Posted by kered on September 6, 2007, at 23:53:49
In reply to Re: TMS » deniseuk190466, posted by twinch42085 on September 6, 2007, at 17:48:09
Denise, thanks for responding and yes, I am referring to Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It's sometimes referred to as rTMS, but I usually just see TMS. I would have to pay for it myself but if it worked, I wouldn't mind. But I'm also worried that even if it did work, how often I would need maintenance treatments. Could get expensive and tough on logistics if traveling out-of-state. I wish the FDA would approve it already.
Twinch, TMS is supposed to do what ECT does, but without the invasive procedure and side effects, most importantly memory issues which is highly debated about how serious they are. Most will agree that there can be memory issues, but for some they are short lasting, some long lasting, and it seems for some, parts of memory are lost for ever.
I'm not sure if they use it for bi-polar. I've seen it mostly referred to being used for people who do not respond well to medications, can't tolerate medications, or need a quicker response because they might be suicidal. I happen to fit 2 out of 3 of those. Basically, the same cases as ECT is used for.
Been approved in other countries for awhile and even though the success rate is lower than ECT, it's a much less risky option for people to try. Many people travel out of the country to try it. There are centers in Canada that many people go to.
I think it's terrible that the FDA takes so long to examine these things. If I'm on the verge of killing myself, how much damage can something do that is being used by people in England, Canada, Costa Rica, and I don't know where else. If I want to risk it, let me.
Anyway, sorry for the soap box.
poster:kered
thread:781189
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070831/msgs/781307.html