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Brainstim Centers TMS & MeRT, Encino & Valencia CA

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

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How Childhood Trauma can Affect the Brain

Dr. Mark Liker, located in the Greater Los Angeles Area, Can Help You Overcome the Effects of Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma is all too common these days. Approximately 14% of Americans report that they experienced emotional abuse or neglect during their childhood. And that trauma can also cause permanent changes to the structure of the brain.

A recent article in The Irish Times went into detail about brain health and adverse childhood experiences:

“Psychological studies have shown… that traumatic experiences in childhood have the potential to alter a child’s brain through the narrowing of neural pathways which may cause longer-term effects in areas such as attachment issues, physical health, emotional regulation, dissociation cognitive abilities, self-concept and behavioural [sic] control. Brain development in infancy and early childhood lays the foundation for all future development.”

It is important to note that extended periods of trauma in childhood can increase the chances of:

  • anxiety disorders
  • bipolar disorder
  • major depression
  • personality disorders
  • PTSD
  • psychosis

As another example, a study used an MRI to measure changes in brain structure among young adults who had experienced childhood trauma. As a result of their testing, they discovered differences in nine brain regions between those who had experienced childhood abuse and neglect and those who had not.

It’s probably not surprising to you that trauma in childhood affects people later in life. However, the manner in which this trauma alters the brain is important to understand. After all, the more we know the areas of the brain affected, the more we can treat those areas and lessen the effects in adults.

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

CALL:(310) 895-7122

Three Levels of Childhood Stress

childhood traumaEvery child experiences stress. After all, stress is a part of life, and an important way to learn how to handle situations and increase resilience. However, there are different levels of stress, each of which has a different impact on the brain.

Positive Stress is a moderate type of stress, which only lasts for a short time and is a normal part of life. Examples of this type of stress may include being left in daycare for the first time or visiting the doctor. Learning to adjust to positive stress is vital for healthy childhood development.

Tolerable Stress can be more serious, such as the death of a loved one or a natural disaster. This type of stress can potentially cause damage to the brain but occurs infrequently enough to give the brain time to heal.

Toxic Stress is another matter entirely. This occurs when the stress is strong, frequent, and prolonged, such as abuse, neglect, or violence. This toxic stress disrupts normal brain development and can rewire certain parts of the brain.

Areas of the Brain Affected by Childhood Trauma

How Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation TMS Works to Improve Brain FunctionThe US Department of Health and Human Services laid out five different areas which may be affected by childhood stress and trauma:

  • Reduced size of the hippocampus, the area central to learning and memory.
  • Decrease in volume of the corpus callosum, responsible for communication between brain hemispheres and specifically, integrating motor, sensory, and cognitive performance.
  • Reduction in size of the cerebellum, affecting motor skills and coordination.
  • Smaller prefrontal cortex, which is critical for behavior, emotional and social regulation, and perception.
  • Overactivity in the amygdala, the area responsible for processing emotions and determining whether something is potentially dangerous.

As we have noted above, these impacts on the brain will affect how a child responds to life. Moreover, adults who have experienced this type of childhood neglect and abuse are far more likely to deal with depression, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and more.

Recovering from this type of trauma and its long-term effects on the brain can be an arduous process, particularly when trying to figure out which forms of therapy will work. However, with the proper treatment, including therapies like MeRT, there is hope.

In essence, MeRT focuses on balancing brainwave activity to ease symptoms. We do this by performing a qEEG (brain mapping) to identify the imbalance. Then, we strengthen the brainwave activity through a highly personalized treatment plan using TMS.

 

Would you like a consultation with our New Patient Coordinator?

If you’ve been experiencing the adverse effects of childhood trauma, then we want to help. And it costs nothing to call us and talk about what is happening.

During your call, the New Patient Coordinator will listen to you and answer your questions. She will also explain our process and protocols, as well as costs, possible insurance benefits, and any other details you want to know.

There are no obligations and she will take all the time you need in order to determine whether you should take the next steps.

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

CALL:(310) 895-7122

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

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.

 

 

Filed Under: Blog, General Tagged With: brain, childhood trauma, depression, Dr Mark Liker, Encino Ca, MeRT, PTSD, stress, TMS, Valencia CA April 28, 2022 By Anne Hill

Optimal Brain Function is Our Mission

Call Us For More Information

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 Free Consultation

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Phone and Hours

New Patients:

(310) 895-7122

Fax: (818) 475-1433

Email us: info@brainstimcenters.com

Hours:
Monday to Friday 9AM to 5PM


Holiday hours: We are closed:
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Our Locations

Encino Location:
16260 Ventura Blvd, Suite 700,
Encino, CA 91436

Valencia Location
28212 Kelly Johnson Pkwy, Suite 215,
Valencia, CA 91355

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BrainStim Centers, Inc
BrainStim Centers, Inc
5.0
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JakobJakob
03:04 01 Jul 21
I have been struggling with insomnia for the past 6 years. Most doctors have just prescribed me medications with horrible side effects. I then found Brainstim Centers. I received 36 treatments and I could not have imagined such improvement in my sleep. I went from averaging 4 hours of sleep a night to 8 hours a night after the treatment. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. Special shout-out to Christy and Alex.
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