Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion Treatment in Rancho Mirage, CA
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries can have lasting and damaging effects. MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) can help to recover brain connectivity and function.
Just Had a Head Injury? Get Emergency Care First.
Brain Care Rancho Mirage does not provide emergency care, diagnostic imaging, or urgent evaluation, and MeRT® is not a treatment for a head injury that just happened. If you or someone you’re with has taken a recent blow to the head and has any of the following, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room now:
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- A worsening or severe headache
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Slurred speech or difficulty waking up
- Seizures
- New weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination
- Unequal pupil size
- Growing confusion, agitation, or disorientation
Once you’ve been medically evaluated and any urgent concerns are addressed, MeRT may help with what comes next: the lingering after-effects that can remain for weeks, months, or years after the injury itself has healed.
MeRT Approach
Life can be a burden after a Traumatic Brain Injury. But there is hope.
Headaches, dizziness, nausea, memory problems — if you’ve ever had a traumatic brain injury or a concussion, you know these feelings and more. And while the symptoms can resolve over time if it’s a mild concussion, sometimes they’re more severe. And they don’t improve despite every possible medication or treatment.
That’s when life often becomes unbearable. And that’s when you need a different solution, one that has helped thousands overcome the painful, debilitating symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury.
It’s called MeRT®, or Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy. Simply stated, MeRT uses a magnetic field to stimulate and balance brain function, guided by sophisticated imaging and diagnostics. It can result in a dramatic reduction in symptoms.
Talk to our New Patient Coordinator
She is happy to explain how it all works and answer any questions you may have, with no obligation.
Or fill out the form below and she will contact you.
MeRT is a personalized treatment for the after-effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury or concussion — designed for the recovery period once the injury itself has already been medically treated.
We provide TBI and concussion treatment to patients from Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, La Quinta, and the greater Coachella Valley.
“I’ve had a radical healing.”
“I’d just always ‘outworked’ it. After the last concussion, that wasn’t an option, even though I had previously walked off a dozen concussions. It’s vital to know that not all TBIs result in massive concussions, but they all add to the erosion of the mind and self if untreated.
“Through EEG, MeRT, and some subtle sleep and attention shifts, I’ve had a radical nourishing, strengthening, and, dare I say, ‘healing,’ bringing me to see life through a filter I’ve never known was available.
“Giving life a chance is sometimes just staying in ‘the Try.’ If you are damaged, confused, and at the end, know that you have allies you’ve never met before.” – Tait Fletcher, Actor and Stunt Performer
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) defines TBI, or Traumatic Brain Injury, as “a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury.” TBIs can range from severe (gunshot) to mild (blow to the head or body).
A concussion is considered to be a mild TBI, and the Mayo Clinic defines a concussion as “a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance, and coordination.”
However, while a TBI may be medically referred to as “mild” since it’s not life-threatening, the results can be anything but mild.
When your head suddenly hits an object, or when it moves violently back and forth (such as in a car accident), your brain can bounce around or twist in the skull.
This can also cause chemical changes in your brain or damage to brain cells. And these changes may last a lifetime.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury include:
- Falls (especially in older adults and young children)
- Motor vehicle crashes and other transportation-related causes (eg, bicycle crashes, collisions with pedestrians)
- Assaults
- Sports activities
Sports-Related Head Injuries
Athletes are among those most likely to sustain a TBI — and among the most likely to have after-effects go unaddressed once the season ends.
Sports-Related Head Injury Statistics
- 7 in 10 sports- and recreation-related TBI emergency room visits are for kids age 17 and under
- 45% of those youth ER visits come from just three contact sports: football, basketball, and soccer
- 2 in 3+ high school sports concussions happen from athlete-to-athlete collisions, not falls
Source: CDC HEADS UP, Sports & Recreation-Related TBI Data
Why After-Effects Are Especially Common in Athletes
Athletes are often cleared to return to school, work, or daily life before subtler symptoms — trouble concentrating, mood changes, sleep disruption — have fully resolved. Repeated hits over a season or a career can also accumulate in ways a single scan won’t show. That’s often why a former athlete can look “fine” on paper years later and still be dealing with the same lingering fog, irritability, or headaches they had right after their injury.
