Stimulation Therapy


Stimulation therapy refers to the use of electrical, magnetic, or other forms of energy to stimulate specific areas of the brain or body in order to treat a wide range of conditions. There are several different types of stimulation therapy, each with its own unique set of benefits and potential side effects. One of the most well-known and widely used forms of stimulation therapy is called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). This therapy uses a magnetic field to stimulate specific areas of the brain, and is primarily used to treat depression. TMS has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression in many patients, and has been approved by the FDA for this use.

Another form of stimulation therapy is called Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). This therapy uses a small electric current to stimulate specific areas of the brain, and is primarily used to treat conditions such as chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. Unlike TMS, tDCS is a non-invasive therapy that does not require the use of anesthesia or sedation.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is another form of stimulation therapy that is used to treat conditions such as epilepsy and depression. VNS involves the use of a small device that is implanted under the skin of the chest, and is connected to the vagus nerve in the neck. The device sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, which can help to reduce seizures in patients with epilepsy and improve symptoms of depression.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is another form of stimulation therapy that is used to treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and essential tremor. DBS involves the use of a small device that is implanted in the brain, and is connected to electrodes that are placed in specific areas of the brain. The device sends electrical impulses to the electrodes, which can help to reduce symptoms of the conditions that it is used to treat.

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a form of stimulation therapy that is used to treat chronic pain, particularly in the back and legs. It involves the implantation of a small device in the lower back, which sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord. This can help to reduce pain by blocking or altering the pain signals that are sent to the brain. Overall, stimulation therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for many conditions, including depression, chronic pain, and neurological disorders. However, as with any treatment, there can be potential side effects, so it is important to consult with a medical professional before starting any form of stimulation therapy.

It is worth to mention that, these therapies are still under research and development and not all of them are approved by FDA for all conditions and not all patients are good candidates for this treatment. Consultation with a specialist is recommended. Overcoming depression can be a very difficult challenge. Although depression is highly treatable with antidepressant medication, not everyone benefits from this kind of treatment. Luckily, a new FDA approved, drug-free treatment option (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy) is available for those who suffer from major depression and are looking to break free from it.

TMS therapy is noninvasive and uses targeted magnetic pulses to electrically stimulate nerve cells that are known to control mood to relieve depression symptoms. Below are some of the benefits of TMS Therapy:

Safe and Secure

TMS therapy is FDA approved and noninvasive so it’s regarded as a safer option when compared to other treatment options. A trained TMS technician undergoes the process, and a qualified physician supervises them. This type of treatment has nearly mild or no side effects unlike antidepressant medication treatment that often has side effects that include nausea, weight gain or memory loss.

Treatment without Surgery

Another benefit patients suffering from depression have is this type of treatment does not involve surgical intervention. This makes it easy for those that are afraid to get under the knife. Typically, this noninvasive treatment process takes 4 to 6 weeks, where patients receive TMS 5 days a week and a typical session lasts 30 – 40 minutes. Although it takes almost a month to complete the course, patients would start feeling better after every session. Furthermore, it means that slowly and gradually the process would start and you will witness the change.

High Success Rate

The most noteworthy benefit of this therapy is that treats many other disorders apart from depression. Studies have found that people with resistant depression who have undergone TMS therapy, have a 82% success rate in being treated and, on average, these patients have shown a 75% improvement of their depression symptoms. In addition, 50% of people treated with TMS have remained depression-free one year after treatment.

Cost

Although costs for TMS therapy can be high if uninsured, most insurance companies will cover TMS treatment if one is diagnosed with depression. This allows for TMS therapy to be a more affordable solution for those suffering from severe depression.

Verdict

The bottom line is that patients who suffer from major depression and have taken antidepressant medication with no positive effect, should strongly consider TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Therapy. This treatment is noninvasive, FDA approved with little to no side effects and studies have shown it to have high success rates with helping people overcome depression symptoms. Some people with Inattentive ADHD (ADHD-PI) and some people with Inattentive ADHD and Sluggish Cognitive Tempo respond well to the stimulants and some do not. Genetic studies are helping us understand why this is so. There seems to be an allele of the gene known as ADRA2A, the G allele, that when present makes ADHD Inattentive people MORE likely to respond to the stimulants. That is the stimulants improve their inattentiveness. If this allele is absent then the person will NOT respond to the stimulants.

The researchers involved in the Human Genome Project have said that their work will ultimately lead us to a system of medical treatment that is highly personalized and based on each individual’s genetic make-up. There are many gaps in our understanding of the causes and treatment of ADHD-PI and Sluggish Cognitive Tempo. It is likely though that genetic research will further our understanding of the processes at work in individuals who are inattentive, sluggish or both.

