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Call us: (619)-255-2101

Brain Treatment Center San Diego CA

Brain Treatment Center San Diego CA

Autism, Depression, PTSD and Concussion Treatment using TMS and MeRT

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Julie H. Kim, M.D., FACP, Brain Treatment Center Medical Director
    • K. Anthony Kim, M.D., F.A.A.N.S.
    • Meet our Team
    • Our Blog
    • Privacy Policy
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    • Terms and Conditions
  • Conditions Treated
    • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
    • Depression
    • Autism
      • Autism and Sleep Problems
      • Autism Videos
      • Autism Quiz
      • A Safer Alternative to Drugs for Autism Treatment
    • Anxiety
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • COVID-19 After Care
    • ADHD
    • “The Broken Brain”
  • What Is MeRT?
    • Treatment Overview
    • Initial Analysis
    • Science
  • Testimonials
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A New Approach to Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussions

Long-term adverse effects can be addressed with MeRT, or Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy.

Traumatic brain injury

Simply stated we use a magnetic field to stimulate, balance, and restore brain function, guided by very sophisticated imaging and diagnostics.

 

MeRT Approach

Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuryA Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a physical injury to brain tissue that temporarily or permanently impairs brain function. Diagnosis is suspected clinically and confirmed by imaging (primarily CT).

Traumatic brain injuries and concussions are common in athletes who may experience multiple “head hits.” These hits affect the brain, and over time, the damage becomes cumulative. Members of the military are also commonly affected too, but TBIs or concussions can happen to anyone.

Those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury may need other therapies to assist with regaining memory, learning skills, coordination, and physical function, speech, and coping mechanisms. Brain injuries are complex and can affect many different aspects of a person’s life including their emotions and the ability to think clearly.

 

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as:

A blow to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. An injury can also occur without a direct blow to the head, such as in an auto accident where the forces cause the head to move violently in one direction and then snap back in another direction.

This causes the brain to be jostled around inside the skull and can also injure the brain. Suffering a closed head injury can produce symptoms that range from mild to severe, based on the degree of damage that was done to the brain. While it’s possible for a person to experience a TBI to not have a loss of consciousness, in moderate to severe cases, LOC does usually happen. More severe cases of traumatic brain injuries often can result in coma or even death.”

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

(619) 255-2101

Or fill in the form below and she will contact you.

 

Causes of TBI include:

  • Falls (especially in older adults and young children)
  • Motor vehicle crashes and other transportation-related causes (eg, bicycle crashes, collisions with pedestrians)
  • Assaults
  • Sports activities (eg, sports-related concussions)

 

Traumatic brain injury symtomsSymptoms of a Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury

Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms can include:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Headaches or Migraines
  • Fatigue or lethargy
  • Vision changes and/or dilated pupils
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Memory issues
  • Confusion
  • Cognitive problems or decline
  • Inappropriate emotional responses
  • Anger
  • Depression
  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Feeling of isolation
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Numbness and tingling in different parts of the body
  • Facial weakness
  • Loss of function or weakness in other parts of the body
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Breathing problems
  • Loss of hearing or tinnitus

 

 

An Entirely New Approach

MeRT for Treatment of Concussions and Brain Injuries

Simply stated, we use magnetic fields to stimulate and balance brain function, guided by very sophisticated imaging and diagnostics.

Patients who have had Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) or Concussions can experience after-effects well after the initial injury and some may never fully recover. After the initial recovery, MeRT can be used to stimulate and assist the brain in improving connectivity and communication. In many cases, this has greatly improved recovery results.

See some of the RESEARCH STUDIES.

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

(619) 255-2101

Or fill in the form below and she will contact you.

 

Listen to Jason O.’s Testimonial About How MeRT Helped Him Reclaim His Quality of Life After Suffering a TBI

 

 

46 Different Specialists, 29 Treatments, 40 Medications—Nothing Helped.

Then David Tried a NEW Treatment for his Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury imagingDavid was diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury in 2011. He had become entirely unable to help his wife care for their home or their two young children. He was desperate.

