From: Robert Owen (rowen@InfoAve.Net)
Date: Thu Oct 21 1999 - 23:30:05 MDT
TriStateF@aol.com wrote:
> I just happened to get another callback from U of P and got more
info. I was
> told they are doing a study with the TMS and have done 400 people so far
with
> 4 having seizures which is the only serious side effect so far. Also I was
> told they will give me more info if I pass the initial screening for the
> study, which I gave today. I will probably wait longer to try it unless
they
> tell me the 4 who had seizures were especially prone for some reason and
that
> I probably wouldn't have that problem.
>
> Sherry
I consulted, Sherry, with several psychiatrist friends of mine who
told me to assure you that the transcranial magnetic medium is
indicated for SOME clinical groups and is being used to produce
frequently significant symptomatic reduction without excessive
reliance on psychotropic agents.
The only group they mentioned for which this treatment is contra-
indicated is the geriatric population with OBS or other neurological
disorders. They considered you qualified for this procedure, which
is much safer than ECT because [1] no anesthesia is required, and
[2] no paralytic agent such as curare or the reduced effectiveness
of unilateral application to prevent convulsions need be used since
no epileptiform incidents have been reported. The treatment is quite
benign, the trade-off being that it is, other things being equal, less
effective statistically for the fairly rapid symtomatic reduction
associated with ECT.
They STRESSED that, at the present time, most insurance carriers
do NOT cover this treatment, and urged you to make complete
inquiries, unless this is not an issue for you.
Best wishes,
Bob
=======================
Robert M. Owen
Director
The Orion Institute
57 W. Morgan Street
Brevard, NC 28712-3659 USA
=======================
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