The ADRA2A gene is one of several genes thought to play a role in ADHD-PI. The interesting thing about this ADRA2A gene is that is also involved in hormonal secretion and is known to play a role in Thyroid dysfunction and Diabetes. People with a certain ADRA2A variant are more likely to get Diabetes type II. There is also an ADRA2A relation to thyroid disease, cortisol level, and fatigue.

It is likely that when we know more about inattentive ADHD and Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) we will see that there is a strong hormonal component to these problems. Genetic studies are moving us closer to a better understanding of the Inattention and sometimes sluggishness associated with ADHD-PI and in the not too distant future there will likely be medications that specifically target the genes that are causing symptoms of SCT and ADHD-PI.

We do not know how this allele affects our response to the non-stimulant medication for ADHD because no one has looked at this allele or gene and the response to Strattera or Clonidine. The stimulants and Strattera both act on the Dopamine and Norepinephrine systems in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. These neurotransmitters play a significant role in hyperactivity and sluggishness. Drugs that enhance alpha(2)-receptor stimulation such as the stimulants and Strattera will improve prefrontal cortex functioning. Clonidine (Guanfacine) directly stimulates postsynaptic alpha(2A)-receptors in the prefrontal cortex and improves functioning. Strattera works more like the stimulants, increasing neurotransmitter stimulation whereas Clonidine works more on the neurotransmitter receptors.

It is likely that the way these drugs act on the prefrontal cortex is related to each individual’s genetic code and because of this, what works for one person with ADHD-PI or SCT will not always work for another person with that same diagnosis. Since we know that genes play a role in how well these medications will work for each individual with ADHD, it seems that a better understanding of the complex array of gene variations in people with ADHD would be helpful. I am sure that this type of gene evaluation is in our future.

Though genetic evaluation may seem intrusive to some folks, I see the future of genetic evaluation as a good thing for people with Sluggish Cognitive Tempo or Inattentive ADHD. It seems to me that until we figure out what genetic puzzle pieces fit into the functional ‘hole’ causing these problems we will not be able to adequately treat them.

There are certain drugs that can control the symptoms of the ADHD. But some stimulants such as Cylert, Ritalin and Adderall may not be effective to some people. The alternative is the non-stimulant drugs. Non stimulants are prescribed if the patients do not respond to stimulants, the effects of the stimulant are too high, and the patient has a history of drug abuse or a heart condition.

• There is also a non-stimulant medication and drugs for ADHD. The non-stimulant therapy is Atomoxetine. It is an approved non-stimulant for ADHD. It works on the neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. It is a treatment that is effective to control the ADHD symptoms but people may become dependent on it because it is not a controlled substance. It has minimal side effects. This actually works because it increases the amount of norepinephrine which is an important brain chemical. This can increase the attention span and reduce hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. It is effective within two days until to one week. People suggest that you must wait 4 to 6 weeks before you will say that it is effective. The side effects include fatigue, upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, mood swings, and decreased appetite that may cause weight loss.
• Tricyclic Antidepressant- it is the most frequently used in treating ADHD. It is typically tried and taken when the patient do not show response to the stimulants. It increases the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. It needs to be taken daily. The common side effects of this include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, headaches, stomachaches, insomnia, vivid dreams and drowsiness. It may also lead to serious problems such as heartbeat or heart rhythm changes. It can slow down the conduction of the electrical signal to the heart. This should be taken and used with caution. It may increase the risk of seizures in patients with a seizure history. It is important to consult your doctor for close monitoring.
• Bupropion- it has been found to reduce depression and symptoms of the ADHD among many patients. The side effects are weight loss because of the decreased appetite, irritability, insomnia and worsening of the existing tics.
• Anti-Hypertensive Drugs- The clonidine and guanfacine are also used to manage ADHD symptoms. Before, these are actually used to treat high blood pressure but findings showed that they may help reduce impulsive symptoms and hyperactivity.
• Selegiline- it is also used to treat Parkinson’s disease. When taken children may have improvement in learning in the classroom. It may be taken 5mg twice a day. But there are mixed results with the adults that have ADHD.
Most people would prefer non-stimulants because stimulants do not relieve symptoms, may cause intolerable side effects, makes medical problems more difficult, and there is other psychiatric diagnosis along with ADHD. Above all, it is still important for you to ask your doctor about the necessary things that you will do to help and improve your child’s learning. It’s still essential to be sure.


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