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Posted 9/20/2012 3:52 PM (GMT -5)
Has anyone had any experience of using an Alpha-stim unit?
Posted 9/20/2012 9:01 PM (GMT -5)
Yeah it caused me to have panic attacks and get dizzy when I used it, so be careful!
Posted 9/21/2012 9:34 AM (GMT -5)
It looks like they are pricey too, so I would do my research!

Honestly, in the years that I have been here and dealing with anxiety recovery, I had never heard of this before...so I can't give you an opinion one way or the other, but I would say proceed with caution.

I often ask myself this when coming across things of this nature. "If this product works like they say it does, then why isn't every doctor/psychiatrist/therapist recommending it?"

Just my opinion and food for thought...

S.C.
Posted 9/21/2012 10:05 AM (GMT -5)
Hi I regularly use the Alpha Stim in my clinic to treat anxiety or stress with excellent results.
When you use this device you need to ensure that your ear clips are placed on the ear lobes and that the pads that are attached to the clips are well soaked with the Alpha conduction fluid.
Ensure that the cable is firmly attached to the device and check that the battery is working.
This can be confirmed if the timer countdown shows up in the display.

When you have checked all of the above switch the timer on and turn up the intensity dial on the side up to about 3 only.
You should feel a mild change in your head, similar to feeling a little dizzy.
When this occurs turn the intensity dial down to 2.
This will reduce any dizzy feeling and will feel comfortable to use.
If you are wearing the device walking around be careful that you do not inadvertanlty turn the intensity dial up.

The reason why many doctors dont use this treatment is because they stick to drugs treatments as this is what they are trained to use. Also its not availible on the NHS

There are many clinical studies that show that the device is very effective in treating anxiety,stress, insomnia and pain and the device is used by the american military to treat post traumatic stress disorder so it has a good reputation for its efficacy.
The cost of the device is no more than several sessions seeing a professional therapist and can be used when you need to use it at home. Hope this helps H2HELP
Posted 9/21/2012 11:04 AM (GMT -5)
Thank you for that information H2HELP.:) This is valuable coming from someone who has used the product with favorable results!

I would still issue a word of caution however, that what works for some...may not work for all, and to research and make a careful choice before investing a lot of money.;)

I did see that (if you are not using the unit with your therapy appointments) there is an alternative to purchasing and that is renting...maybe a good first step to see how it works for you.

Best wishes with this.:)

S.C.
Posted 9/21/2012 1:29 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the advice.

It's something my therapist has suggested as he has experience of it working for people so has given me some information on it and is willing for me to try one before buying it. From what I've read it's supposed to help with anxiety, depression and Fibromyalgia symptoms so as I'm having trouble with all three I'm considering giving it a go. I didn't want to just go by the information given by the makers as I'm aware that they are bound to say it's good. I was interested in hearing some first had experiences of using it, so thanks for the posts.

I might give it a go in a session with my therapist as at least that way I have nothing to lose.

Posted 9/21/2012 6:48 PM (GMT -5)
Its good that your able to try the device before you buy. I find that I need to explain to people in my clinic that the device has a cumulitve effect. Its best used every other day for about 20min in one session to treat anxiety and stress. Using this approach your will retrain your brain to learn how to produce relaxing alpha brain waves which are present during a relaxed state. There are two types of devices The alpha stim SCS or the 100 version. both are used to treat anxiety stress insomnia. However the 100 has the ability to treat pain more effectivley as it has 2 channels to attach stick pads for larger areas of pain. Because the device delivers very small elecrtical impulse that are sub sensory people need to know that they may not feel any sensation via the pads and this can prevent them from using the device as required to get the best results. Your therapist should help you with advice on how to use it to treat Fibromyalgia using the pads and wands that come with the alpha stim 100 . There is also good data comparing its use vs anti depressants which your therapist should know about or be able to shows you. In some cases the device is as effective and in other more effective than drug treatment for depression. But as SC suggests not all people are the same. Hope this helps with your recovery H2HELP

Post Edited (H2HELP) : 9/22/2012 3:26:43 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/19/2014 1:38 PM (GMT -5)
I have a unit. It gave me some much needed relief.

No selling of items in the forums.  See Rule #4.

 

Post Edited By Moderator (Scaredy Cat) : 9/19/2014 1:42:33 PM (GMT-6)

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