Posted by twinleaf on October 16, 2007, at 1:02:40
In reply to Re: TMS, DBS, Vegas Nerve Stim for Anxiety » Phillipa, posted by Netch on October 14, 2007, at 17:12:50
I have severe PTSD, and the combination of TMS and psychotherapy has been very helpful. Although no-one knows exactly what TMS does, there is quite a lot of evidence that it reverses some of the physiological changes in the brain (temporarily), such as restoring equal blood flow to the left hemisphere, decreasing the HPA axis over-activity (too much cortisol looping back into the brain), and encouraging more cell-growth in the hippocampus. I can't tolerate the SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics or APs either, so this has been a good alternative- side-effect free, although painful while you are getting it. There is a good chance it will be approved soon. The other two options involve surgery, a lot of adjustment of the electrical current, and some side effects. With VNS, there's a problem with hoarseness while trying to speak when the current is on. I think it is supposed to be as long as a year before you know whether it is helpful. So far, I haven't seen any definite reports that it's really successful.
poster:twinleaf
thread:789217
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20070923/msgs/789517.html