DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES:
CBS Cognitive Assessment
CBS stands for Cambridge Brain Sciences, the leading online platform for cognitive assessment. CBS is in a unique position to push the boundaries of our understanding of the brain, as they have one of the largest secure cognitive databases.
In fact, since 2009, hundreds of thousands of people have used CBS to gain a deeper understanding of their brain health while contributing to large-scale scientific studies that have advanced our knowledge of the brain. Because of their impressive results, we offer this testing as part of our initial analysis.
These tests will quantify core aspects of your brain health using a set of fun, gamified, and scientifically validated cognitive tasks. Once you complete the tests, you will receive a comprehensive yet simple and easy-to-read cognitive assessment report in minutes. We at BrainStim Centers recommend everyone take these tests before, during, and after any treatment.
Quantitative EEG
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures the electrical patterns of the brain. It is painless and completely non-invasive. The patterns shown on the EEG reflect the cortical activity of the brain, also referred to as brainwaves.
A qEEG, or quantitative EEG, is an in-depth analysis of the digitized EEG, sometimes referred to as brain mapping. The scan takes about 20 minutes. We use this test to provide a comprehensive analysis of an individual’s brain activity.
An EEG measures the current attention and metabolic state of the brain, which is constantly changing based on alertness, consciousness, and the neurological state of the individual being tested. For those with neurological conditions, we may see significant EEG rhythm variations.
As each EEG is completely unique to the individual, we can tailor our approach to give the best possible outcomes for each patient with their specific needs.
MRI
While many MRI scans involve placing you inside a machine, ours does not. Our MRI is much faster and requires no sedation, no injections, and no claustrophobia because of being placed in a tube. It is easy and completely painless. In fact, after about nine minutes, you are all done!
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head produces detailed images of your brain and brain stem. Additionally, our MRI produces high-resolution anatomic details in the brain without needing radiation. And this type of MRI provides excellent contrast between the different soft tissues of the body, which makes it especially useful in imaging brain pathology. According to studies, this type of MRI can identify traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other physical issues with the brain.
Because of its inherent benefits, a brain MRI is an essential tool for diagnosing diseases and planning treatments. However, the normally long scan time for a brain MRI can limit its effectiveness in patients who are prone to motion and frequently require sedatives. In fact, some full MRI scans can take up to an hour, and this can risk motion artifacts in the images (from patient movement). That’s why patients often need general anesthesia, at an added cost and discomfort. But there’s no need for any of that with our much quicker MRI protocols.
If you are concerned about possible neurological issues, possible traumatic brain injury, or other brain issues, you can come to us for any or all of the above diagnostics.
You can do any of this testing here at BrainStim whether or not you continue with treatment here.
BRAIN TREATMENT SERVICES:
TMS using MeRT
MeRT, or Magnetic Resonance Therapy, involves the use of a quantitative EEG (qEEG), which is a comprehensive brain scan, to tailor a treatment plan for highly individualized TMS. We use MeRT to treat:
- Depression/MDD/TRD, PTSD
- Autism
- Traumatic Brain Injuries or Concussions
- Anxiety
- Tinnitus
- Addiction Issues or Substance Use Disorders
We also use MeRT to improve focus, memory, and overall brain performance.
In simple terms, we will use noninvasive magnetic waves directed at specific areas of the brain that are not communicating or connecting as they should, to gently stimulate those regions.
With the thorough diagnostics that we have used to isolate exactly what is happening in each patient’s brain, we develop your customized treatment plan to stimulate and “wake up” regions of the brain affected by a variety of neurological conditions.
You will simply sit in a comfortable chair while a trained technician carefully positions a simple device on your head. This device produces a magnetic field to induce mild magnetic currents in the targeted regions of the brain. There is no pain and no electrical currents, just a slight sensation.
The technician will apply the stimulation for six to eight seconds per minute. A typical appointment is 45 minutes, 30 minutes of which involves stimulation.
The neuromodulation equipment used by the MeRT approach has been cleared by the FDA in the treatment of depression and OCD and may be used off-label for other disorders in the practice of medicine.
For more information about MeRT, click here to go to our What is MeRT page.
TMS using Standard Protocol
TMS with standard protocol is used to treat MDD (Major Depressive Disorder), TRD (Treatment-Resistant Depression), Depression, and OCD.
It is a highly tailored form of TMS that requires an MRI, which is then used for mapping and specific targeting of TMS treatment. You may qualify for insurance benefits with this treatment.
The team at BrainStim Centers, Inc. performs TMS using standard protocol because it delivers customized and consistent treatment.
Your TMS therapy begins with an MRI of your brain, which is turned into a detailed 3D image. The 3D image is an accurate spatial representation of your brain, used to find the target area for your treatment.
After we program your personalized information into the system, every TMS session will precisely treat that specific area without affecting other areas of your brain.
This smart focus technology contains a painless infrared tracker that follows the movement of your head, allowing the computer to adjust in real-time, keeping your treatment accurate and precise.
For more information on TMS using standard protocol, click here to go to our Nexstim page.
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Talk with our New Patient Coordinator
Our New Patient Coordinator is here for you, and we understand what you may be going through. To that end, 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 services, processes, 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
