Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects children, teens, and adults, making them feel trapped in the trauma and constantly struggling with the emotional fallout. The professional team at the BrainCare Performance Center understand that living with PTSD is tough, and relief may not come from conventional treatment. But don’t give up hope — they have helped many people overcome PTSD with Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT). MeRT is a noninvasive, drug-free, and long-lasting treatment for PTSD and its accompanying conditions, anxiety and depression. Call the office in Carlsbad, California, today or book an appointment online.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder? 

After you experience (or witness) a scary or life-threatening event, the intense psychological trauma may stop your brain from processing the experience and working through your emotions. Instead, they get trapped in your memory, triggering symptoms and causing PTSD.

The threatening events that often lead to PTSD include: 

• Combat duty
• Gun violence
• Physical assault or abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual violence
• Robberies or home invasions
• Accidents (car, plane, boat, etc.)
• Death of a loved one
• Hurricanes, tornados, and other natural disasters 

PTSD may occur after one trauma or many events. For example, growing up with emotional abuse or ongoing bullying may cause PTSD. 

What symptoms does post-traumatic stress disorder cause? 

PTSD causes intrusive thoughts and emotional and behavioral changes, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Isolation from family and friends
• Irritability and anger
• Uncharacteristic aggression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Memory loss
• Guilt or shame
• Avoidance

Avoidance means that you purposefully stay away from places, activities, or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event. 

How is PTSD treated?

You may try many treatments to deal with your PTSD, including therapy and medications. But if the trauma still haunts your brain, you may feel stuck inside your head and isolated from others with no way out. 

Don’t give up because Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) can help. MeRT combines three techniques to produce effective results:

Quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG)

A qEEG records your brainwaves, which show the electrical activity in the brain’s nerves. Your provider uses the information to map your brainwaves and identify unusual areas where the electrical activity is too low. 

Reduced electrical activity means the nerves are underperforming and your brain lacks the chemicals needed to function properly. That’s when PTSD symptoms begin. 

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

Your provider determines your optimal treatment by comparing the heart’s electrical activity (recorded on your EKG) with your qEEG results. 

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

TMS sends magnetic pulses into the targeted dysfunctional brain area. The pulses stimulate nerve activity, increasing brain chemicals and strengthening connections in the brain. These changes restore healthy brain function and give you relief from your PTSD.

TMS involves five treatments a week for two weeks. If a qEEG and your symptoms show improvement, you have another two to four weeks of treatments to produce long-lasting results.

Connect online or call BrainCare Performance Center and speak with their New Patient Coordinator today to learn the details about MeRT treatment for PTSD.