Parkinson's Disease - Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach

Parkinson’s

Disease

Exploring an Alternative Treatment for Parkinson’s

While this condition is progressive, it is possible to see improvements in symptoms and delay progression.

This treatment is now available at the Brain Treatment Center. It’s called MeRT®, which stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy.

In patients who have Parkinson’s disease, specific neurons in the brain begin to break down and die. Many symptoms of Parkinson’s occur because of the loss of neurons that produce a chemical in the brain called dopamine. These declining levels of dopamine cause abnormal brain activity, which then manifests in Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is progressive, and currently, there is no cure. However, there are medications that can improve symptoms.

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Parkinson’s Symptoms

Tremors are most common, usually starting in the hands or an arm or leg, and occur even when the body is at rest.
Rigid muscles can limit movement anywhere in the body and also cause pain.
Slowed or impaired movement can make simple tasks more difficult and time-consuming. Steps when walking can become shorter and disjointed, and it can be hard to do everyday tasks like getting out of a chair or going to the bathroom.
Balance issues.
Stooped posture.
Decrease in automatic movements such as blinking or smiling.
Speech can become monotone. The patient may slur, or talk faster or slower than normal.
Difficulty with writing.
Depression, anxiety, and fear.
Depression, anxiety, and fear.
Sleep disorders such as insomnia and/or sleeping during the day.
Sleep disorders such as insomnia and/or sleeping during the day.
Generalized fatigue
Incontinence or difficulty urinating.
Constipation (digestion is slower).
Constipation (digestion is slower).
Changes in blood pressure with movement, such as a sudden drop in blood pressure when going from a sitting position to standing.
Dysfunction with the sense of smell such as no longer being able to identify some odors.
Generalized or specific pain in various areas of the body.
Cognitive issues such as dementia usually occur in the later stages of the disease. Lewy Body dementia, which can cause hallucinations, is a common type of dementia experienced by Parkinson’s patients.
Chewing, eating, and swallowing problems can occur as the disease progresses due to slowed muscle movements.
Breathing problems.

The causes of the disease are unknown. However, both genetics and environment can play a role. Some gene mutations can cause Parkinson’s, but these are rare, and usually only seen when many people in a family have the disease. Ongoing exposure to the environment from herbicides and pesticides may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s in later years, but this is also uncommon.

Parkinson’s Treatment

Many medications are used to help control various Parkinson’s symptoms. There are no dopamine supplements or prescriptions because dopamine that’s given directly doesn’t enter your brain where it’s needed. However, some medications mimic dopamine effects in the brain. And the longer you take these drugs, the more likely they are to stop working consistently.

Other drugs can be infused via a feeding tube, which delivers the medication directly to the small intestine for maximum absorption. Some meds can be delivered by injection or via a patch placed on the arm. Unfortunately, some medications can have serious side effects, such as hallucinations.

Deep brain stimulation surgery includes implanting electrodes into a certain part of the brain. They’re connected to an implanted generator in the chest that can send electrical pulses to the brain and possibly reduce Parkinson’s symptoms.

Surgery is not without risk, and complications can lead to infections, brain hemorrhage, and stroke. Some people can also have problems with the equipment.

While these types of treatment can help with symptoms, they cannot curb the progression of the disease.

Parkinson’s and MeRT

Here at the Brain Treatment Center, we offer MeRT for Parkinson’s Disease. MeRT is an emerging technology that’s a unique and improved version of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and is a much more individualized approach to brain modulation, tailored to the patient’s needs based on frequency, location, and power used. TMS modulates the brain’s electrical activity by using magnetic fields that pass through the scalp from an electromagnetic coil.

While the neuromodulation equipment used in the MeRTprocess is FDA-cleared for the treatment of depression that has been resistant to medications, it may also be used off-label for other disorders in the practice of medicine. These include Parkinson’s disease, Dementia, and other brain-related conditions. Additionally, this treatment is non-invasive and pain-free.

We perform a quantitative EEG before modulation treatment starts in order to determine exactly the frequency of your brain.

What is MeRT?

MeRT stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy. This innovative treatment protocol combines technologies of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS, an FDA-approved therapy for Depression and OCD), Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), and Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to analyze and formulate treatments tailored for each person’s unique brain pattern.

Most TMS treatments are used to deliver stimulation to one area of the brain at a fixed frequency for all patients, however, MeRTis more evolved. We tailor MeRT as to frequency and location based on initial thorough testing and evaluation. This customized, scientific approach is unique to each patient.

We carefully analyze the patient’s initial tests as to the brain’s pattern of function and activity. Through this detailed analysis, we can determine the correct neural synchronization. We then devise a highly personalized protocol for each patient to encourage improved brain communication. Many of our patients have noticed significant clinical improvements.*

Treatment for Parkinson’s disease usually lasts four to six weeks and can be done alongside other therapies. Appointments are 30 to 45 minutes, Monday through Friday. Many of our patients report they notice a difference occurring within the first week.*

The equipment used is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder and OCD and is used off0label to treat other neurological-related conditions, including Parkinson’s.

The MeRT Process

MeRT evolved from a technology called rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). However, MeRT is much more customized for each patient based on their brain scans and symptoms.

