Posted by susan C on August 8, 2001, at 16:03:14
In reply to Re:VNS. » adamie, posted by JahL on August 8, 2001, at 15:28:55
If we are looking at ECT, VNS, drugs and combinations there of, look also at Alpha Stim 100. It is microcurrent stimulation (MCS), similar, but different from a TENS unit, which used for chronic pain, has had studies done for depression and in the process of getting approved for use. I used it successfully for a year or so when I was very depressed and nothing worked. I was ready to try anything, and, unlike VNS, which requires an operation to install unit and wrap nerve and later to replace battery, Alpha Stim 100 just clips to your ears. Just thought I'd mention it.
> if meds fail then VNS will be for me. only side effect is voice alteration. it's a pace maker for the brain. Although it doesn't even touch the brain. it's a tiny box in your chest with a little cord going around your vegus nerve. this cord gives it a small pulse every 3-6 minutes which over weeks or months of time make you feel more normal. response rates for true treatment resistant patients is around 45%.
>
> Do you know if 45% is a 'response' (ie 50% improvement) or a 'remission' rate?
>
> >nothing to lose.
>
> Quite.
>
> >if you're suicidal then move to canada
>
> Nice part of the world.
>
> Ta,
> J.
poster:susan C
thread:74195
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010804/msgs/74209.html