PACIFIC        MEDISTIM DISTRIBUTORS Aust & NZ

TOPIC A: PRODUCT INFORMATION AND USE

• Question: How much does the Alpha-Stim cost?
  Answer: Prices are available by going to our online store . Healthcare practitioners can phone or email us for practitioner and bulk discounts.
• Question: Is this a TENS?
  Answer: TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a broad category. Just like analgesics cover everything from aspirin to morphine, the TENS category encompasses everything from your older milliampere TENS devices that use the sheer power or force of electricity to block pain, to newer, more effective microcurrent stimulators which use mild currents, much like those naturally found in the body, and augment the body's bioelectrical control systems for longer lasting, more effective mild pain management. Beware of cheap imitations of microcurrent technologies that do nothing more than lower the output, leaving out the therapeutic benefits of specifically designed waveforms. The Alpha-Stim 100 is classified as both a TENS for pain and a CES (cranial electrotherapy stimulator) for the management of worrying, restlessness, agitation,  and sleeplessness, related disorders. It employs a unique, proprietary waveform, found effective through a host of clinical studies and decades of successful treatment.
• Question: Am I supposed to put the felts on top of the one's already attached to the new earclips or new probes, and why do they not stick sometimes?
  Answer: There are newer earclips now available, so if your earclips are old you may like to think about purchasing the new model. You must remove old felt electrodes when they need replacing, (when they fall off or are soiled), and then clean the surface of the metal contacts with alcohol wipes or methylated spirits if they have residual glue or are soiled. Then before applying new felts, dry the metal electrodes with a soft dry cloth and place new felts on the electrodes, and press the felts together (earclip type). It is also very important to thoroughly wet each  of the felts before each use with at least 2-3 drops of Alpha-Stim Solution. Using saline or water prevents the Alpha-Stim from working effectively, as the Alpha-Stim Solution has an ingredient which enables the current to break through the skin's natural resistance.
• Question: What causes the metallic taste in my mouth or flashing lights when using CES or treating on or near the head?
  Answer: Close proximity to the nerves governing taste or the optic nerve in case of the flashing lights can stimulate these nerves causing the metallic taste or stroboscopic effect. This is not cause for concern and is normal in many patients. The flashing lights will go away when the stimulation is discontinued. If the metallic taste persists, rinse your mouth with water and it will go away.
• Question: Would Alpha-Stim help me in my sports training?
  Answer: Many professional sports teams, as well as many colleges and universities use the Alpha-Stim both to enhance and potentiate the benefits derived from their training program, and to help reduce pain, sprains, strains, and muscle imbalances that arise during training, practice or performance. Professional athletes also use the CES (ear clip) function to help focus their mind for competition.
• Question: My best friend puts his Alpha-Stim on his dog that is very nervous. Is that okay?
  Answer: Some veterinarians do use and prescribe Alpha-Stim for use on animals, especially horses, dogs and cats. Read our section of Veterinary.

