How Specialized Transcranial Magnetic Resonance Therapy can help

The number of people receiving a diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)  is increasing rapidly.  This increase has led to a renewed interest in therapies that may help individuals manage their symptoms.  ASD is a developmental condition that is often discovered in childhood with the most common age for diagnosis around 2-3 years.  However, in recent times, as awareness around the condition grows, more people are being diagnosed in adulthood.  The disorder affects communication, social interaction and behavior.  One of the more recent developments in treatment for ASD is  Magnetic eResonance Therapy (MeRT), a highly specialized form of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

About Autism

Present from birth, ASD (Autism spectrum disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition.  Autism affects how the brain develops and, as a result, how it functions, particularly in areas associated with social skills, behavior and verbal communication.  It can present itself in various ways, with one of the most common signs being a lack of eye contact, which is often seen in early childhood.  Later, individuals may have problems picking up social cues from others, leading to problematic social interactions and behavioral issues.  Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that there is a wide range of different behaviors, and the severity may differ from person to person.  For example, where one person with ASD may struggle to communicate verbally, another may excel in this area but struggle with understanding non-verbal or social cues when interacting with others.

What Causes Autism?

There is no consensus about what the exact cause of ASD is.  However, experts agree that it is likely due to a combination of factors.  Genetics is one such factor, and research indicates that a child with an autistic parent is more likely to develop ASD.  Environmental factors have been implicated, too, including issues during pregnancy or birth.  However, no one can agree if ASD is a result of these factors alone or in combination.

What we do know is that there is no cure for ASD, but early intervention can often help improve social skills and communication and move the individual towards better interpersonal relationships and, therefore, greater independence, over time.  These treatments include speech therapy, behavioral therapy and occupational therapy.  For adults, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help challenge behavior causing social problems.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation vs MeRT in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) are similar in many ways.  Both are non-invasive and use magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain areas.  The main difference is how the stimulation is delivered and the highly individualized stimulation used by MeRT.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is effective in multiple mood disorders, including major depression and anxiety.  The treatment protocols are similar for most patients.  With Magnetic eResonance Therapy, the treatment protocols are adapted to fit the unique needs of the individual’s brain.  This personalization is essential for ASD, which can present in numerous different ways.

The goal of treatment in both cases is similar: to help regulate the activity within the brain.  For TMS, this involves general stimulation of the areas associated with mood; with MeRT, the targeted area may change according to the results of the EEG (electroencephalogram).

How MeRT can help people with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The difficulties experienced by people with autism are linked to differences in brain function.  These differences are identified using the EEG.  For example, hypersensitivity to sound can be isolated to a different brain area than the ability to understand non-verbal cues.  By targeting the magnetic pulses to address the issues experienced by the individual precisely, MeRT can help stabilize activity in these brain areas.  In tailoring the location and strength of the magnetic pulses, MeRT helps the brain to fine-tune itself to help reduce bothersome symptoms such as anxiety states, lack of emotional control or repetitive behavior.  It may also help to improve attention and learning in some people.

Key Benefits of MeRT in the treatment of ASD

Like TMS, MeRT is a non-invasive and safe procedure.  While no medical treatment can be guaranteed as side-effect-free, the benefit of MeRT is that it does not produce any body-wide side-effects in the way that medication often can.  The lack of side effects makes  MeRT appealing to people who do not tolerate the traditional medicines used for ASD.  Most people report no ill effects from MeRt.  Others have reported mild headache, dizziness or tapping on the scalp during the treatment.  These effects are mild and go away once the procedure is complete.

Since ASD presents differently between individuals, MeRT may work better for one person than for another, and some people respond more rapidly than others.  However, this is all discussed during the initial assessment process to ensure that MeRT is the best way forward.   While it cannot address every problem, it does help to reduce symptoms and encourage the development of new skills.  It is best used in a more extensive treatment plan, including traditional behavioral therapy therapies.

What to expect

You will receive a full assessment, including your medical and psychological history.  If MeRT is suitable for you, an EEG will be performed.  This process is entirely painless.  You will be fitted with a cap with electrodes attached to wires connecting to the EEG machine.  Conductive gel is applied to increase electrical conductivity.  Some people find this a little uncomfortable as the cap may slightly pull the hair.  Once the EEG is ready, you must stay still and calm for around 10 minutes.  If you are anxious, you can play music during this time.  The EEG looks at the following brain waves:

• Delta – usually seen in deep sleep
• Theta – usually seen in light sleep
• Alpha – seen when a person is relaxed
• Beta – seen when a person is awake, active and engaged

Once the test is over, the EEG readings will be examined, and a Magnetic eResonance Therapy treatment plan will be discussed.

MeRT sessions take place daily on weekdays.  The overall course will be decided based on your requirements.  Once you are relaxed and comfortable, a magnetic coil will be placed against your scalp over the brain area determined in your assessment.  You will then receive the treatment, during which you may feel tapping sensations on your scalp.  The treatment will last about 30-45 minutes, after which you can go about your usual activities.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on TMS and MeRT.  A member of our highly trained team is waiting to take your call.