Research increasingly shows that emergency-room counts capture only a fraction of the real picture: a 2025 CDC-supported national survey found that roughly 1 in 10 children and 1 in 8 adults sustain a concussion or TBI in a given year — far more than ER visits alone would suggest, since most people never go to the hospital at all.
Where MeRT Fits In
Once an athlete has been cleared by their physician or athletic trainer and any return-to-play protocol has run its course, MeRT starts with a qEEG brain map to see how their specific injury shows up in their brainwave patterns. Treatment is then built around those individual patterns — not a generic protocol — to support the brain’s own recovery process for the symptoms that rest and training-room care alone haven’t resolved. Retired NFL center Nick Hardwick, whose story appears below, is among the athletes who have gone through MeRT treatment for a TBI.
MeRT does not replace concussion protocols, baseline testing, or return-to-play clearance from a qualified medical provider — it picks up after that process, not instead of it.
Depending on the severity of the injury, TBI symptoms can include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headaches or Migraines
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Vision changes and/or dilated pupils
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Memory issues
- Confusion
- Cognitive problems or decline
- Inappropriate emotional responses
- Anger
- Depression
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Feeling of isolation
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Numbness and tingling in different parts of the body
- Loss of function or weakness in other parts of the body
- Breathing problems
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Facial weakness
- Loss of hearing or tinnitus
TRICARE coverage and TBI
TRICARE currently covers rTMS therapy for adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. Because depression is one of the most common secondary effects of traumatic brain injury, some TBI patients may be eligible for TRICARE-covered treatment through a co-occurring depression diagnosis. Our Patient Care Coordinator can review your benefits and walk you through the process.
Long-term effects of Traumatic Brain Injury
If left untreated, a Traumatic Brain Injury can lead to a shortened lifespan and significant complications. According to the Journal of Neurotrauma:
“Traumatic brain injury (TBI) produces both acute and more chronic consequences that lead to permanent disabilities that increase long-term mortality and reduced life expectancy.”
The Journal explains that untreated TBI can result in various secondary pathological conditions. These can include seizures, sleep disorders, nervous system diseases, endocrine disorders, and psychiatric problems.
For patients with a moderate head injury, approximately 60% will make a positive recovery, and an estimated 25% will have moderately impaired function.
Those with severe injuries will have a moderate-to-severe disability: 33% of those with severe head traumas will not survive, and those who do survive might end up in a vegetative state.
(These statistics apply to closed-head injuries.)
Talk to our New Patient Coordinator
She is happy to explain how it all works and answer any questions you may have, with no obligation.
Or fill out the form below and she will contact you.
“I have a whole new lease on life.”
“Everything changed when I started treatment. Within two weeks, I was sleeping better. I was off all 12 of the meds I was on when I began treatment, and I was starting to enjoy life again.
“After the first month, I was socializing with people, I was able to work out for the first time in years, and I started to help my wife with the bills and our budget.
“As I write this, I just completed my sixth week of treatment. A conservative estimate is that I have had a 60–70% reduction of the symptoms I listed above, and I have a whole new lease on life. I can focus and I feel good about myself. I feel confident. And I laugh again. Most importantly, I can feel the love for and from my family again.” – David, MeRT Patient
The Four Steps of MeRT Treatment
By assessing the communication quality between the networks of neurons in your brain, we can home in on and gently stimulate and “wake up” those areas to improve function.
Testing & Evaluation
On your first appointment, we will perform the qEEG, also often referred to as a brain scan, and an EKG as described above. This takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
These tests are painless, easy to do, and straightforward. They are performed right in our office.
Once testing is completed, our scientists and physicians will interpret and analyze the results to determine the exact function of the brain.
Analysis
We carefully analyze the test results using a scientific and patented approach. Once the testing is completed and results evaluated, we will schedule a consultation with the Doctor to discuss the results and how these relate to symptoms being experienced.
Based on this analysis, we develop a treatment plan customized to your specific condition and schedule your assessment period of treatment.
MeRT Treatment
Once your treatment protocols are in place, you will come to therapy, five days a week, in two-week intervals. You simply sit in a comfortable chair while a highly-trained neuro-technician places a magnetic coil on your head. This device produces a low-frequency magnetic field to induce mild electrical signals in the targeted areas of the brain.