CLINICAL APPLICATION FAQ's

TOPIC B: CLINICAL APPLICATION OF ALPHA-STIM TECHNOLOGY

• Question: Sometimes when I use the Alpha-Stim I feel a slight stinging sensation that makes me uncomfortable.
  Answer: Turn the current down just below the point that the sensation is bothersome and continue to use at that current level.
• Question: Some people tell me that if they turn their Alpha-Stim all the way up when they are using the ear clips, they feel like they've just had a double martini. Is that harmful?
  Answer: We do not suggest you keep the current so high that it causes unpleasant feelings.
• Question: Can I use the Alpha-Stim too much? If I use it too many hours a day, or use it turned up too high, will it hurt me?
  Answer: Since the Alpha-Stim works at a level of electricity similar to the body's own bioelectricity, no known harm can come from its overuse. On the other hand, it is always best to use it according to the directions provided by your licensed health care practitioner, or the directions for use that come with the device. Most people find that it is actually more effective when used every other day; just two or three times per week. However, in other cases it may be used more than once a day. It may be helpful for you to order our training video if you do not already have it. If for some reason you do not get a positive response from it when used following our protocols, contact your health care practitioner, or email us at info@pacificmedistim.com.au Together we can often devise other, more effective ways of using your Alpha-Stim for your specific needs.
• Question: I get the best results if I use my Alpha-Stim for one hour, three times a day, and at night when I go to bed. Am I using it too much?
  Answer: If that is how you get your best results, you have found the key to how you should use the Alpha-Stim for you. Keep in mind that the procedure will likely change over time as you continue to improve, and you may find yourself using it for only 20 minutes a couple of times a week in order to stay at your peak level of functioning.
• Question: If I use my Alpha-Stim more than 20 minutes twice a week, my pain (or symptoms) will return.
  Answer: Good. You have found the best way to use the Alpha-Stim for you. Many people have found that some hiatus between uses gets better results. That is why we recommend using it every other day on a maintenance basis.
• Question: When I use the ear clips, I sometimes get light headed or even dizzy. I don't like that feeling. Is it necessary to feel that in order to get benefit from the treatment.
  Answer: You do not have to feel unpleasant feelings in order to get the benefits of Alpha-Stim CES treatment. When you first apply it, be certain you have the current level set to "0", then gradually turn it up until you just begin to feel slightly light headed or dizzy. At that point, turn the current back down until the dizzy feeling goes away, and continue to treat yourself at that level. If you feel dizzy again, turn it down again, but never less than "1". With the Alpha-Stim microcurrent technology, more is not necessarily better. However, the lower the current the longer it will take. Generally, if the current is set at less than "2", it will take more than 20 minutes. Some people will need an hour or more, especially for the first few treatments. Also check that you are not dehydrated, drink a glass of water.
• Question: While I have heard about and seen people get an immediate effect from treatment, I always feel better the next day after I use the Alpha-Stim, and I need to use it for several hours at a time. I am not complaining, because it does work well for my condition, but why don't I get an immediate effect?
  Answer: While it is true that most people get an immediate effect, in some rare cases people have a delayed effect like yours. In most of the cases where people get a delayed effect, they also have trouble with prescription drugs. Interestingly, in all these cases we have found one thing in common. The person who has a delayed effect from Alpha- Stim treatment also has a delayed effect from anaesthetics. Usually, when you receive anesthetic injections from your dentist, you are sufficiently numb for the dentist to drill your tooth in a few minutes. For some people, this can take one-half hour or more. Usually the dentist will make a big deal about it because it is so rare. If you have a delayed response to anesthetics, you'll probably also have a delayed response to Alpha-Stim. You will also need to use it longer.
• Question: It says in the instruction manual not to use the Alpha-Stim within three hours of going to bed. My friend uses hers when she goes to bed at night. She says it helps her sleep better, and she puts it on again if she wakes up too early in the morning and it helps her get back to sleep.
  Answer: The Alpha-Stim relaxes your body and focuses your mind. If you are going to bed thinking about a problem, the mental focus may actually keep you awake. That is why we do not recommend using it just before going to bed. However, some people can fall asleep with it on. An analogy is caffeine, some people can drink coffee, tea, or soft drinks just before going to bed, while others are doomed to staying awake all night if they have a sip of caffeine after 12:00 noon. If the Alpha-Stim does not keep you awake, it is okay to use it before going to bed.
• Question: Do I need to order earclips even if the pain is in my legs?
