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Barry_T_Coles
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The switch in my head
« on: Dec 7th, 2005, 10:04pm » |
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This article was published in the December edition of the NEW IDEA an Australian magazine.
I had to re-type it as I couldn’t find a way to scan & post, I thought I should share it with you.
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A remote-controlled brain implant gives Lynette Thompson relief from crippling headaches
Today 53 year old grandmother Lynette Thompson only has to press a button on a remote control to ease the unbearable pain in her scull.
Lynette is one of the 2 million Australians who suffer chronic headaches, which can feel like a jackhammer and cause a throbbing pain, not to mention depression and irritability.
‘A few months ago I was almost suicidal; Lynette recalls. ‘I was laid up in bed and said to my husband: “I love you all, but I’m just so tired. I just can’t keep going the way I am.”
‘I’d been getting headaches since I was three and was on tablets since I was a little girl. When I turned 30, I had a hysterectomy and a few other things hit me all at once, and the headaches got worse.’
Lynette’s GP finally sent her to a neurologist who changed her medication.
Then I started getting what he described as “cluster headaches” because I’d have five or six in one day.
He’d send me straight to hospital, to intensive care. This is because the drugs had to be monitored. They were so strong they could have affected my heart.’
Then as a last resort, Lynette’s neurologist sent her to the Pain Management Centre at Nepean Hospital in Penrith, where she met Dr Raj Sandaraj.
Under a general anaesthetic, the Occipital Nerve Stimulator device, which sends out electrical impulses to control pain, was implanted in the base of Lynette’s scull. ‘I had a trial one put in for about five days,’ she says. Dr Sandaraj said if I got more than
70 % relief I could have one put in permanently. As it turns out I got 85 %.’
Lynette’s headaches were originally diagnosed as being due to hereditary and stress factors, however, 15 years working as a stock controller also contributed. Moving her head up & down as she looked at the shelves caused severe damage to her neck.
My remote control starts at 0.1 & goes to 5. I’ve had it on full a couple of times. That’s when I have to put my hands to my head as it kind of vibrates at that level. But mostly it’s on about 3.5. I can relax knowing it works.’
The Occipital Nerve Stimulator has changed Lynette’s life. It is absolutely brilliant,’ she says. My kids tell everyone they’ve got their mother back – and it’s nice to be back.’
What is it?
The Occipital Nerve Stimulator (ONS) is a surgically implanted device that literally switches off the pain via remote control. The device sends out electrical impulses that dampen down the two very sensitive nerves at the base of the scull. The nerve can be damaged due to whiplash injury, years of poor posture, viral infections around the nerves and arthritis. For years I have used a similar device for the treatment of other forms of chronic pain in arms & legs caused by spinal injuries Dr Sandaraj says. The ONS runs on a battery – the same kind as the one used in pacemakers – and is implanted under the skin, about waist height on the patient body, Dr Sandaraj explains. However, the ONS will only work on headaches caused by nerve damage to the neck & spine. For headaches triggered by hormones, exercise, stress or certain foods, reducing the triggers or taking recommended medication is still the only relief.
How does it work?
The patient operates the ONS with an external hand held device that’s not much bigger than a mobile phone. The information is locked in, so there is no chance a patient can tamper with it, it is very safe.
How much is it
Including the trial implant Lynette paid Aus $ 2900 of which Medicare returned $47 and her health fund just $23. However, because she had private top health cover fund, her hospital & theatre fees, which ran into many thousands, were covered.
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Kind Regards
Barry
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Worry is like a rocking chair it gives you something to do but gets you nowhere.
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burnt-toast
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Re: The switch in my head
« Reply #1 on: Dec 7th, 2005, 10:20pm » |
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Brings new meaning to the age old question.
Honey...
Where's my remote?
Tom
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Would the owner of the propane torch, egg beater, pipe expander and vise grips please claim these items. They're lodged in my head and I need the space.
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unsolved1
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Re: The switch in my head
« Reply #2 on: Dec 7th, 2005, 10:25pm » |
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Yes, I had an ONS. No, it didn't help. It was a pain and brought NO relief. Glad it works for some.
UNsolved
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