Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A Non-invasive, Drug-free Approach to Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Board-certified neurologist, Spencer Miller, M.D. and Nelson Jaeggli, M.D., have brought a state-of-the-art technology called MeRT for treatment of Post-Traumatic stress disorder to Fort Worth. MeRT, which stands for Magnetic Resonance E-Therapy is a non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical treatment for PTSD.
The treatment, which is guided by very sophisticated qEEG imaging, uses magnetic pulses to modulate and balance brain function.
Understanding PTSD and how MeRT can help relieve your Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after someone has endured or witnessed intensely distressing or life-threatening events. While some individuals gradually recover, others experience long-lasting or even worsening symptoms. PTSD may also appear well after the traumatic event has occurred—this is common in cases like childhood trauma, where the effects emerge years later, often triggered by new life events.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that approximately 3.6% of U.S. adults struggle with PTSD annually. The disorder can deeply affect daily functioning, emotional well-being, relationships, and the ability to handle normal life stress.
MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) offers a promising new path forward. This advanced, drug-free treatment uses highly customized magnetic stimulation guided by detailed brainwave analysis (qEEG) to target and regulate specific brain activity. By helping to rebalance neural networks, MeRT can improve the brain’s overall functionality and relieve symptoms of PTSD.
This technology has already helped hundreds of veterans who have battled the lasting effects of trauma. In fact, Defense One highlighted the therapy’s success in their article, “Zap: How Electric Therapy is Curing Navy SEALs of PTSD,” underscoring MeRT’s transformative impact on those affected by combat-related stress.
PTSD rarely exists in isolation. Many people also suffer from anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders. Fortunately, MeRT doesn’t just address PTSD—it can also target additional areas of dysregulation discovered during the initial brain scan. While the neuromodulation devices used in MeRT are FDA-cleared for treating Depression and OCD, ongoing clinical trials—such as those at Texas A&M University—are working toward securing approval for PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI). In the meantime, MeRT is available as an “off-label” treatment for these conditions, showing real promise where conventional therapies may fall short.
It was absolutely terrifying to not know what was wrong with me or how to fix the problem. MeRT not only identified the deteriorated state of my brainwave activity, they restored its function… I consider the healing I experienced to be a miracle.”
– MeRT Patient after PTSD Treatment
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Understanding PTSD: A Widespread and Often Overlooked Challenge
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after a person experiences or witnesses deeply disturbing or life-threatening events or prolonged extreme stress. While many people can process and move forward from trauma over time, others are left with long-lasting psychological effects that can severely impact their daily lives.
PTSD isn’t limited to military personnel or veterans—it can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. The root causes vary widely and often include:
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Serious accidents or injuries
- Life-threatening experiences
- Witnessing a violent act or the death of another
- Prolonged exposure to extreme stress or danger
- Combat or warfare
- Chronic or life-altering illness
Symptoms may begin soon after the traumatic event or be delayed for months or even years. In many cases, PTSD is also accompanied by anxiety, depression, or emotional numbness, making recovery even more complex.
And while some individuals find that symptoms gradually lessen with time, unresolved trauma can resurface unexpectedly, especially when triggered by reminders of the original event.
How MeRT Can Help PTSD
The first step is a qEEG (quantitative EEG, or brain scan) to identify any dysregulation occurring in the brain. The results will show the brain’s brainwave pattern and function. This detailed analysis allows Dr. Miller to determine the exact neural synchronization protocol that will be used for each patient with the objective of encouraging improved communication within the brain which can lead to significant clinical improvements. *
A proven method of treating PTSD is with rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). rTMS modulates the brain’s activity by using magnetic fields which pass through the scalp to specifically targeted areas.
MeRT utilizes rTMS, however it is a greatly improved process since the treatment is individualized based on each patient’s condition and needs based on the qEEG results. Frequency, location, and power used is customized for each individual.
MeRT is a more evolved version of TMS since its protocol combines technologies of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), and Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) which allows for treatment protocol based on each person’s unique brain pattern.
MeRT for PTSD is usually 4-8 weeks long. Since it is a type of therapy, appointments are every day, Monday through Friday, and commonly last approximately 30-minutes. Usually the patient will begin to notice improvements in the way they feel during the first week. After going through treatment, there is normally not a need for any follow up treatment for PTSD, unless the patient undergoes additional trauma.
- Result do vary from one individual to the next.
“That’s a miracle.”