  Answer: The earclips are used for CES (cranial electrotherapy stimulation) . However, unconfortable feelings of restlessness and agitation and sleeplessness are typically evident, especially alongside mild pain. Where the cause of pain may originally be in an extremity like your arm or leg, the pain is perceived in the brain. Pain is a complex central nervous system event and treating the site alone is only addressing half the problem, and missing the most important half. You may want to get your health professional to read abstracts of research on this that have been done utilizing CES applications in helping relieve the symptoms of pain.
• Question: Do I use the earclips before or after I treat my pain?
  Answer: We recommend utilizing the CES application with the earclip electrodes after using the probes or AS-Trode™ self-adhesive electrodes with our mild pain protocols. The CES application is found to be so effective that it may reduce or eliminate the pain prior to completion of the pain protocol. This makes it difficult to ascertain whether you are treating the correct area (this can be useful in determining more exact physiology of the problem underlying the pain).
• Question: After using for my back pain, I sometimes feel stiff. What can I do about that?
  Answer: You do not need to do anything. The stiffness will subside, and we're certain you prefer it to pain. Stiff is a magical word meaning "stop" Alpha-Stim treatment for that day. The stiffness will wear off soon.
• Question: I have heard that it is a good idea to treat my surgical scars. How do I do that?
  Answer: Scar treatment is sometimes necessary in order for you to get a good effect from Alpha-Stim use. Scars function as randomly-placed resisters in your bio-circuitry. The Chinese knew this thousands of years ago and incorporated it into acupuncture as the Mother-Son Law. German physicians discovered it 50 years ago and call it Neural Therapy. Neural Therapy is now taught in the United States. To use the Alpha-Stim to treat your scars, place the AS-Trode™ electrodes on each end of the scar and treat at about 300 microamperes at 0.5 Hz for at least ten minutes per scar, at least four days in a row. You may feel a surge of energy after you treat your scars. This may also increase your pain, as breaking up bio-resistors will wake up your whole body, including your pain. Treating your pain with the standard Alpha- Stim 100 pain treatment protocols will alleviate your pain after scar treatment.
• Question: Should I take nutrition supplements and vitamins when I use the Alpha- Stim?
  Answer: The Alpha-Stim, when used on your body for mild pain cessation or control, does this in large part by initiating the repair process in the injured tissues. It does this by, among other things, increasing the amino acid transport and protein synthesis in the area. It can not do this if the necessary amino acids are not present in the blood stream when you use your Alpha-Stim. Similarly, when Alpha-Stim CES is used, it will effect a balancing of your neurotransmitters by stimulating the brain to make more of those you do not have enough of, until their level has increased to the extent they and the other neurotransmitters can mutually control each other's production. The Alpha-Stim can not help your brain make neurotransmitters if the building blocks for them are not present in the blood stream. So it is very important to eat a balanced diet while using the Alpha-Stim, and that includes the major amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients. You should also drink plenty of water, as it is necessary for electrical conductivity in your body.
• Question: What kind of food should I eat in order to get all the things necessary for body or neurotransmitter repair?
  Answer: Your health care practitioner is your best local source of information regarding what is required and how best to find it. You can also get helpful information from your local health food store. In general, you should eat natural, preferably organic whole foods, at least 40 percent raw fruits and vegetables. To optimize digestion, do not mix proteins and carbohydrates, eat fruit alone one-half hour before, or two hours after other foods, and avoid white sugar and white flour. You should also avoid artificial sweeteners, especially if you suffer from headaches.
• Question: Is it normal for my ears to turn red after I have used the earclips?
  Answer: Any electrical stimulation can cause skin irritation and it is usually mild and self limiting. This is more prevalent in fair skinned people or those with sensitive skin. If a problem persists, consult your medical professional or try an alternative method of application such as applying the AS-Trode™ self-adhesive silver electrodes to the mastoid process (the bony area behind the ears), or even the shoulders. The stimulation can dilate the vascular system in the area which will turn the skin red. Another thing to try is to place a piece of gauze between the earfelt and your ear skin.
• Question: How long do the electrodes last? Mine aren't sticky any longer. Can I tape them to my body?
  Answer: Electromedical Products International, Inc. has gone to great lengths to research and procure the best possible electrodes for use with the Alpha-Stim. We are concerned primarily with efficacy and you should be too. The adhesive gel on the electrodes is the conductive medium ensuring proper contact and distribution of the electrical signal with the body. There are many variables which cause this gel to lose its effectiveness including humidity, amount of hair or sweat on the skin, and cleanliness of the area where applied. When the gel begins to lose its ability to adhere properly to the skin, it is time to get new electrodes. Trying to extend the life by taping them to the body may be inviting limited or negative results. Always use fresh electrodes applied to a clean, dry skin surface and only use AS-Trode™ brand silver electrodes designed for use with the Alpha-Stim.
  

