Its early days but sounds like a worthwhile chance of improvement for severe cases. It might be a chance to get involved in some human trials when they start. That might give you a 50% chance of getting your vagus nerve stimulated and then a 50% chance of a benefit.
I hope they follow up by trying the technique on milder RLS patients so some people might get off drugs altogether.
I'm happy because I assume vagus nerve stimulation is very safe. Does anyone know if this is true or is there risk for guinea pigs?
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Graham3196
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From the article and a quick read about the therapy, vagus nerve stimulation would appear to be safe. Especially so given that the therapy can be done at home.
However, as one of our regular forum members has observed, sometime these studies downplay the side effects that are experienced.
It appears that a surgical implantation is no longer required for this therapy...
"New, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation devices, which don't require surgical implantation, have been approved in Europe to treat epilepsy, depression and pain."
When i had transcranial magnetic stimulation for PLMD / RLS, i experienced ongoing nausea for the 6 or so weeks that i had it done. Even though the vagus nerve wasn't specifically targeted, the treating doctor believed that the nausea may have resulted from the vagus nerve being disturbed (which can cause nausea in some).
I have a Chi machine which waves the legs (3 speeds) and I choose the high speed. I lie down and rest my ankles one the machine for 5 minutes. When the machine stops I get a wave of euphoria up my body and this has also been noted by my friend who recommended the machine. I put this down to the stimulation of the vagus nerve and as a result my RLS is put on hold for quite a few hours. I certainly recommend and no adverse effects at all.
Thanks Sounds like a good possibility. "quite a few hours" Do you wake up with RLS and jump on the machine for another few hours sleep? Has anyone heard of this being used for Parkinsons?
Yes I tend to wake up a few hours after going to bed and the RLS kicks in. I use the machine and my RLS goes away. I get RLS through my legs and back so it really helps me. What is interesting is the euphoria feeling goes right up my body and through my head - I am sure it is conveyed through the vagus nerve from the wave motion at the feet.
Goldy, can you identify the manufacturer of your machine? There are quite a few on the market but yours is proven to work on you which is a pretty good starting point.
The one I have is Zen Chi Relaxiciser Mk3 but I think they are all based on the same wave motion of the ankles resting on the machine. I agree that regardless of RLS they have a very positive effect on the nervous system and non addictive. ps If you get one you need to place a folded fluffy blanket on the machine to cushion your ankles against the hard plastic. I would be interested in your experience.
I started out trying to buy a cheap second hand one but found them scarce. I have recently decided to lash out and buy a new one and this discussion sparked action so I've ordered one. I keep you informed of my wonderful rebounding health or of the bits that might have fallen off! Delivery expected in a week.
It only arrived a couple of weeks ago... As soon as I had it I set it up I discovered that vibrating your legs is not what you want to do when you have a dose of vertigo. So tried again two days ago. Vertigo gone so no problem. The shaking is quite violent although I can turn the frequency down if I desire. Of course if a little bit is good then lots must be better! So 10 minutes high frequency and my knees were weak and I was quite shaky. I didnt expect any instant relief and didnt get any. Have sore ankles!
After one real session I am taking a few days off before I try it sensibly
But I learned
1 Start slowly for just a few minutes like the instruction book says. Gradually build up to 20 minutes
2 Have some padding twixt your skin and the machine leg rests.
3 Have a comfortable soft floor to lie on
I will definitely report after I have used it every day for a fortnight. If I make that target.
Its almost exciting but I'm not worried because if it works it will soon become boring. I don't think I could even watch TV! But boring is beautiful if associated with no RLS.
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