Treating Pain with MET

The Alpha-Stim 100 uses microcurrent electrical therapy (MET) for those suffering from acute, chronic or postoperative pain. The Alpha-Stim 100 works with the body on a large variety of ailments, including difficult-to-treat problems. Alpha-Stim 100 microcurrent technology produces residual and cumulative results far superior to previous traditional milliampere transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices. Turn a TENS off and the pain returns. Although broadly classified as a TENS, the Alpha-Stim 100 is significantly superior because MET works with tiny currents of less than 600 microamperes, closer to the type and amount of electricity that naturally occurs in the body. By comparison, the electric current used by typical TENS devices is thousands of times greater than natural body current. Although a slight tingling sensation is sometimes felt under the electrodes, it is not necessary to feel this in order to achieve results. Many people feel nothing at all with the Alpha-Stim 100 except positive results. MET is applied through easy-to-use probes or self-adhesive electrodes. Specific treatment protocols are included with the Alpha-Stim 100 and technical assistance is readily available by telephone, fax, e-mail or mail. Alpha-Stim technology is backed by more independent research than any other device in its class. Electromedical Products International, Inc., manufacturer of Alpha-Stim ^® products, has been in business since 1981, treating a wide variety of medical disorders with Alpha-Stim microcurrent technology during that time with no reports of significant side effects.

Treating anxiety, depression, and/or insomnia with CES

The Alpha-Stim 100 treats anxiety, depression, and/or insomnia with microcurrent using a method called cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES). The treatment is very simple. The current is applied by easy-to-use clip electrodes that attach on the ear lobes. Used just 20 to 40 minutes every day, every other day, or on an as-needed basis, it can help induce a pleasant, relaxed feeling of well being. The Alpha-Stim 100 is well tolerated and very safe in contrast to drugs used in the treatment of mood disorders, many of which have been proven to have undesirable side effects and can be addictive. Unlike drugs, the Alpha-Stim 100 leaves the mind alert. Anxiety reduction is usually experienced during treatment. Depression and insomnia control is generally experienced after one to two weeks of daily treatment. CES can also help treat the underlying mood disorders associated with pain.

It may be used as an adjunct to medication and/or psychotherapy. After treatment, there are usually no physical limitations imposed so the majority of people can resume normal activities immediately. Maintenance of a relaxed, yet alert state is generally achieved with treatments three times per week. As a result, the Alpha-Stim 100 is suitable for clinical or home use.

How the Alpha-Stim 100 works

The Alpha-Stim 100 is distinct in that it is based on the concept that the biophysics underlying the body’s biochemistry also plays a significant role in regulating all of life’s processes. Doctors are taught that there are about 75 trillion cells in a human body, each having an electrical potential across its cell membrane, similar to a battery. Alpha-Stim’s proprietary waveform works by moving electrons through the body and brain at a variety of frequencies, collectively known as harmonic resonance. This normalizes the electrical activity of the nervous system and brain as measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG).

The Alpha-Stim 100 is packaged complete with one set of 4 self-adhesive AS-Trode brand silver electrodes (good for approximately 2 weeks to 1 month of use), electrode wires, 2 probes, ear clip electrodes, 200 felt electrodes for use with the probes and ear clips, a 15 ml bottle of Alpha Conducting Solution (ACS), a 9 volt battery, carrying case, and illustrated Owner’s Manual. This is everything necessary to begin to use the Alpha-Stim 100 right away. Replace self-adhesive and felt electrodes only with authorized Alpha-Stim and AS-Trode brand products.

Power Source: One 9 volt battery (included). Replace with disposable batteries (alkaline preferred).
Timer Settings: Probe (10 seconds on, alternating with 2 seconds off), 10, 20, 60 minutes, and continuous.
Current: 10 to 600 µA continuously adjustable.
Frequency: 0.5, 1.5, or 100 Hz (pulses per second).
Waveform: Bipolar asymmetric rectangular waves, 50% duty cycle, 0 net current.

Prescribing Information

Caution statement for United States: Federal Law (U.S.A. only) restricts this device to sale by, or on the order of a LICENSED HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER. Outside of the U.S.A. it is available world wide without a prescription but consultation with a qualified health care professional is recommended for difficult and unresponsive problems or when used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals or other therapeutic intervention. Billable with a pain diagnosis and prescription from your doctor under CPT code EO730.

CE conformity statement for Europe: The Alpha-Stim 100 is a class IIa, Type B medical device. It has been independently tested by outside agencies in order to provide assurance of conformity to applicable standards for medical equipment safety and electromagnetic compliance.

Indications: Alpha-Stim 100 cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) technology is continuously being subjected to rigorous study and evaluation by the international medical community. Findings to date indicate that the Alpha-Stim 100 is an effective treatment with broad applications for a variety of syndromes involving pain, and for the management of anxiety, depression, and/or insomnia, or for the short term relief of the symptoms of pain, anxiety, depression and/or insomnia. In many cases it is the sole therapeutic method required. Effective results in pain management have been seen during and/or subsequent to stimulation over affected body parts, adjacent areas, and areas distant from those in pain. As with any therapeutic intervention, not all people will respond to the Alpha-Stim 100. The degree of efficacy will vary with the nature of the problem being treated, the overall health of the person, and with the method of treatment.

Contraindications: The Alpha-Stim 100 may effect the operation of cardiac pacemakers (particularly demand type pacemakers). Do not stimulate directly on the eyes, or over the carotid sinus (on the neck beside the larynx).

Precautions: For external use only. Do not allow children to use or handle this device without adult supervision. Do not operate potentially dangerous machinery or vehicles during, and in some cases, for several hours after treatment. Caution is advised in cases where other forms of analgesia (pain control) would not be used; such as to retain the beneficial aspects of pain for diagnosis or in cases where people may overuse pain-controlled areas. Safety of stimulation has not been established during pregnancy. There have been isolated reports of blood pressure being lowered by CES so care should be taken while using the Alpha-Stim 100 with high blood pressure medication.

Adverse Effects: Adverse effects are usually mild and self-limiting. Adverse effects seen in approximately 4,541 patients in controlled, open, uncontrolled conditions, and by physician survey and reasonably associated with the use of CES are dizziness (6 cases, 0.13%), skin irritation/electrode burns (5 cases, 0.11%), and headaches (9 cases, 0.20%). Prolonged CES treatment at higher than necessary currents may cause dizziness or nausea that can last from hours to days. Treatment immediately prior to going to sleep may cause difficulty sleeping due to increased alertness. It is recommended that CES be used at least 3 hours before going to sleep. Paradoxical reactions such as hyperexcited states, increased anxiety, and sleep disturbances may occur.

The Alpha Stim 100 comes complete with the following accessories:

• One package of 4 AS-Trode electrode pads
• Two 48" wires
• Two probes
• One set of CE-2B ear clip electrodes
• 200 felt electode pads
• 15ml Alpha Conduction Solution
• One 9v battery
• Illustrated Owner's manual
  
  

Sold in the United States by prescription only. Please follow up your order with fax, mail or email of prescription. Warranty: Each Alpha-Stim 100 is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of five years except for replacement of batteries and accessories. See Owner’s Manual for complete details.

Please be advised, this is considered a custom item. Returns will be accepted only within 30 days of original purchase and charged a 15% re-stocking fee.