Update on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a Treatment for Symptoms of Autism
Monday June 25, 2007
Several months ago, I wrote an article about new research which seemed to suggest that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation may alleviate symptoms of autism. To be honest, I initially thought the idea sounded strange. But after considerable research I learned that TMS has been successful in treating depression; that it is used by major medical institutions; and that the treatment's developer, Dr. Manuel Casanova, is well known and respected among major researchers in the field of autism.
A few readers have asked for updates on the TMS trials, and I asked Dr. Casanova (a professor at the University of Louisville) for his thoughts. Here's what he replied:
Thank you for your continued interest. [After some delays] we have started the trial and are in the process of recruiting and providing treatment to our initial patients. We are hoping to recruit as many as possible during the summer as we have acquired help during this period of time. The trial itself is scheduled to last 3 weeks for any participant. Thus far we have had some exciting results as measures taken with the TMS device have proven what we predicted in autism: cortical hyperexcitability. If this is the case we should be able to treat patients adequately with TMS.As with any new treatment for autism, TMS has still to be proven. Still, the science and research behind the idea seem to hold promise.
Comments
Hi, I`ve been waiting for TMS to come out to see if it will work on my severe depression, anyone know when it will become FDA approved?
It has been FDA approved for depression. THe problem is finding a doctor trained in TMS and who has the correct equipment.
Thanks for the up date!!
Thanks so much for this update. Would it be possible to ask Dr. Casanova whether he or anyone else has plans to look at tms for severe adhd? Thank you.
Dear Ms. Rudy,
Contrary to the previous participant’s statement, TMS has not been FDA approved for Depression. I cannot comment upon this therapy’s use for autism.
Neuronetics one of the sponsors for this equipment presented their findings before a FDA panel of experts in January 2007 and was in essence turned down as their data was weak.
http://www.vnsdepression.com/pp10-926-articles_10-19-06-FDA-Delays-Meeting-on-Depression-Device.htm
I recently learned that Neuronetics has completed what they referred to as:
“This study is the largest conducted with TMS Therapy and the first-ever international, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blinded clinical trial with TMS Therapy.”
I have been unable at the moment to verify what I’ve been told in the press release which also contained the wording “TMS produced clinically meaningful improvements in the symptoms of depression…”
We’ll all have to learn what “meaningful improvements” actually means and when the sponsor will reapply to the FDA for approval.
I shall also remind your readership as I have come to learn that FDA approval only means that the therapy is now available and does not take into account whether or not CMS and/or the independent health insurance carriers will pay for this treatment as is evidenced by the fact that VNS Therapy is FDA approved and CMS has declined paying for the therapy as had many insurance carriers.
In fact, CMS in their two declining decisions relating to VNS not only declined paying for the therapy but also, in my opinion, denigrated Psychiatry and those who practice the profession by ignoring the favorable opinions of many of the leading researchers and thought leaders in the field. They simply told the doctors and the patients to go back to their medications and current treatments and try again, even if it is not working.
http://www.vnsdepression.com
Warmly,
Herb
VNSdepression.com
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I have used your magnets for 3 years now. For many years, my left hip would slowly re-position itself and twist upwards, affecting my balance, movement and comfort. As this happened I would note severe discomfort from noise, flashing lights, beeping etc as my nerves were really pushed to the limit. The NHS scanned all sorts and came up with nothing. My chiropractor came up with the suggestion that my left and right cerrebelum might be out of synch, therefore uneven muscle movement would cause my spinal muscles to pull unevenly and twist my spine. Every 2-3 months she would make a correction that moved my hips 2-3″ back into line. My balance would take 1-2 days to re-correct itself. Prior to treatments, she uses a pulse machine on my lower left buttock to stimulate the right cerrebelum. I asked why this was not done closer to the brain and she said low level stimulation would be more effective. That week I tried your wristband magnet on my left wrist and an insole in my left shoe. My sense of balance and perseption of angles improved immediately and my chiropractor visits are now 9-10 monthly. These magnetic pulses have made an immense difference for me and I swear by them.
Herb, who cares if a treatment is FDA approved within reason. The FDA, CDC and our government is the cause the autism epidemic in the first place not to mention other calamities such as Vioxx, cholesterol meds, etc.. If we sat around and waited for the FDA to give us their blessing autistic kids wouldn’t be improving with chelation and biomed. I don’t need a double-blind placebo controlled with sham study to determine if something is working for my child.
It is so exciting to know that there is hope for autism, I read about Deep brain Stimulation, is a way to treat vegetative states, parkinson, and depresion, I don’t know if it’s the same as TMS, it would be nice to read more about it.
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