement in mood
- Reduction of anxiety
- Reduction of pain
What are the side effects/adverse events of MeRT?
The most commonly reported side effect is a mild tension headache at the stimulation site, which can last 1-2 hours and responds well to over-the-counter analgesics. Other possible side effects are hyperactivity, increased agitation, euphoria, or, very rarely, a seizure (1:100 000).
Overexcitation/emotional lability (Transient). Most feel this just after treatment, but some feel a mild overexcitation/emotional lability through the whole treatment. After treatment, it disappears.
Hyperactivity (Transient)
Fatigue/hypoglycemia (transient)
Seizure (very rare 1:100.000 to 1:500.000). Compared to a Gameboy, which is 1:4000.
Absolute contraindications
- Pacemaker
- Defibrillator
- Vagal Nerve Stimulator
- VP Shunt (functional AND non-functional)/ Magnetic intracranial shunts
- Deep Brain Stimulator implant
- Epidural Cortical stimulator
- Steel shunts/stents/filters
- Cranial metal fragments (i.e. shrapnel excluding titanium)
- Aneurysm clips, coils, pipeline flow diversion
- Cochlear implant
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Primary or metastatic brain cancer (unless palliative treatment brain cancer)
- Magnetic dental implant
- Ocular
- Uncontrolled seizure disorder
Relative contraindications for MeRT
- Hearing aids
- Magnetic ink tattoo
- Bipolar Disorder Type 1 and 2
How soon after I start MeRT treatment should I expect to see a response?
Every individual response to treatment is different. However, some response is typically observed during the assessment week.
For how long should I receive MeRT treatment to achieve the best results?
We recommend at least one month of treatment (20 MeRT treatment sessions) after the assessment period (total of six weeks). However, the overall duration of treatment is based on an individual´s response rate. The length of treatment will be decided by the clinician and the client after reviewing clinical and EEG changes.
What is the success rate with MeRT treatment for different diagnoses treated?
Preliminary results suggest that 40 to 60 % of patients with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) show a significant clinical response, defined as a 30% or greater reduction in CARS scores, after ten weeks of treatment.
For clients with a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), preliminary results suggest that over 60% of clients show a significant reduction in the Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) Checklist – Military version (PCL-M) scores after four weeks of treatment.
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 over one month. Clients may return for additional treatment if a reduction in positive gains is noted after leaving NeuroOptimize.
Will missing one MeRT treatment session effect my results?
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 affect overall results.
Why is it sometimes recommended to take a break from MeRT treatment?
A client’s response to therapy sometimes plateaus even though the brain has not yet reached its optimal state. The client 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.
Why did my MeRT treatment protocol change?
Protocol adjustments are implemented based on changes in your EEGs and clinical symptoms.
Why is my protocol different from other clients’?
Since each brain is unique, the MeRT treatment protocol will be different for each client as it is based on the individual’s own EEG/ECG data.
Why do I have to keep my eyes closed during MeRT treatment stimulation?
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 client sitting awake in a chair with his/her eyes closed (reduced visual info) during the MeRT treatment stimulation (five-second periods).
Does my child still get the benefits of MeRT treatment if he/she does not close his eyes?
Yes, the treatment will still be effective with eyes open, but to maximise the effects, we recommend that clients close their eyes during the MeRT treatment stimulation (five-second periods).
Should I be concerned about the medications I am taking?
During your intake appointment, disclose all medications you are currently taking. Your clinician will address any and all questions regarding medications.
Should I continue other medical or therapeutic treatments and activities while receiving MeRT treatment?
We do not advise making any changes to your normal routine without first seeking the guidance and direction of your primary medical provider.
Should I be concerned if I have a pacemaker?
Notify the clinician if you have a pacemaker or other internal electric device during your intake session. Pacemakers are a contraindication and will not be able to proceed with treatment.
Can I wear eyeglasses, earrings, jewellery, or hearing aids during MeRT treatment?
It is not necessary to remove eyeglasses, earrings, or jewellery. However, it is recommended that hearing aids be removed during treatment.
Why is it important to eat after a MeRT treatment session?
You should eat a healthy snack soon after a MeRT session in order to replenish your body’s glucose storage, which may be decreased during the treatment session. This is especially important if you feel light-headed or tired after treatment.
Will MeRT treatment affect my appetite?
A change in appetite might be noticed as a byproduct of decreased anxiety or increased energy level and motivation.
Is it common to become more emotional after initial MeRT treatments?
Some clients report a re-discovery or awareness of emotions after initial MeRT treatments.
How does morning light help me?
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.
Why is sleep important, especially between 10 pm-2 am?
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.
If I already sleep well, do I still need the morning light?
Yes. Although you may be sleeping through the night, your sleep may not necessarily be deep or restful. Morning light will help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and improve the quality of your sleep.
Do I still get the benefits of morning light if it is overcast?
Yes, the blue light penetrates through the clouds.
Do I get the benefit of blue light if I drive with the window down?
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 7 am and 11 am outside, with no glasses or contacts covering your eyes.
Will MeRT treatment be less effective if I do not get morning light?
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, you may not respond to treatment as well as someone with good quality sleep. As such, we advise regular morning exposure to blue light.
Is brain stimulation therapy safe?
Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), rTMS and MeRT don't cause seizures or memory loss. It also doesn't require the use of anesthesia, which puts people in a sleep-like state. Generally, rTMS and MeRT is considered safe and well-tolerated.
Is MeRT treatment safe?
Just like standard rTMS, MeRT is a Non-invasive, Drug-Free Treatment. rTMS and MeRT therapy is safe and gentle and feels like a light tapping on the head. MeRT stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy.
What is the difference between MeRT and neurofeedback?
MeRT is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation therapy that utilises external magnetic stimulation to address brain function for cognitive restoration. Neurofeedback is a type of brain training activity that focuses on the brain's ability to heal itself naturally.
