Log In

Frequently Asked Questions

MeRT Treatment – Frequently Asked Questions

MeRT stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy. MeRT treatment combines technologies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS, an FDA cleared therapy), Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), and Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to deliver treatments tailored for each individual’s unique brain pattern. The treatment protocol is aimed at restoring the brain to its optimal state, which can lead to significant clinical improvements.

Unlike standard rTMS therapy, which delivers stimulation to one location at a fixed frequency for all patients, MeRT treatment individualizes the treatment frequency and location based on each client’s Quantitative EEG and ECG. This results in a “custom-fit” MeRT treatment protocol as opposed to the “one-size-fits-all” approach of rTMS.

Cortical MeRT treatment delivers magnetic pulses to specifically targeted areas of the brain via a coil that sits on the head at a particular locations. The Session lasts approximately thirty minutes.

Results are individual in nature, depending on the initial presenting symptoms and patient’s current status of functioning. As with any treatment intervention, it isn’t 100% effective for all patients. Some patients will not respond to treatment. Some may show improvement well after completing 6 weeks of therapy.Common benefits of functional recovery include:

  • Increased sleep quality / duration
  • Increased motivation
  • Increased attention span
  • Increased concentration and focus
  • Increased sociability
  • Increased emotional stability
  • Increased ability to adapt to change
  • Improvement in clarity of thought
  • Improvement in mood
  • Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Reduction of anxiety

From our current data side effects are few and generally mild. The most commonly reported side effect is a mild tension headache at the site of stimulation, 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).

Every individual’s response to treatment is different. However, some response is typically observed during the assessment week.

Overall duration of treatment is based on an individual’s response rate. Length of treatment will be decided by the clinician and patient after reviewing clinical and EEG changes. It is commonly recommended to do at least 6 weeks (27 Daily MeRT treatment sessions) of therapy.

Results 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 Novara Healthcare, clients may return for additional treatment.

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.

The treatment is most effective when the individual’s brain is in a calm awake state, without receiving and processing too much information. Therefore, the treatment should be administered with the client sitting awake in a chair with his/her eyes closed (reduced visual info) during the MeRT treatment stimulation (5 second periods).

Yes, the treatment will still be effective with eyes open but to maximize the effects we recommend that patients close their eyes during the MeRT treatment stimulation (5 second periods).

During your intake appointment, disclose all medications you are currently taking. Your clinician will address any and all questions regarding medications.

We do not advise making any changes to your normal routine without first seeking the guidance and direction of your primary medical provider.

Notify the clinician if you have a pacemaker or other internal electric device during your intake session.

It is not necessary to remove eyeglasses, earrings, or jewelry, but it is recommended. It is recommended to remove hearing aids during treatment.

You should eat a snack soon after a MeRT session in order to replenish your body’s glucose stores that may be decreased during the treatment session. This is especially important if you feel light-headed or tired after treatment.

A change in appetite might be noticed as a by-product of decreased anxiety or increased energy level and motivation.

Exposure to morning sunlight (Blue Light) regulates your circadian rhythm to keep you alert and awake during the day and help you sleep well at night. Blue light exposure from electronic gadgets/screens after sunset is counterproductive to obtaining quality sleep. It is highly recommended to limit the use of electronic devices 1-2 hours prior to bedtime or utilize the blue light filter on electronic devices (on Apple devices it is called “Night Shift”).

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 enough rest, it will not function optimally. Maintaining healthy sleep habits plays an important role in obtaining the best results from MeRT treatment.

Yes. Although you may be sleeping through the night, your sleep may not necessarily be deep or restful sleep. Morning light will help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and improve the quality of your sleep.

Yes, the blue light penetrates through the clouds.

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 7am to 11am outside, with no glasses or contacts covering your eyes.

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, then you may not respond to treatment as well as someone with good quality sleep. As such, we advise regular morning exposure to blue light.

No. if you are pregnant, you should arrange for another trusted family member to bring the child in for therapy sessions.

Absolute contraindications for cortical MeRT treatment: Pacemaker, Defibrillator, Vagal Nerve Stimulator, VP Shunt/ Magnetic intracranial shunts, Deep Brain Stimulator, Epidural Cortical stimulator, Steel shunts/stents, Cranial metal fragments (i.e. shrapnel, excluding titanium), Cochlear implant, Aneurysm clips, coils, pipelines flow diversion, Pregnant or breastfeeding, Primary brain cancer / metastatic legions in brain (unless palliative care), Magnetic dental implants, Implanted cardio-verter defibrillators (ICD), Ocular implants, Suicide attempts.

Relative contraindications: These require closer protocol attention and may or may not disqualify someone from receiving cortical MeRT treatment, depending on the doctor’s discretion and the person’s individual condition.

These include:

  • History of Seizure or seizure disorder
  • Titanium shunts/stents Spinal Cord Stimulator
  • Hearing aids, Ferrous cortical implants
  • Magnetic ink tattoo
  • Bipolar Disorder Type I/II,
  • Baha Implant
  • Suicide ideation.

No, we currently only treat children for ADHD and/or Autism.

We treat children 3 years and up.

Currently, MeRT is only covered by Triwest/Tricare for depression and PTSD. However, clinical trials are being conducted to gain FDA clearance for PTSD in the near future.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Care Credit, Credit Cards, and Debit Cards.

  • If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7