Post by beebs on Sept 14, 2012 9:45:40 GMT -5
This study promotes the benefits of vagus nerve stimulation
(VNS).
Note that Cyberonics manufacture VNS, other companies
are now manufacturing VNS, such as NEMOS, released
later this year.
Connecting the dots....
Its not known how it works, other than it increases
the inhibition of GABA receptors, and TNF and other
cytokines, etc.. ;D Suppose to help
with epilepsy, Alzheimer, depression and so forth.
It does no add up somehow. Do you bite?
TENS are supposed to help with dystonia, Parkinson's
MS and other, not checked up on the validiy and
side effects.
Safety and Efficacy of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Fibromyalgia: A Phase I/II Proof of Concept Trial
Gudrun Lange PhD1,4, Malvin N. Janal PhD2,7, Allen Maniker MD5, Jennifer FitzGibbons APN1,4, Malusha Fobler BA1,4, Dane Cook PhD8, Benjamin H. Natelson MD3,6,*
Article first published online: 3 AUG 2011
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
We performed an open-label Phase I/II trial to evaluate the safety and tolerability of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in patients with treatment-resistant fibromyalgia (FM) as well as to determine preliminary measures of efficacy in these patients.
METHODS:
Of 14 patients implanted with the VNS stimulator, 12 patients completed the initial 3-month study of VNS; 11 patients returned for follow-up visits 5, 8, and 11 months after start of stimulation. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed with a composite measure requiring improvement in pain, overall wellness, and physical function. Loss of both pain and tenderness criteria for the diagnosis of FM was added as a secondary outcome measure because of results found at the end of 3 months of stimulation.
RESULTS:
Side effects were similar to those reported in patients treated with VNS for epilepsy or depression and, in addition, dry mouth and fatigue were reported. Two patients did not tolerate stimulation. At 3 months, five patients had attained efficacy criteria; of these, two patients no longer met widespread pain or tenderness criteria for the diagnosis of FM. The therapeutic effect seemed to increase over time in that additional participants attained both criteria at 11 months.
CONCLUSIONS:
Side effects and tolerability were similar to those found in disorders currently treated with VNS. Preliminary outcome measures suggested that VNS may be a useful adjunct treatment for FM patients resistant to conventional therapeutic management, but further research is required to better understand its actual role in the treatment of FM.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21812908