Posted by Cam W. on September 20, 2001, at 17:30:05
In reply to Re: Update on the me and the ECT, and TMS vs. ECT » Mitch, posted by shelliR on September 20, 2001, at 16:21:41
Shelli - The latest news on TMS use in animals, when focused bilaterally on the limbic system, or on the left side near the Wernecke's area (I am not absolutely positive on the positions) did show some promise. It seems that they have to get new machines with magnets that focus better.
Also, the seizure-inducing TMS looks promising. It should work as well as ECT, without the problem of deflection by bones of the skull (magnetic waves travel through bone with little interference, and the burning of the scalp with the high intensity magnetism that is used. Once they overcome these (and probably some other technical problems), seizure-inducing TMS may be as good as ECT, but one will require fewer pre-treatment meds and less risk of amnesia (due to smaller regions of the brain affected - focal stimulation).
I have not heard much about Vagal Nerve Stimulation, but it seems like a much more invasive procedure, even than ECT (ie. risk of infection, harm to vagus nerve, etc.).
There is another implant, in the news, that looks very promising (Deep Brain Stimulation - I think). It is used to decrease the tremors associated with Parkinson's disease. I've seen some stories on it, and if they implant it properly (it is a tricky operation), it works like a damn.
- Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:79097
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010917/msgs/79175.html