OTHER FAQ's

TOPIC C: OTHER QUESTIONS RELATED TO ALPHA-STIM TECHNOLOGY

• Question: Will my private health insurance pay for this?
  Answer: There have been some successful claims made for the Alpha-Stim SCS from Australian Private Health Care Companies, DVA and Workcover.. Many plans that cover durable medical equipment will pay for the Alpha-Stim. However, many plan administrators and case managers are unfamiliar with Alpha-Stim technology. If a claim is denied, it is important to work with your doctor and insurance company to educate them on the benefits of this technology. Alpha-Stim is supported by more clinical studies than many drugs and is proven efficacious for its registered indications. We can provide them with clearances to market this technology by regulatory agencies in Europe (CE mark) the USA (FDA), Canada, Australia (TGA), and other countries. As this technology may be new to your insurance carrier, it is important not to take "no" for an answer. Your doctor knows the validity of this technology or would not have prescribed its use in your case. It is cleared to market and deserves proper reimbursement. As a distributor we have limited clout with the insurance carriers. However, the more doctors and patients who request proper reimbursement for this valuable technology, the more inclined they are to listen. In the end, this technology will produce significant savings for the insurer over drugs, surgery and secondary and tertiary problems caused by other types of medical intervention.
• Question: Is this covered under Medicare?
  Answer: Not yet, but we are working on it.
• Question: Why doesn't my doctor know about this?
  Answer: We are working very hard on this problem. We have and are exposing the Alpha-Stim to the medicall profession through attending and having exhibitor booths at large national medical conferences and congresses throughout Australia and overseas, and will continue to do so. Doctors are educated in institutions largely funded by pharmaceutical companies with multi-million dollar (and larger) budgets. These large companies have the resources to continue to educate doctors after they graduate, serve their internships and go into private or institutional practices. Smaller, innovative device companies such as EPII and Pacific Medistim, have had to build awareness through word-of-mouth and participation in medical conferences. It is not the doctor's fault that these new technologies take longer to become known. It is the nature of healthcare in the US and Australia, and the nature of the medical profession, which is necessarily cautious in adopting new methods of medical intervention. Also, more and more, patients are taking charge of the management and taking responsibility for their own healthcare and  are informing their doctors about technologies such as Alpha-Stim, which offer unprecedented efficacy.. Doctors who are on the cutting edge of new medicine, will and are seeking us out, but many need to hear about the benefits from patients who are willing to take charge of their own well being. So to summarize - you need to talk to your health care practitioner, and ask him/her to supervise your use of Alpha-Stim, so that they can see first hand, how it helps you. In this way, medical practitioners will become more aware of the benefits of using Alpha-Stim to treat their patients.
• Question: Does Workcover pay out for the purchase of the Alpha-Stim?
  Answer: Yes, we have heard that Australian Workcover does pay out for part of the purchase of Alpha-Stim. Ask your doctor to help you with this process.
• Question: If I have any further questions how can I contact your company?
  Answer: Simply by clicking on the Contact Us link or by the phone or fax numbers on that page.

PRESCRIBING INFO & CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Prescribing Information 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.

In the USA the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) have approved the sale of Alpha Stim by presctiption from a medical practitioner onley.

Outside of the USA 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.

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 , or for the short term relief of the symptoms of mild pain,worrying, agitation,sleeplessness and as an aid in bringing about a feeling of relaxation, calmness and focus after use.. 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 use. 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 use at higher than necessary currents may cause dizziness or nausea that can last from hours to days. Using 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.

last mod Jan2011