[Neuro] Fisher Wallace Stimulator, was Re: tDCS at Noisebridge?

[John Withers]

The Fisher Wallace device is...weird. It uses multiple frequencies with 
a *lot* of handwaving about them magically carrying the current through 
the skull because they are tuned to just the right freqs. And yes, they 
have an FDA approval, which just means it isn't going to fry your brain 
out of your skull. The FDA approval is just a safety thing as best I can 
tell.

There is plenty of research going on with the unit by various parties, 
but so far I haven't seen anything that tdcs doesn't do already. My 
strong personal hunch is that 90% of the FW device is hand-waving and 
most of the other 10% is just tdcs signal. There might be something it 
is better for than standard TDCS (the sleep stuff does seem to be the 
likely point they might really have here). If you are concerned about 
anxiety and depression, there is already tons of data on TDCS doing all 
kinda good shit for them. No weird multiple frequency AC signal 
required. I haven't looked into the sleep stuff, that might actually be 
unique to their methodology.

j

On 04/18/2013 09:46 PM, Justin Morrison wrote:
> I'm curious about replicating results demonstrated by the FDA approved 
> Fisher Wallace Stimulator and similar devices.
>
> http://www.fisherwallace.com/research-current
>
> http://www.fisherwallace.com/research-published
>
>
> Marketing speak FAQ from their website:
>
>     In 1991, our device received multiple 510(k) clearances that allow
>     us to market the device for the treatment of depression, anxiety,
>     insomnia and chronic pain.  Click HERE
>     <http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=882.5800>
>     to read the FDA definition of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation
>     on the FDA website.  Our technology should not be confused with
>     Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) or Transcranial Magnetic
>     Stimulation (TMS).
>
>     Our device uses patented frequencies which are completely unique
>     to our device.  Our device is also the only CES device on the
>     market that is allowed to deliver electrical stimulation directly
>     to the skull via sponge electrodes - all of our competitors are
>     only allowed by the FDA to use ear-clip adaptors or skin patches,
>     which many doctors believe are less efficient at delivering
>     electricity to the brain. Ear clip devices can produce headaches
>     and vertigo, especially in patients suffering from Meunier's Disease.
>
>     Another major difference between our device and our competitors is
>     that our device is manufactured in the USA and is used exclusively
>     in research performed by the faculty of Harvard Medical School.
>
>
> I suspect a DIY device could offer the same or better results for 
> anxiety, insomnia, depression, which would be my target symptoms. 
> Perhaps I should start a new thread to query this.
>
> --
> Justin Morrison
> http://justinmorrison.net
>