A New Miraculous Approach to Treatment of PTSD
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often misunderstood by friends and family members who haven’t ever experienced it and can feel extremely isolating. Common symptoms include:
- Terror
- Uncontrolled rage
- Negative outlook
- Insomnia
- Night terrors
- Flashbacks
- Severe anxiety/panic attacks
- Depression
- Inability to cope with stress
- Inability to function normally in day to day life
- Avoidance of people, events, or places that remind you of the event(s)
- Self-destructive behavior
- Hopelessness
- Feeling numb
- Easily startled
- Mental and physical reactions to loud noises
- Thoughts of suicide
- Suicide attempts
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD can be a life-altering mental health problem. It is caused by experiencing or witnessing terrifying events, violence, or going through extended periods of extreme stress. For most people who go through a traumatic event, there is a coping or grieving period that occurs afterward, but the majority usually recover with time.
However, other people will have symptoms that get much worse and can last for extended periods of time. The onset of symptoms can occur right after the stressful time or can appear many years later, such as in child abuse cases for example. PTSD can be severe enough to completely disrupt someone’s life and make it difficult to function normally. Research shows that every year, an estimated 3.6% of adults are diagnosed with PTSD suggesting that this is a growing problem.
It was absolutely terrifying to not know what was wrong with me or how to fix the problem. BTC not only identified the deteriorated state of my brainwave activity, they restored its function… I consider the healing I experienced at BTC to be nothing short of a miracle.” – US Army Veteran
The Brain Treatment Center Can Help With Your PTSD
Patients who are suffering from PTSD have markers that are visible in their EEG studies.
New research is confirming that factors that may contribute to PTSD do cause changes in brain function to include altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.
Patients with PTSD have markers that can be clearly seen in EEG studies. In many cases, PTSD will manifest as the result of disruption in the front of the brain. It is commonplace to see two competing alpha frequencies in the frontal lobe and slow rolling waveforms (delta & theta waves) drowning out what should be a single strong alpha frequency.
We work to identify these disruptions and strengthen healthy brainwave activity to reduce the symptoms of PTSD for the patient.
MeRT is customized to each individual’s needs based on the results of the EEG and EKG. The treatment protocol is tailored based on the location, frequency, and amount of power used by the magnet. This technology works by using a magnetic coil to neuromodulate the brain’s electrical activity. A quantitative EEG is performed on each patient in order to determine the exact frequency of the brain. These results are then reviewed and evaluated by our clinicians, Dr. Julie Kim and Dr. Sandy Lee so that the treatment is specific to each patient’s unique condition and optimized for the best possible results.
Because treatment is customized specifically for you, this can lead to significant clinical improvements, and many of our patients are able to feel better, and go off of their medications!
This treatment is a very safe and gentle therapy. MeRT is a cutting-edge treatment process that combines TMS, a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), and Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to analyze and formulate treatments that are tailored for each individual’s unique brain pattern.
The MeRT process is much more evolved than standard TMS treatments since it is not a “one size fits all” approach, and is highly individualized as to both frequency and location. This scientific approach is unique to each person.
Of all my injuries, by far the worst were the ones you could not see. I had degraded to the point of not being able to leave my home because of panic attacks and severe anxiety. I could not hide from this feeling, and no mediation could numb it. I told my doctor at one point I couldn’t kill myself because I have a family with young children that I am responsible for. I was living in despair and physical pain every day without reprieve, that is until I was able to get treatment. I underwent neural restorative therapy for two months with total symptom resolution. I can function again at work, and can spend much needed time with my family. I have my sense of well-being back and a clarity of thought I haven’t had in many years.” – Army Veteran
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If you are interested in learning more about MeRT as a treatment for PTSD, you don’t have to decide anything right away.
Initially, you can expect to come in for your first appointment which will last approximately 45-minutes to an hour. We will gather your new patient paperwork at this time, and then our chief neuro technician will perform a qEEG (quantitative EEG) and EKG which is used to evaluate brain activity and enables us to identify any dysfunction or communication problems in your brain. While this appointment usually takes about 45-minutes, if you are seeking treatment for your child with autism, please plan on spending an hour with us. At your qEEG appointment, we will set up the schedule with you for your assessment period, should you decide to proceed with treatment.
