Dear pakr,
As you may know, repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is an
experimental therapy that has not yet been approved for general use in
the United States or the United Kingdom. The trouble is that nearly all
rTMS manufacturers are located in these countries, as are most rTMS
installations. As far as I know, there are no public rTMS clinics in
India, Mexico, or Argentina. There are, however, some in Canada.
Before discussing Canadian treatment facilities, let me note that the
least expensive option for the time being, although probably not the
quickest one, is to apply for inclusion in an rTMS clinical trial.
In the United Kingdom, the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at
University College London is accepting applications from volunteers
for their TMS studies. Note that TMS is the same thing as rTMS. The
word "repetitive" is sometimes dropped from the name, but the therapy
is identical.
UCL: Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience: Transcranial magnetic
stimulation at the ICN
http://www.icn.ucl.ac.uk/Experimental-Techniques/Transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/TMS.htm
The ICN is always interested in hearing from volunteers of any
age who are interested in participating in our studies. If you
would like to express an interest in joining our subject panel,
please contact us by telephone 020 7679 1177 or email Eniola
Akinjogbin [ e.akinjogbin@ucl.ac.uk ].
UCL: Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience: Prospective Volunteers
http://www.icn.ucl.ac.uk/Prospective-Volunteers/index.htm
The following page lists several rTMS studies in the United States that
have been soliciting trial patients.
International Society for Transcranial Stimulation: TMS Study Centers
in the USA
http://www.ists.unibe.ch/Centers%20USA.htm
The same page lists some doctors in the United States who may be willing
to treat you "off-label" or outside a clinical trial.
Contact: Alan L. Schneider, MD
[ Los Angeles, California ]
E-mail: alsmd@adelphia.net
Dr. Mark Hutto
Atlanta, Georgia
(770) 455-0261
Dr. Stephen Best
Deerfield, Illinois (outside Chicago)
(847) 236-9310
International Society for Transcranial Stimulation: TMS Study Centers
in the USA
http://www.ists.unibe.ch/Centers%20USA.htm
The only commercial rTMS treatment of which I am aware is offered
in Canada by the Mindcare Centres. Because your question implies a
willingness to travel, and because Mindcare is the most experienced
rTMS therapy provider in the world, this is probably the best choice
for you. If your travel documents make it possible for you to enter the
United Kingdom, you should be able to enter Canada as well. See the last
link below for phone numbers.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). We specialize
in delivering a safe and effective treatment for depression called
repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or simply called
rTMS. rTMS therapy has been extensively validated in clinical
trials and medical research studies, and has been approved for
use in Canada.
Mindcare Centres: Home
http://www.mindcarecentres.com/index.htm
Mindcare Centres: What is Depression?
http://www.mindcarecentres.com/tms.htm
Mindcare Centres: Clinic Locations
http://www.mindcarecentres.com/clinic_locations.htm
It has been a pleasure to address this question on your behalf.
Regards,
leapinglizard |