Time spent in the chair is typically 30 minutes. The stimulation occurs for 6-8 seconds every minute.
Progress Evaluation
We will monitor your progress throughout your daily treatments to confirm how you feel and track improvements. After two weeks of treatment, we will perform another qEEG and EKG to review your progress and make any needed modifications.
If there is a positive response to treatment during the assessment period, you will likely notice some symptom improvements. At that point, we will schedule treatment in two-week intervals.
Some of the Benefits of MeRT
Treatment with MeRT usually runs about six to eight weeks. Patients have experienced many benefits, including:
- Improved sleep
- Increased relaxation
- Better concentration and focus
- Improved memory and mental clarity
- Decreased pain
- Better mood
- Improved ability to cope with stress
- Increased attention span
- More motivation
- Fewer cravings (such as drugs or alcohol)
- Improved emotional stability
- More clarity of thought
- Increased ability to adapt to change
- Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
Our centrally located Rancho Mirage clinic makes it easy for athletes, accident survivors, and families across the region to access advanced neuro-recovery care.
* Results are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary by individual and are not guaranteed.
MeRT Treatment for TBIs Featured on The Broken Brain Podcast
The Broken Brain, featuring host Dhru Purohit, is a popular podcast exploring the inner workings of the brain and body. MeRT treatment was featured on the podcast in an interview with Dr. Eric Won, President and Chief Medical Officer of Wave Neuroscience.
Dr. Won discussed how MeRT has improved Traumatic Brain Injury outcomes for veterans and shared some incredible successes. If you or a loved one are suffering after a TBI or concussion, this podcast is a must-watch.
“I can honestly say my brain is in a better place.”
“I’m two or three months past my last treatment, and I can honestly say my brain is in a better place than it was before. The emotional highs and lows I was living with have stabilized. My cognition took off during that period, and it hasn’t slowed down since.”
– Nick Hardwick (Retired NFL Center, Chargers)
MeRT for head injuries is founded on a history of independent research published over many years
This therapy is a personalized iteration of rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and is based on extensive comprehensive scientific studies. The effectiveness of MeRT is validated by numerous publications in prestigious scientific journals. Here are a few important references.
The use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) following traumatic brain injury (TBI): A scoping review:
“Evidence suggests that rTMS has the potential to be an efficacious therapeutic intervention for multiple symptoms after TBI, including depression, dizziness, central pain, and visual neglect. “
Neuromodulatory Interventions for Traumatic Brain Injury:
“In this special issue of the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, we share with readers some of the latest advancements in neuromodulation specific to TBI, while providing the framework to further our understanding of how and why functional skills are likely improved. While neuromodulatory interventions can play a critical role in functional recovery for those with TBI, the heterogenous nature of TBI means that clinical implementation of neuromodulation will require understanding, at the individual and group levels, of how, when, and where to alter brain activity to support sustained recovery of sensory and higher order functions.”
The role of transcranial magnetic stimulation in treating depression after traumatic brain injury:
“This study suggests that rTMS is a potential treatment option for depression following TBI. Both 15 to 16 session and 30 to 38 session cohorts showed significant decreases in depression as measured by PHQ-9 following rTMS treatment. These findings support the use of rTMS in post-concussion depression treatment and highlight the need for more research on rTMS therapy following TBI.”
Randomized trial of rTMS in traumatic brain injury: improved subjective neurobehavioral symptoms and increases in EEG delta activity:
“Subjective measures of depression, sleep dysfunction, post-concussive symptoms (PCS), and executive function showed significant improvement with stimulation, retaining improved levels at two-week follow-up. EEG delta power exhibited elevation one week after stimulation cessation.”
Neural mechanisms of emotional health in traumatic brain injury patients undergoing rTMS treatment:
“Our findings uncover the neural mechanisms underlying the improvement in emotional well-being in TBI due to application of neuromodulation. The main effect of rTMS is to reduce emotional disorders and hence consequently it may improve cognitive and executive functions.”