Your second appointment is 45-minutes long. During this time, you will meet with Dr. Sandy Lee for your clinical evaluation. She will answer any questions that you may have and discuss your applicable treatment plan.
The assessment period of treatment lasts from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your age. For children who are 10-years old and younger, the assessment period is 1-week long. For anyone who is 11-years and older, the assessment period is 2-weeks long. The assessment period of treatment will help you and us determine how you are responding to treatment. At the end of the assessment period, a second qEEG will be done to note any changes occurring in the brain.
For children 10 years old and younger completing a 1-week assessment period, the patient will have their initial qEEG/EKG completed, and then attend 4 treatment sessions Monday through Thursday, followed by another qEEg to determine progress in the brain.
For persons 11 years and older completing a 2-week assessment period, the patient will have their initial qEEG/EKG completed, and then attend treatment sessions the first week, Monday through Friday, and then for the second week, Monday through Thursday for a total of 9 sessions, followed by a repeat qEEG to determine progress.
Once the assessment period has been completed and we are seeing progress both clinically and on the repeat qEEG, subsequent two-week treatment periods will be scheduled. Because each treatment period lasts for 2-weeks, you must be able to stay in Newport Beach or the surrounding area. We do advise that to get the most out of your treatment, and for long-lasting results, that you are able to stay for an entire 6-weeks of treatment (which includes the assessment period). The comparison between the initial and second qEEG/clinical evaluation will determine if you are responding. You should also start to experience changes in the way you are feeling during this time period. We highly advise a total of 6-weeks of treatment (which includes the assessment period) for optimal and long-lasting results to take effect.
If you are not yet ready to commit to going through an assessment period of treatment or prefer to have your qEEG and consultation done to ensure you are a candidate for treatment, we do also offer the option of coming in for a qEEG/EKG and consultation with our clinician to see your results before proceeding with the assessment period.
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.
Results of therapy can vary per individual. In general, the longer the length of MeRT therapy, the longer the changes remain. 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 do prefer occasional follow-up treatment as needed.
A typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes. The patient will sit in a chair while the neuro technician administers the treatment via a hand-held magnet that is held near the scalp. The gentle magnetic impulses are delivered for 6-8 seconds each minute. There may be a slight sensation felt while the treatment is occurring, but it is not painful or uncomfortable.
Each individual is different, and protocols may vary. Your provider will have regularly scheduled follow-up EEGs and meet with you to gauge your progress.
Contact Our New Patient Coordinator for Additional Information
It’s normal for patients and their families who are affected by brain disorders to feel frustrated and isolated, and many have lost hope that there is any relief in sight. MeRT is a treatment protocol that has helped patients restore their brain function, reclaim their lives, and feel passionate about living again. We understand what you are going through, and 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.
Many of our clinicians and technicians have gone through MeRT treatment protocols themselves and have realized firsthand what the treatment has done for them, and as a result, are passionate about helping others to heal too.
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, answer your questions, 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.
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MeRT Featured on “Broken Brain” Podcast by Dr. Mark Hyman
Dr. Mark Hyman is an esteemed functional medicine physician and best-selling author. He founded the Cleveland Clinic Functional Medicine clinic and oversees the famous podcast called “The Broken Brain.” MeRT was featured on one of the episodes for treatment of PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and Concussions. Major Depression Disorder and suicidal tendencies are also discussed.
Dr. Erik Won from the Brain Treatment Center here in California was interviewed and spoke extensively about the MeRT technology and its utilization to treat veterans who have suffered these conditions after coming back from war, along with the many successes in treatment that have been realized.
CLICK HERE to watch this very informative video!
Insurance Coverage and Payment Options
We can provide you with the appropriate paperwork at the end of your treatment so that you can submit it to your insurance company to see if they would provide you with any reimbursement. Currently, rTMS is FDA cleared for Depression and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.) Some patients have reported that they have been able to receive some reimbursement for EEGs or clinical evaluations, as well as treatment when treating Major Depressive Disorder, depending 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 assist in financing medical expenses. Care Credit is a separate company from The Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach, and is a credit card that can be used to cover medical expenses and services. Usually, when you go to the Care Credit website and apply, they will let you know if you are approved very promptly.
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