Combat has robbed me of the ability to show my husband spontaneous affection. My husband’s PTSD was so severe that if I reach for him, he flinches. He swings at me and pushes and has actually smacked me. I have not been able to go up behind him and put my arms around him for seven years.
“But I was finally able to for the first time yesterday after only two days of treatment. I actually walked up behind him, and he didn’t jump or flinch as I hugged him. He instead turned around and hugged me tight, kissed me, and said, ‘I love you.’ He’s usually never affectionate, loving, or happy towards me. That’s a miracle!” – wife of Marine veteran
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MeRT treatment for PTSD comes from years of independent research studies
MeRT is a specialized form of rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) that has been custommized to improve its effectiveness. A wide range of studies have been published in respected scientific journals which support the foundation of MeRT. Here are some excerpts from some of these publications.
A retrospective chart review to assess the impact of alpha-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation on symptoms of PTSD and depression in active-duty special operations service members, 21 June 2024.
“This data provides a demonstration of significant reduction in PTSD and depression symptoms and safety with the application of a-rTMS in active-duty special operations military personnel. Expansion of targeted neuromodulation programs could be impactful for military and civilian populations.”
How Electric Therapy Is Curing Navy SEALs of PTSD, Jan 2019.
“Hundreds of vets have tried out an experimental new treatment that could change how the world addresses mental disorders.” And, “All said that they saw big improvements after a course of therapy that ran five days a week for about four weeks.”
Synchronized transcranial magnetic stimulation for posttraumatic stress disorder and comorbid major depression:
“All participants demonstrated significant reductions in PTSD and MDD symptoms (all p < .001). As expected, there were significant reductions in symptoms in both treatment groups, but active stimulation did provide greater reductions in count of PTSD moderate-to-severe symptoms.”
Magnetic Resonance Therapy Improve Clinical Phenotype and EEG Alpha Power in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, in Trauma Monthly, November 2015.
‘This study suggests that non-invasive neuromodulation magnetic resonance therapy may lead clinical improvements as well as a trend toward normalization of EEG pathophysiology in PTSD.”
Magnetic E-Resonant Therapy Alleviates Combat Related Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, in Aerospace Medical Association, March 2017.
“Our preliminary results suggest that transcranial MeRT may provide an alternate method to help veterans suffering from PTSD.”
Individualized Electromagnetic Treatment in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: a Randomized, Double-blind, Sham-controlled Trial, Poster Accepted, Taghva, et al.
“This double-blind, randomized, controlled trial shows that transcranial magnetic therapy based on individualized frequencies derived from EEG/EKG is an effective therapy for PTSD in improving overall symptoms and quality of sleep.”
EEG_EKG Guided TMS in veterans with PTSD_Randomized double-blinded pilot study.
“Following 2 weeks of EEG-EKG guided transmagnetic stimulation, significant changes in symptom severity and EEG measures are reported for 80 retired military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Patients had greatest comparative reductions in PCL-M subscales VII “avoid situation indicator” XII “short future indicator” and XIII “trouble falling or staying asleep indicator”. The improvement in sleep was confirmed for treated vs sham group in PSQI-A, and, may suggest correlation between sleep disorder and PTSD symptoms. Of the 37 patients who had suicidal ideation by HAM-D, 29 patients denied ideation by 4 weeks. No patient worsened in clinical PTSD symptoms after receiving therapy. “
Low-frequency, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: a Double-blind, Sham-controlled Study, Nam et al, 2013.
“The present study showed low-frequency rTMS to be an effective and tolerable option for the treatment of PTSD. Trials using variable indices of rTMS to the right prefrontal cortex and explorations of the differences in the effects on specific symptom clusters may be promising avenues of research regarding the use of rTMS for PTSD.
Medical Director, Board-Certified Neurologist Dr. Miller
Dr. Spencer O. Miller is the owner and Medical Director of the Brain Treatment Center Fort Worth as well as the Brain Treatment Centers in Dallas and Plano. He is a board-certified neurologist, who has been in practice for 15 years.
Dr. Miller specializes in MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) treatment of traumatic brain injury, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia, autism, and multiple other neurological conditions.
He is also affiliated with Baylor University Medical Center, where he specializes in stroke, headache medicine, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and seizure.
Hear from Veterans who received PTSD Treatment with MeRT
MeRT for PTSD Treatment Testimonials
“THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for your help with TMS/MeRT for my PTSD symptoms! Refiring those frontal lobe neurons had me reading ten novels in six months! I’ve NEVER read that many in ALL my prior life!