Studies have shown altered brain wave oscillations in patients suffering from conditions such as Major Depression Disorder (MDD), Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and more. The MeRT treatment protocol uses a magnetic field to balance and stimulate brain function.

Click through these simple 5-Steps in the horizontal menu below…

Talk with our New Patient Coordinator
Initial Analysis
Assessment Period
Full Treatment Program
Final Testing

Talk with our New Patient Coordinator

Our New Patient Coordinator is here to help

Call us and talk with our New Patient Coordinator. She will take the time to answer any questions you have as explain things. You can discuss your specific circumstances and she can explain how it all works.

This consultation is free of charge and there are no obligations to move forward with any further steps.

If you would like to take the next steps to see if you or your loved one may benefit from MeRT, she can schedule a qEEG (brain scan) and a consultation to discuss the results with our clinician.

Call (949) 868-0006

Initial Analysis

The qEEG and Consultation

If you are interested in seeing if MeRT treatment is right for you, we will initially schedule two appointments, both of which last about 45 minutes.

This simply involves a qEEG (quantitative EEG or brain scan), followed by a consultation with our clinician a few days later to see your results before making any decisions about treatment or proceeding with anything further.

For the initial analysis, you will come in for a comprehensive testing appointment. We will gather your new patient paperwork, and then our chief neuro technician will perform a qEEG and EKG to enable us to identify any dysfunction or communication problems in your brain.

Your second appointment usually runs about 45 minutes. During this time, you will meet with one of our clinicians, Kayleigh Prowse or Sheila Stephens, for your consultation. She will discuss your qEEG results, answer any questions you may have and discuss your applicable treatment plan. Dr. Julie Kim, our Medical Director, oversees all treatment for each patient.

Should you decide to proceed with treatment, we will schedule your assessment period.

Assessment Period

Two Weeks of MeRT followed by new testing

The assessment period of treatment lasts two weeks. This assessment period will help you — and us — determine how you are responding to treatment.

You will have your initial qEEG/EKG and then attend treatment sessions for two weeks. The first week will be Monday through Friday, and the second week, Monday through Thursday, nine sessions in total, followed by a repeat qEEG to determine progress and note any changes occurring in your brain.

A typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes. You will sit in a chair while the neuro-technician administers the treatment near the scalp via a hand-held magnet. We deliver gentle magnetic impulses for six to eight seconds each minute. You may feel a slight sensation while the treatment is occurring, but it is not painful or uncomfortable.

Full Treatment Program

Continuing Treatment

Once the assessment period is complete, we will schedule the subsequent two-week treatment periods. Because each treatment period lasts for two weeks, you must be able to stay in Newport Beach or the surrounding area for each 2-week treatment period.

The comparison between the initial and second qEEG/clinical evaluation will often show if you are responding. You may also start to experience changes in the way you are feeling during this time. For some, it takes longer before changes are more obvious. We highly advise a total of six to eight weeks of treatment (which includes the assessment period) for optimal and long-lasting results.

Since each brain is unique, the protocol will be different for each patient as it is based on specific qEEG/EKG data from your brain, and the specific condition being treated. Generally, the results of treatment can last a lifetime, though some people prefer occasional follow-up treatment as needed. But each person is different, and protocols may vary. Your provider will have regularly scheduled follow-up EEGs and meet with you to gauge your progress.

Final Testing

Review of Changes and Improvements

An additional qEEG is performed at the end of treatment to assess and take stock of the benefits and improvements that have occurred as a result of the full treatment protocol.

Please note that results and improvements are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual users and are not guaranteed. Plus, the results of therapy can vary per individual. In general, the longer the length of MeRT therapy, the longer the changes remain.

Insurance Coverage

We are an in-network provider with TRICARE. If you have TRICARE insurance, it is possible that your policy may provide coverage, depending on your specific situation. Our New Patient Coordinator can discuss this with you in further detail.

For all other insurance, we are out of network and cannot file an insurance claim on your behalf. We can, however, provide you with the paperwork at the end of your treatment, which you can submit to your insurance company to see if they may provide you with any reimbursement. Please note that we are unable to treat patients who have Medicare or Medicaid.

Currently, rTMS is FDA-approved for Depression and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Treatment for all other conditions is considered “off-label.” For non-FDA-approved treatment, it is not likely that insurance will provide reimbursement for our protocols.

Some patients have reported that they have been able to receive some reimbursement for EEGs or clinical evaluations. But this depends on their health coverage. Medicare patients have reported that their coverage provides no reimbursement for MeRT.

We take all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

Care Credit is also an option to help finance medical expenses. This is a separate company from The Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach. Care Credit is a credit card that can cover medical expenses and services. They typically offer zero-interest financing for 12 months.

Usually, when you go to the Care Credit website and apply, they will promptly let you know your approval status.

Contact Our New Patient
Coordinator for more Information

It’s normal for patients and their families affected by brain disorders to feel uncertain about treatment options and what is best. MeRT is a treatment protocol that has helped patients restore their brain function, reclaim their lives, and get a whole new lease on life.

Our goal is to help guide you through the process so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not MeRT is the right treatment for you or your child. Our clinicians and technicians are passionate about helping you to heal.

Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer any questions that you may have about how MeRT can help you specifically. She’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and put your mind at ease. She can also assist in getting you scheduled with the clinic should you decide to move forward with treatment.