Neuromodulation / TMS

Neuromodulation refers to the process of altering or regulating nerve activity using electrical, magnetic, or chemical stimulation to modulate the nervous system’s function. Neuromodulation works by influencing the activity of neurons and neurotransmitter systems in targeted regions. It can inhibit or stimulate neurons to correct dysfunction or reduce symptoms of a disorder. It is a broad term used in medical treatments that target the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord), aiming to treat various neurological conditions and disorders.

Advantages:

  • Targeted treatment: Neuromodulation can directly affect the specific part of the nervous system causing symptoms.
  • Reversible and adjustable: In many cases, neuromodulation therapies can be fine-tuned or reversed if needed.
  • Non-pharmacological option: It offers an alternative to medications, especially for patients who may not respond to drugs or experience side effects.

There are many types of neuro-modulation – both invasive and non-invasive:

  1. Electrical Stimulation:
    • Devices like neurostimulators deliver controlled electrical pulses to specific nerves or brain regions. These pulses can alter abnormal neural activity, providing therapeutic effects.
    • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an example of neuromodulation used to treat conditions like Parkinson’s disease, where electrodes are implanted in specific brain areas to control abnormal movements.
  2. Chemical Stimulation:
    • Neuromodulation can also involve the release of drugs or neurotransmitters directly into specific areas of the nervous system to influence neural circuits and functions.
  3. Therapeutic Uses:
    • Chronic pain: Devices like spinal cord stimulators are used to manage chronic pain by interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain.
    • Movement disorders: DBS is widely used for Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia.
    • Epilepsy: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is used to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in people with epilepsy.
    • Depression: Some forms of neuromodulation, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), are used for treatment-resistant depression.
    • Bladder and bowel dysfunction: Sacral nerve stimulation can help regulate bladder and bowel function in conditions like overactive bladder or fecal incontinence.
  4. Types of Neuro-modulation:
    • Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): Electrodes are placed near the spinal cord to manage pain signals.
    • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Electrodes are implanted in the brain to modulate neural activity in specific regions.
    • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): A device is implanted to stimulate the vagus nerve, often used in epilepsy or depression.
    • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS or TMS) is a type of non-invasive neuromodulation where a magnetic field is used to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.  For certain conditions, rTMS is FDA-Cleared.   Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT®) is a type of rTMS that also incorporates the use of an Electroencephalogram.  In most cases, MeRT® is being used “off-label.”

What is MeRT and How does MeRT works?

MeRT stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, a therapy that is used to treat Autism, Depression, PTSD, TBI, and a wide range of other issues that stem from brain activity imbalances. Dr. Winfrey uses gentle magnetic stimulation to enhance neurological development and help the brain to heal and open pathways.

MeRT treatment starts with an evaluation that uses sophisticated brain imaging to locate the areas of the brain that are not communicating. Then we create a customized treatment of gentle magnetic waves specifically for your brain patterns. We stimulate those parts of the brain and encourage them to start communicating again. The treatment uses no drugs or medications and is completely non-invasive. And, in some instances, results have been astonishing.

An Overview of MeRT Treatment

Gentle magnetic waves stimulate areas of the brain that are not communicating well with a targeted frequency specifically based on your needs.  MeRT, or Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, is a breakthrough technology that empowers doctors to analyze your brainwave data and provide targeted treatment to give you the best possible outcome. The magnetic waves used are tailored to exact parts of your brain and exact frequencies that help your brain open up areas that need support.

How does MeRT do this, exactly? Well, it starts with how the brain works.

Your brain is composed of approximately 100 billion neurons. These neurons interact with each other through brain waves, or tiny electrical oscillations, to control how your brain functions.

Your neurons can be disrupted by internal or external forces, causing brain dysfunction. Some of these forces can include:

  • Trauma to the head such as a concussion
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Developmental disorders such as Autism, ADD, and ADHD
  • Illness or disease such as stroke or Parkinson’s Disease
  • Drug or alcohol addiction
  • Learning disorders
  • Dementia
  • Multiple sports injuries (head hits)
  • Anxiety
  • Sleeping disorders
  • Congenital issues

These disruptions can be minor or significant. Everyone has different levels of tolerance. Some people still function in day-to-day activities, while others are to some degree debilitated and lose their quality of life. MeRT attempts to reprogram these abnormal electrical signals in the brain. By identifying where your brain waves are not properly communicating, we can help to restore optimal function. MeRT technology can reshape the activity in your brain, regardless of what caused the dysfunction. Patients have reported results that they consider nothing short of miraculous.

*** Results are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual user and are not guaranteed.***

The 3 Components of MeRT

MeRT, or Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, uses a three-part protocol that measures, analyzes, and improves brain function. The three part are:

qEEG

(quantitative electroencephalogram)

This non-invasive test is also called “brain mapping”. We simply place a cap on your head to map your unique brainwaves.

EKG/ECG

(electrocardiogram)

While performing the qEEG, we also use an EKG to measure your heart’s electrical signals. This provides the ,most accurate results possible.

rTMS

(repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation)

After analyzing your results and developing your tailored program, we place magnetic coils along your scalp to stimulate targeted brain areas.

Testing

Your first appointment will consist of two simple tests, a qEEG and an EKG. These tests are easy, painless, and performed right in our office. For the EEG, we place a cap on your head to measure the electrical activity in your brain and map out any areas not performing as they should. We also perform an EKG to record your heart’s electrical signals. Once we perform these tests, our team will carefully analyze the results. Based on this analysis, we develop a treatment plan customized to your specific condition and schedule your assessment period of treatment.

Consultation

After your tests are complete and we’ve reviewed and analyzed them, you will have a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Winfrey. This can be done virtually from the comfort of your home. We will discuss your test results and treatment protocols, answer any remaining questions, and let you know more about what to expect during your assessment period.

Assessment Period

During the two-week assessment, treatment will be Monday through Friday each week. On the second Friday, follow-up tests will assess your progress using updated EEG results and symptom improvements. If treatment shows positive effects, you may notice initial improvements, and further MeRT sessions will be scheduled in two-week intervals. Progress will be monitored biweekly with qEEG/EKG and consultations to confirm changes. Most conditions show significant, lasting results after 4–8 weeks, though outcomes vary by patient.

Questionnaires and Intake forms

Injury Evaluation Protocol
Neurological Intake Form
Injury Evaluation Protocol

List of Studies

Neuromodulation & EEG Relevance

Autism Spectrum Disorder

PTSD

Major Depression

Anxiety

TBI/Concussion

ADHD

OCD

Migraines

Long Covid Brain Fog

Alzheimer’s

Pain

SUD/Smoking Cessation

MeRT® Ongoing Clinical Trials with Department of Defense for PTSD, Post-Concussion Disorders, TBI