Gyrostim
 

I had five concussions playing soccer between July 2012 and March 2013. I'm still looking for a solution to speed up my recovery and I came across Gyrostim.

I read many discussion threads talking about how this is pseudoscience. I understand that there has been no double-blind controlled study. However I find it strange that I haven't heard of any people for whom Gyrostim has not worked. I feel like if I paid a bunch of money and it didn't work I would go on Facebook or Twitter and talk about how it was a scam.

Does anyone have any actual experience with Gyrostim?
Both positive and negative experiences are appreciated!

Thanks,
Andrew

Any news on the Gyrostim?
 

I have talked with three PCSers who all had Gyrostim therapy in the past 6 months with positive results. Has anyone else heard or know any more about the Gyrostim therapy for persistent PCS symptoms?

Dr Carrick's protocols have been discussed many times. Do a search for Carrick and chiropractic neurology on this forum.

The Gyrostim machine appears to have good benefits for some and no benefits for others. There are likely liability releases that must be signed and maybe even Non Disclosure Agreements since patents, protocol and clinical research info would be proprietary.

A way I, personally, use my scam meter is simple. Anecdotal evidence aside, if the promoter promotes the device and protocol in violation of FDA guidelines, I become very skeptical. FDA guideline outlaw promoting a device for use to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition until proper studies are completed and FDA medical device approval is final.

Regarding people discussing it on FB or Twitter as being a scam, very few people will speak up. Often, they are embarrassed because they feel foolish. Many just don't have the time or drive to speak up. That is why scams continue to flourish.

If it were me, I would not spend money that was needed elsewhere or that put me in debt. If one can afford to spend the money without it causing a financial hardship. it may be worth the effort. I would suggest exhausting other protocols first.

soccer715 and drich,

What symptoms are you struggling with the most ?
What are you doing to try to alleviate those symptoms ?

I've been curious about this doctor as well. I'm inherently skeptical but I keep coming across personal testimonials that tempt me into hoping it's a true miracle cure.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports...cahow/2704169/

If I'm still struggling a year out I may think about it. Take some of my insurance settlement and do it. Supposedly it's 5K for a week. A lot of money for an unproven treatment but desperation keeps quacks all over in business right?

But first I'm going to try a week of total rest. This has a decent study behind it and I figure I owe it to myself to try it. I never truly rested after my accident. It can't hurt and its free.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...8571BM20120608

I disagree- I've spoken to real patients
 

I have to differ. I have spoken personally to to three patients, who I've located myself. One patient was the daughter of a Yale surgeon. I located the surgeon, Dr. Barbara Kinder, and emailed her. She said that there are many critics due to the fact that there are not double blind studies and she said that with patients like this, who are so unique, it is almost impossible to perform them.

She strongly recommended Carrick. She credits him with her daughter's recovery after a double concussion that left her disabled for over a year. She said that the follow up care is excellent, her daughter was able to call and ask questions any time. She said she never saw that kind of attention from traditional doctors. She also went on to say that if, after the evaluation, Dr. Carrick does not believe he can help, he will say so.

After missing a year of school, her daughter Caitlin returned, completed a law degree, and became a gold medalist in women's hockey.

I've seen 30+ doctors, done vestibular rehab for over a year, OT, PT, craniossacral therapy, medications, vision therapy.. They were of negligible benefit. I'm going to Dr. Carrick.

beverlyz,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. What did I say that causes you to differ ? I left the door open to Dr Carrick's protocol being of value to some. I have never said he is a scam artist, just that his protocol does not work for everybody.

If you can afford Dr Carrick, go for it. Many can not afford his fees.

I also find it curious that posters who are proponents of this treatment never seem to be regular forum contributors.

Lightrail11,

For me u hit the nail on the head. This month and last several members have proclaimed strongly about being healed or knowing of healers and how we will regret not trying xyz. That sh@t plays on my desperateness and I don't like the anxiety I get and start thinking...'what if this could do it? Oh God, what if I don't try. ' to me that is pressure.

My heart jumps at the thought of something that may end this nightmare. I wait and read following remarks and then I notice that they don't contribute much and I feel that some posters like that get angry or defensive.

I can't do this research myself and I definitely don't have $ to gamble. I need others to critique so I can try to make a decision as my decision making skills are poor. There are just some people here that for over a year I've interacted with and feel comfortable with their opinion. If someone is brand spanking new bringing up a new therapy...

then I wonder what some of our more experienced users think because they have seen and been a part of thousands of posts here as compared to 1, 10, 20. They have likely heard of it.

And if someone brings up an interesting idea here we ask our doctors. But it's nice to quell or excite possibilities with those that have been around the block a few thousand times and I appreciate these members a great deal for the research and time they devote to helping others

People should leave their fussy pants at home and try not to get defensive here. I'm guilty too and promise not to wear my fussy pants while online here.

Jenna

I hope you get the answers you need as I am from the UK I get my medication for free and live by the quote

(if it looks too good to be true it usually is)

While there is no doubt that some of these newcomers are real TBI patients, excited about a medication or treatment that has helped them, it is equally true that others are charlatans, exploiting this Forum to peddle their snake oil.

We're a great market for the latter. We wouldn't be here if we weren't proactive people, looking for solutions to our health problems. Furthermore, I think most of us would concede that we're desperate. It's that desperation that attracts the type of individuals who live off the suffering of others.

The moderators do the best they can to protect us. For starters, new members are not permitted to post links. However, they can't stop everything, especially as some of those advocating for certain approaches are 100% sincere, and nobody wants to scare them away from NT.

When reading these posts, I let my experience guide me. I take the ones that are too strident: "you MUST try this," "this WILL work," etc... as marketing scams.

I find when real people offer up advice, they use phrases like "you might find this helpful," "it didn't work for me, but I know other TBI patients who feel they benefited," "have you considered/tried?" etc...

Legitimate posters also tend to reveal their biases and offer links to legitimate studies. In my case, it's no secret that I am skeptical about the efficacy of SSRIs for treating TBI depression. I support my position by offering a link to a large study conducted by Toronto's Sunnybrook Hospital. Most importantly, I say I'm providing ONE PIECE of information on a complex subject - and leave it to people to make up their OWN minds.

Brain injury is a very individual experience. Admittedly, as a long term suffer, I may just be jaded and cynical, but I really doubt that science is likely to find a one-size-fits-all cure for TBI. I find it even more unlikely that it's already out there, and only a handful of posters know about it.