Low frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation for cognitive recovery after traumatic brain injury: A case report:
“Our results are consistent with studies showing improved cognitive functioning in TBI following a unilateral or bilateral rTMS protocol that used low frequency rTMS over the right DLPFC. Therefore, this stimulation site may be promising for improving cognitive recovery in TBI, especially when combined with cognitive rehabilitation.”
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment of Depression in a Patient With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury:
“Case Report: A 37-year-old male with history of anxiety and bipolar depression incurred a TBI after a 60-foot fall. After his physical recovery, the patient had refractory depression. Eight months after the TBI event, he underwent a 6-week course of rTMS treatment and had a 70.8% improvement in mood symptoms by the end of the therapy as indicated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, transitioning from severe to mild depression according to the scoring system. Clinical correlation during the months following conclusion of rTMS therapy showed no signs of remission or adverse side effects. The patient remains stable and lives independently 1 year after treatment with mood-stabilizing medications.
“Conclusion: This case provides evidence for successful treatment of refractory depressive symptoms after severe TBI with the addition of rTMS to psychotherapy and mood-stabilizing medications, supporting the safety and tolerability of this novel therapeutic approach. Further studies are needed to validate the contribution of rTMS for management of mood symptoms in patients with TBI.”
An Interview with Nick about MeRT for Head Injuries
Frequently Asked Questions
No. MeRT is designed for the after-effects that remain once the acute injury has been medically treated — not for emergency or urgent care. If a head injury just occurred, seek emergency care first.
These are symptoms that can linger after the initial injury heals—things like persistent headaches, memory trouble, mood changes, sleep problems, dizziness, and sensitivity to light or noise. They’re often invisible on standard imaging and can last weeks, months, or longer.
Very. About 7 in 10 emergency room visits for sports- and recreation-related TBI involve kids age 17 and under, and contact sports like football, basketball, and soccer account for 45% of those visits (CDC). Many more go unreported to any ER.
Standard TMS protocols are often generalized. MeRT starts with a qEEG brain map of your own brainwave activity, then tailors the treatment plan to the specific patterns identified in your results.
No. MeRT is non-invasive, drug-free, and uses no anesthesia — you’re fully conscious throughout. Most people describe the sensation as gentle tapping on the head.
Only once you’ve been medically evaluated and any acute or urgent concerns have been ruled out or resolved by a physician. From there, we discuss timing individually during your consultation.
Most patients complete daily sessions, five days a week, over roughly six to eight weeks, with a progress qEEG around the two-week mark. Each session takes about 30 minutes. Some patients need additional treatment beyond that window.
Candidacy is confirmed individually — based on your health history and your qEEG results — during a consultation with the doctor. It starts with a free phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator.
Candidacy is evaluated individually with your doctor. For young athletes specifically, MeRT is considered only after standard return-to-play protocols and physician clearance — it’s a complement to that process, not a replacement for it.
Coverage isn’t guaranteed. TRICARE currently covers rTMS therapy for adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, and because depression is a common secondary effect of TBI, some TBI patients may be eligible through a co-occurring depression diagnosis. Outside of that, some patients have reported partial reimbursement for EEGs, evaluations, and treatment depending on their plan, though Medicare typically doesn’t cover the treatment itself. Our Patient Care Coordinator can review your benefits with you, and we accept major credit cards and CareCredit.
It’s a simple, painless 45–60 minute session that records your brain’s electrical activity along with an EKG, giving your care team a baseline picture of your brainwave patterns to build a personalized treatment plan from.
Got Questions?
Talk with our New Patient Coordinator
Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer any questions that you may have about how MeRT can help you.
She’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, explain costs, and any other details. She can also assist you in getting scheduled should you decide to move forward with treatment.
We understand what you may be going through, and our goal is to help guide you through the process with quality care in a warm and compassionate environment.
You don’t have to make any big decisions right off. You can start with an EEG and a consultation with the doctor, and together you can decide if you may benefit from MeRT.
While MeRT is a relatively new treatment protocol, it has shown some remarkable results. It doesn’t cost anything to call us and talk. Our New Patient Coordinator is here for you.
Talk to our New Patient Coordinator
She is happy to explain how it all works and answer any questions you may have, with no obligation.
Or fill out the form below and she will contact you.
Contact Form
For more information or to speak with our New Patient Coordinator, please fill in the information below.
"*" indicates required fields