Pre-Diagnostics

MRI

At BrainStim Centers, we use a specialized MRI to capture detailed images of your brain that help guide your personalized care. MRIs are non-invasive, pain-free, and are typically completed in about 15 minutes.

About your MRI

• If you received a link to this website, you have already been scheduled for your MRI appointment,
  • The time, date and address of your appointment can be viewed on your official BrainStim Schedule which has been emailed to you.
• This scan provides important imaging that helps guide your care and treatment planning
• If you need to reschedule your MRI, please contact Roxanna at (747)247-1700 

Before your Appointment

• Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and any necessary paperwork
• This helps ensure a smooth, stress-free experience 

During the MRI 

• The scan takes approximately 15 minutes
• You will lie on a table that gently moves into the MRI machine
• Only your upper body (up to your chest) will be inside the machine
• The machine can be loud, and earplugs will be provided
• We recommend keeping the earplugs in for the entire scan
• No needles or contrast are required 

If you have concerns

• If you experience claustrophobia, let the technician know
• A mirror can be provided so you can see outside the machine
• If you plan to take medication to help you relax:
  • Please notify us in advance 
    This may affect scheduling of other diagnostics (such as EEG)
  • You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

After your MRI

• Please wait to receive your burned CD before leaving.
• You will need to bring this CD to your BrainStim appointment.

EEG

At BrainStim Centers, we use an electroencephalogram (EEG) to observe your brain wave frequencies and isolate the exact amplitude of your peak Alpha frequency. EEGs are non-invasive, pain free, and are usually done in about 30 minutes.  

Your technician will explain the setup process, which includes:

• Placing a lead* on your chest for an EKG recording. 
• Fitting a cap on your head (similar to a swim cap, but looser). 
• Applying a small amount of conducting gel under the cap to ensure accurate readings.  

-The conducting gel that we use is water soluble, so while your head/hair may feel wet after the EEG, it will come out with water when you shower next.  

There are some things that you should and should not do to prepare for your EEG:  

DO: 

• Get a good night’s sleep the night before
• Take your medications as usual.
• Try to have a relaxing morning before your EEG. 
• Drink water/eat as normal.
• Remove any adhesive that was present on your head for extensions/wigs.

DON’T:

• Drink anything with caffeine in it before your EEG.
• Put gel/dry shampoo/hair spray in your hair.
• Take any medications that affect cognition (unless prescribed).
• Consume alcohol within 12 hours of your EEG.
• Use any cannabis products within 12 hours of your EEG.

Once set up, your technician will ask you to close your eyes and relax in a dimly lit room for 10 minutes while we record your brain activity. Your technician will remain in the room and may gently remind you to relax if they notice any muscle tension. 

When your scan is done, your technician will remove the cap from your head and the EKG lead from your chest and give you a paper towel to wipe off some of the conducting gel. Feel free to use our restrooms if you would like to organize your hair/clean off the gel more thoroughly. 

Assessments

All patients take assessments before and after the of their treatment to assess their mental and neurological health symptoms. Which assessments you are assigned depend on your medical history.

All patients take the PHQ9 and GAD7 assessments.

MDD patients with a history of PTSD take the PCL5.

MDD patients with a history of OCD take the YBOCS.

TBI patients take the RPQ, CHEMS, and PCL5.

Patients receiving daily treatments will repeat assessments every Friday throughout the course of their treatment.