Posted by Diane E. on August 31, 2000, at 13:16:07
In reply to Re: Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), posted by SLS on August 31, 2000, at 12:42:29
> The 40% statistic should be evaluated within the context of the population of subjects who participated in the studies. Most of them were resistant to pharmacotherapy. That 40% of treatment-resistant patients respond to VNS is very high and might make it a justifiable alternative. I guess I'll have to put it on my list. I really don't want to.
> Real expensive - $20,000 or so. I don't think many (if any) insurance companies would pay for it since it is not approved for the treatment of depression. Now would be a good time to get in on a free study.
>
> - ScottScott,
I tend to agree that 40% is high given the high level of treatment resistance in the study members.I do not beleive you can get VNS for depression right now unless you participate in the next study. It has not
been FDA approved for depression and apparently the company will not provide the units to doctors for
off-label use. My husband is currently being evaluated for participation in the study. It will be
taking place at 15-20 sites throughout the country. We don't yet know if he will be allowed to
participate and he hasn't decided if he is willing to participate if he is accepted.Personally, I don't know what to think about it. It is hard to get our hopes up again, but on the other hand,
no one seems to have a more promising solution. ECT is about the only remaining suggestion
he has received (aside from VNS).What else is on your list of possible options?
-Diane
poster:Diane E.
thread:44020
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000822/msgs/44168.html