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FDA OKs Brain Stimulator for Depression
The government on Friday approved a new therapy for the severely depressed who have run out of treatment options: a pacemaker-like implant that sends tiny electric shocks to the brain.
The Food and Drug Administration’s clearance opens Cyberonics Inc.’s vagus nerve stimulator, or VNS, as a potential treatment for an estimated 4 million Americans with hard-to-treat depression — despite controversy over whether it’s really been proven to work.
“These are patients pretty much at the end of the line in terms of what treatment options are available to them,” said FDA medical device chief Dr. Daniel Schultz, who said he personally was persuaded by Cyberonics’ research despite initial skepticism within his agency.
The pacemaker-like implant has been sold since 1997 to control intractable epilepsy, a much smaller market.
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I know this is a bit dated and I've discovered it a little after-the-fact, but nonetheless, can you believe it? I have all sorts of mixed feelings about it, two of the strongest being fear and hope. (Another article that covers this a little more in-depth can be found here)
1 comment:
Oh Sarah, I have been skimming and scanning your journal, and I am pleased with what I have found. I will be back to properly read all that you have written, and respond to your words. You seem so young and wise. I look forward to knowing you.
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