“The confusion, distraction, and memory issues were greatly reduced. The treatment does wonders. And whatever you did last time had an unexpected, incredibly wonderful effect. Besides helping with my sciatic, shoulder, and leg pains, I STOPPED TAKING OXYCODONE A WEEK AFTER, COLD TURKEY, unexpectedly AND WITH ZERO WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS!
“IT WAS LIKE I’D NEVER TAKEN THEM, but the truth is that I did for at least a decade prior. It was Vicodin for the decade prior to that. Now, while I do have some pains, I take NO OPIODS! I manage with ibuprofen, and Tylenol. This is worth every penny. THANK YOU!”
PTSD Patient
Patient“We have seen a dramatic change in Alex. He is so calm, happy, and positive. He wakes more alert. The man I knew was inside of him has finally come out. We are so much closer as a couple, and the relationship between our kids and him is much more functional.
“The VA has treated him for the past six years, and he’s undergone so much individual and group therapy, but it has NEVER had this positive effect on him. I will forever be grateful.”
Wife of Army Veteran
“Of all my injuries, by far the worst were the ones you could not see. I had degraded to the point of not being able to leave my home because of panic attacks and severe anxiety. I could not hide from this feeling, and no medication could numb it.
“At one point, I told my doctor I couldn’t kill myself because I have a family with young children that I am responsible for. I was living in despair and physical pain every day without reprieve — that is, until I was able to get treatment.
“I underwent neural restorative therapy [MeRT] for two months with total symptom resolution. Now I can function again at work and can spend much-needed time with my family. I have my sense of well-being back and a clarity of thought I haven’t had in many years.”
US Army Veteran
“With being diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and anxiety by Veterans Affairs, a calm and welcoming environment is important. The treatment makes me sleep longer and deeper than before treatment. My ‘dark feelings’ fade away. I feel happy and calm.”
Sean K.
“Within four days of being treated, I was sleeping through the night. My anger had subsided significantly, and I was smiling and enjoying things again. I was able to focus and concentrate on information much more efficiently and easily and did not get lost in conversation as I had prior to coming to BTC. My chronic headaches had ceased, my balance was returning, and my ringing in my ears (tinnitus) had also ceased.”
Marine EOD Tech
Patient“The experience I had at BTC was nothing short of a miracle. The treatment I received has completely changed my life for the better.
“I was able to reset my circadian rhythm and sleep through the night without medication. My nightmares became few and far between. My anxiety lessened almost immediately, and I became able to do the things I used to enjoy, like going to the gym, cooking, and reading.
“I could focus my attention again, and my mood lightened a lot. My fiancé and family immediately noticed the change in me and said that it was like they had gotten their ‘old’ Sarah back.”
US Army Veteran
PatientA Talk with Dr. Erik Won about MeRT on The Broken Brain Podcast
The Broken Brain Podcast, known for delving into the complexities of brain and body health, featured an eye-opening episode focused on Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) as a groundbreaking approach to treating neurological conditions—particularly PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Dr. Erik Won, President and Chief Medical Officer of Wave Neuroscience, the company behind MeRT, shared insights on the therapy’s powerful impact. He discussed its use with military veterans struggling with conditions such as depression, PTSD, and TBI as a result of their service. Dr. Won also shared remarkable stories of recovery, highlighting how MeRT has helped transform the lives of many veterans, restoring functionality and improving quality of life where other treatments had fallen short.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator for More Information about MeRT
We’re Here to Help – No Pressure, Just Support
Our dedicated New Patient Coordinator is available Monday through Friday to answer any questions you may have—no pressure, no obligation. Whether you’re curious about how MeRT works, want details on the treatment process, or have questions about pricing or insurance, she’s here to provide clear, compassionate guidance.
If you decide you’d like to explore MeRT further, she can assist in scheduling your next steps. This includes a non-invasive brain scan (qEEG) followed by a consultation a few days later.
After your qEEG is completed, Dr. Spencer O. Miller will thoroughly review your results alongside your symptoms to gain a detailed understanding of your brain activity. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through the findings and explain what they may mean for your neurological health.
Hope Begins with Information
We encourage you to reach out and learn more. Gathering information is the first step toward making an informed decision about whether MeRT may be a helpful option for you or your loved one. With a strong track record of success in treating a range of brain-based conditions, we’ve seen many lives change for the better.
At this stage, we’ll help determine whether MeRT is a good fit—and from there, the decision to proceed is entirely yours.