For the next five years, he saw 46 different specialists: neurologists, psychologists, pain management specialists, orthopedic doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists, which included 29 different treatments, from physical therapy to sensory deprivation tanks, meditation to biofeedback, and more. He was prescribed a multitude of different medications and supplements during these years and eventually ended up with a drug addiction problem as well.

While some of these approaches did help, he was still far from recovering his quality of life. Then he discovered MeRT, Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy.

“Everything changed when I started treatment. Within two weeks, I was sleeping better. I was off all 12 of the meds I was on when I began treatment, and I was starting to enjoy life again.  After the first month, I was socializing with people again, I was able to work out for the first time in years, and I started to help my wife with the bills and our budget. As I write this, I just completed my sixth week of treatment. A conservative estimate is that I have had a 60–70% reduction of the symptoms I listed above and have a whole new lease on life.”

 

 

 

Non-invasive and Drug-Free

What is MeRT?

MeRT stands for Magnetic Resonance Therapy. MeRT is a tailored, highly individualized form of TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. In simpler terms, we use magnetic waves to stimulate specifically targeted areas of the brain that have been found to not be communicating or functioning optimally.

This is determined through sophisticated diagnostic tools and imaging and is used to plan a tailored treatment approach just for you.

 

 

 

How Do I know…

Is MeRT the Right Treatment?

We understand MeRT is a relatively new treatment, and you may not be sure if this is right for your situation. However, know that this is not a decision you have to make right away or all alone.

Your first step is a simple phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator. During this free, no-obligation consultation, you can discuss symptoms and history, ask all the questions you want, and have her explain the protocols and fees. She can also further explain the treatment itself.

After the call, if you are interested in taking the next step, we can set up an appointment for a qEEG (a simple, painless, and non-invasive brain scan).

EEG/EKG Testing

When you come in for your first appointment, we will perform the qEEG and EKG as mentioned above in the Treatment Overview section. These tests will help us evaluate brain activity and show us any dysfunction. The qEEG, or brain mapping, is a valuable tool as lets us customize treatment for YOU.

The qEEG/EKG testing is performed by our chief neurotechnician and takes approximately 45 minutes. However, if you are seeking treatment for your child with autism, please plan on spending an hour with us.

We will also gather your new patient paperwork at this time, and get you scheduled for your initial assessment period of treatment.

Clinical Evaluation and Consultation

Your second appointment will be a clinical evaluation with Nurse Practitioner Kayleigh Prowse, which takes approximately 45 minutes. You can have this appointment via Telemedicine or in-clinic, whichever you prefer. Please note that if you choose a Telemedicine appointment and are seeking treatment for your child, your child will need to be present.

During this consultation, Kayleigh will answer all your questions and discuss your applicable treatment plan. You will also have an opportunity to meet with our physician and Medical Director, Julie Kim, M.D.

Assessment Period

Six weeks of treatment is recommended for patients undergoing MeRT in order to achieve optimal and long-lasting results. However, prior to committing to the six weeks, we have each patient first go through an assessment period of treatment to see how they will respond. This assessment period is included in the six weeks of treatment.

The assessment is  two weeks long. It consists of nine treatment sessions followed by a repeat qEEG. Treatment would be provided the first week, Monday through Friday, and the following week, Monday through Thursday. A typical treatment session lasts about 30-45 minutes.

Additionally, the follow-up qEEG results will be covered with you by your provider.

If clinical changes are occurring as they should, and the qEEG also shows progress, then you would then continue treatment which would occur five days per week, Monday through Friday. Generally, you will begin to feel the benefits of treatment within a week or two, but because treatment is cumulative, should continue to note improvements throughout the course of your treatment, and even for some weeks after treatment. Because treatment is consecutive, you must be able to stay in or around the area while undergoing your therapy.

For those not ready to commit to an assessment period, or if we need to see the results of the testing to confirm that MeRT can help, we also offer the option of coming in for a qEEG/EKG and then having a consultation with Kayleigh or Dr. Kim to go over the results. After your clinical consultation, you will still have the option of going through an assessment period should you choose to do so.

