Longevity clinic
Brain Treatment Center & TMS Clinics
Last updated Sat May 30 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
What TMS is
Transcranial magnetic stimulation uses focused magnetic pulses to depolarise cortical neurons non-invasively. Standard protocols for treatment-resistant depression involve 30–36 sessions over 6–9 weeks, typically targeting left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
Evidence
- Major depression: solid FDA-cleared evidence; meta-analyses show ~30–40% remission rates in treatment-resistant patients.
- OCD: deep TMS FDA-cleared.
- Migraine: single-pulse TMS device cleared.
- Smoking cessation: deep TMS FDA-cleared.
What "MeRT" is
Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) is a proprietary protocol used by Brain Treatment Center and affiliates, customising stimulation frequency to an individual’s EEG. Marketed for autism, post-concussion, PTSD, cognitive enhancement — indications with much weaker evidence than depression.
What to consider
- TMS for depression is legitimate; if you have treatment-resistant depression, ask a psychiatrist about it — available through many psychiatric practices, often covered by insurance.
- Proprietary "anti-aging cognitive" TMS protocols have not been validated by independent RCTs.
- Side effects of TMS are generally mild (transient scalp discomfort, headache); seizure risk is rare with proper screening.