TOMAC treatment for RLS

[Joolsg]

academic.oup.com/sleep/arti...

This is an interesting article on TOMAC therapy.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl....

It makes the distinct point that RLS does not tend to respond well to gabapentinoids after DA therapy, resulting in refractory RLS. Many of us are familiar with this experience. Opioids are then required.

But TOMAC therapy seems to work for those that have been on DAs before in the same way as for those that have not taken DAs.

Therapulse is the main device available in the UK using similar technology.

[ChrisColumbus]

As I understand it, the Noctrix Nidra devices "send out electrical impulses" whereas Therapulse "uses patented low energy vibration".

What I'd dearly like to see would be a direct effectiveness comparison between Nidra, (last time I looked) prescription only, currently limited areas of the US only, for $7500, and Therapulse, OTC, available worldwide, UK price including delivery £47.90 each/£82.85 a pair.

[Joolsg in reply to ChrisColumbus]

That would be great. I suspect the USA can charge much, much higher prices because all devices have to get FDA approval AND are only available on prescription AND insurance pays for it.

[ChrisColumbus in reply to Joolsg]

And I cynically suspect that the main reason Nidra are restricted to 'sale by or on the order of a medical professional' is that insurance wouldn't otherwise even contemplate covering the cost...

But of course the US price - which seems extraordinary by UK standards - does not look so out-of-line compared with US drug treatment prices.

[grassgree in reply to Joolsg]

Yeah that's part of it. But the point is to keep bad actors from selling harmful or useless products. The development process and FDA approval takes years. Notrix Health has only recently raised enough funds to ramp up production and train more doctors to use it. But I'm optimistic that this will be a major component of RLS treatment in the coming years. If you want more info, here's the contact in the USA:

Lisa Armstrong

Patient Concierge

[e-mail]

415 - 680 - 8984

[SueJohnson]

And of course it is only insurance MAY pay for it.

[Merny5]

Thanks for sharing this Jools. The device does seem promising. The price tag is enormous. If I knew it would work for me , I would pay out of pocket. I have been going back and forth with my insurance company. 🤞🏼The representatives from NOTRIX have been most helpful.

[Joolsg in reply to Merny5]

therapulse.co.uk/?gad_sourc...

It sounds extortionate Merny!! There is a device here in the UK called Therapulse, which has helped some members on here. They post to the USA for £4.95. It costs £44.95 for one leg device.

So if you bought 2, the total cost would be around £100, or $120.

It may be worth trying, if you can spare the money?

[Merny5]

Hi Jools, Thanks for the info. The Therapulse is one of the many things/ devices that I have tried over the years with no or little improvement. 🤷🏻‍♀️It’s trial and error with this disease, but thanks again for the tip.🙂

[Joolsg in reply to Merny5]

That's frustrating. I'm sure we all have the 'RLS cupboard' full of supplements and creams and gadgets that we've tried over the years! Sigh....

[Oldgraymare]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[Oldgraymare]

Thanks. Very helpful