Continuing Treatment

If clinical changes are occurring as they should and the qEEG also shows progress, you will then continue treatment. This ongoing treatment occurs five days per week, Monday through Friday. You should start to feel the benefits of treatment within a week or two, but because treatment is cumulative, you should continue to note improvements throughout the course of your treatment, and even for some weeks afterward. Additionally, because we perform treatment on consecutive days, you must be able to stay in or around the San Diego area while undergoing your therapy.

Because each person’s brain and condition are unique, we customize treatment protocols specifically for each patient, guided by the qEEG results. And repeat qEEGs and clinical consultations occur every two weeks throughout treatment.

As a note, the potential side-effects of treatment are minimal and should begin to dissipate as you progress through treatment. Moreover, the effects of treatment generally last a lifetime, though some patients prefer occasional follow-up treatment as needed.

Improvements and results of MeRT are based on strict and active observation of our treatment protocols. Results may vary based on each person and are not guaranteed.

MeRT Treatment Featured on “The Broken Brain” Podcast

If you suffer from Depression, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), we highly recommend watching this incredible podcast. Dr. Erik Won, from Wave Neuroscience (the parent company behind MeRT technology), speaks about how this technology has evolved and the utilization of MeRT treatment for members of the military who have experienced Depression, TBI, and PTSD as a result of their service to their country. Dr. Won also gives testimony to the incredible successes that these veterans have realized as a result of going through treatment.

With other repercussions that can occur, for both military and veterans, this is incredibly important. For example, suicide is at twice the rate for veterans, with approximately 17 veteran deaths per day. In a high-stress environment, such as serving in the military, the transition afterward can be complicated and there are often underlying reasons for conditions that may occur. MeRT may help to address these issues.

Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and TBI don’t just affect veterans; if you are experiencing any symptoms as a result of any of these conditions, this podcast can be of help to you. Click here to watch this amazing podcast! 

Insurance Coverage and Payment Options

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

For all other insurance, we are considered out of network and cannot file insurance on your behalf. We can, however, provide you with the appropriate paperwork at the end of your treatment. Then you can submit it to your insurance company to see if they will provide you with any reimbursement.

Currently, rTMS is FDA cleared for Depression and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.) Treatment for all other conditions is considered “off-label.” However, 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. However, this depends on their health coverage. Additionally, 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

Care Credit is also an option to help finance medical expenses and is a separate company from The Brain Treatment Center San Diego. This is a credit card you can use to cover medical expenses and services. Additionally, they typically offer zero-interest financing for 12 months.

Usually, when you go to the Care Credit website and apply, they will rapidly let you know if you receive approval. 

Interested but not sure?

Talk with our New Patient Coordinator

It’s normal for patients and their families affected by neurological conditions to feel frustrated and isolated. After all, many have lost hope that treatment can improve the condition. And we have some understanding of what you may be going through.

However, there is hope. MeRT has helped patients restore their brain function, reclaim their lives, and feel passionate about living again. That’s why we want to help guide you through the process so that you can make an informed decision about whether MeRT is the right treatment for you or your child.

It costs nothing to call us and talk about what is happening. Our New Patient Coordinator is here for you. She understands your pain and can answer all your questions. Additionally, she can explain the process and protocols, costs, possible insurance benefits, and any other details you want to know. During this no-obligation consultation, she will take all the time you need to know whether you should take the next steps.

 

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

(619) 255-2101

Or fill in the form below and she will contact you.

Contact Us

For more information or to speak with our New Patient Coordinator, please fill in the information below.
  • Absolute Contraindications

    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.
  • Relative Contraindications

    Relative contraindications 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.

 

THE PATH TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE

LET’S GET STARTED

We identify & nurture where the brain has difficulty communicating. Our New Patient Coordinator is happy to talk with you, explain the our treatment protocols and fees and answer any questions you may have.

Contact our New Patient Coordinator for a Consultation

CALL: (619) 255-2101

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Contact Us

New Patients:
Contact our New Patient
Coordinator at
(619) 789-5613

 

Hours of Operation


Monday to Friday

8AM to 4PM

Our Locations

Brain Treatment San Diego
2918 Fifth Ave #300
San Diego, CA 92103
 
Our Cardiff Location:
2181 San Elijo Avenue
Cardiff, CA 92007