Transcranial Magnetic Stimulationn, memory lose?

[labrat]

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to treat depression has been FDA approved. Wish it was around before I had to have so many ECT's. You still have a seizure with the Transcranial Stimulation. I wonder then if it causes memory problems?

[oreo]

Hi LabRat,

I was at the National Institute of Health when they were testing rTMS. To my knowledge this process does not induce a seizure. I lived with people for several months who came to NIH for this treatment, and although it has some similar dynamics to ECT, seizures are not part of it.

The patient is not put to sleep. Although they may be taking medication for their illness...no meds are used during the treatment.

Because it had such a low rate of long term benefits, I have not really followed its progress to FDA approval.

As always, if people have tried many options, this is not invasive...and certainly something to try before ECT or VNS.

[Dispatch]

:D

After speaking with very informed docs who have not much to gain but my good health, I am not a candidate for rTMS, DBS, ECT, and of course VNS. I basically have had to find and implement more conventional ways in coping with depression. I wish I was more knowledgeable about rTMS and THANKS Oreo for some info about some dynamics to it.

B)

[lila1001]

Hi everyone. I was implanted with VNS in 2007. Have had no problems with it, but have seen any benefit in decreasing my depression. Currently I am at the end of my rope. The depression has taken over and I can barley get out of bed. At this point I am considering two options, ECT or TMS. It has to be one or the other because I am hanging on by a thread. The nearest clinic to me that does TMS is in Ohio. That is 5 hours away. The nearest ECT doctor is 1 ½ hours away. Has anyone had TMS done? Any experience or advice? I have researched TMS and watched the procedure online. Like another post stated it does not cause a seizure and you are awake during the process. The place in Ohio that does it is called the Lender Center of Hope. Has anyone been there? Any info would be helpful.

[labrat]

I'm tries TMS first. I don't know anything about it, but I do know what ECT can!

[Dispatch]

:D HI Lila1001!

I wish I could give you some info on rTMS and DBS, but my only experience is with VNS. I am glad to hear you have had no problems with the device, and sorry to hear you have had no success. I am not sure if the Cleveland Clinic is still recruiting for study subjects for DBS.

Please do stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Take care!
B)