Posted by SLS on August 31, 2000, at 12:42:29
In reply to Re: Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) » Diane E., posted by shellie on August 30, 2000, at 10:19:24
> Hi Diane. Thanks for providing the study. My thoughts on reading it is that a 40% success rate with possible voice disruption during stimulation is not too impressive. I think I'd probably try every combination of drugs there are instead. It's surgury--so if it doesn't work you've put your body through a lot for nothing. I'd wait until the percentages get up into the 70s. I guess if you've tried everything (I did find it interesting that subjects who had failed with ect also failed with VNS), maybe its an option. Shellie
The 40% statistic should be evaluated within the context of the population of subjects who participated in the studies. Most of them were resistant to pharmacotherapy. That 40% of treatment-resistant patients respond to VNS is very high and might make it a justifiable alternative. I guess I'll have to put it on my list. I really don't want to.Real expensive - $20,000 or so. I don't think many (if any) insurance companies would pay for it since it is not approved for the treatment of depression. Now would be a good time to get in on a free study.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:44020
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000822/msgs/44163.html