The Alpha-Stim SCS

Stressed?

The Alpha-Stim SCS

To control anxiety, depression, and/or insomnia without drugs in just 20 minutes every other day. Use it while reading, working at your desk, or watching TV!

So simple to use it’s as easy as 1,2,3

The Alpha-Stim SCS treats anxiety, depression, and/or insomnia with tiny electrical currents similar to those found naturally in the body, using a method called cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES).

The treatment is simple. The current is applied by easy-to-use clip electrodes that attach to your ear lobes.

What does it feel like?

You may feel a slight tingling sensation under the electrodes, but it is not necessary to feel this in order to achieve results. Most people feel nothing at all except positive results.

How can the Alpha-Stim SCS help?

The Alpha-Stim SCS empowers you to control your anxiety, depression, and/or insomnia. Used just 20 to 60 minutes every day, every other day, or on an as-needed basis, it can help induce a relaxed state and enable the user to focus attention on the task at hand. The Alpha-Stim SCS is well tolerated and very safe in contrast to drugs, many of which have been proven to have undesirable side effects and can be addictive.

The Alpha-Stim SCS leaves the mind alert. The person undergoing CES treatment will often report a pleasant, relaxed feeling of well-being. Anxiety reduction is usually experienced during treatment, but may be seen hours later, or even the day after treatment. Depression and insomnia control is generally experienced after one to two weeks of daily treatment.

Maintenance of a relaxed, yet alert state is generally achieved with treatments three times per week. As a result, the Alpha-Stim SCS is suitable for clinical or home use.

What scientific research has been conducted?

At present, there are over 125 research studies on CES in humans and 29 experimental animal studies. The overwhelming majority of the scientific research is extremely positive. No significant lasting side effects have been reported.

Harvard University School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management found: "The meta-analysis of anxiety showed CES to be significantly more effective than sham (P<.05)." (Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of cranial electrostimulation: efficacy in treating selected psychological and physiological conditions by Dr. Sidney Klawansky et al. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 183(7):478-485, 1995.

What are the typical results?

In recent surveys, physicians and patients reported the following results using Alpha-Stim® CES technology:

Physician Post Marketing Survey of Alpha-Stim® Patients

Results of using Alpha-Stim technology by physicians. For additional information see the book: The Science Behind Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation, 2nd Ed. by Dr. Daniel L. Kirsch. Medical Scope Publishing Corporation, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, 2002.

Peer-Reviewed Outcomes on Alpha-Stim Patients’ Self-Reports

Results of using Alpha-Stim® technology at home for a minimum of 3 weeks. For additional information see the article: Is microcurrent stimulation effective in pain management? An additional perspective by Dr. Ray B. Smith. American Journal of Pain Management, 11(2):62-66, 2001.
*N refers to number of patients.

What you get

Each Alpha-Stim SCS is packaged complete with

• compact Alpha-Stim SCS console unit
• one set of Earclip Electrodes
• 256 Earclip Electrode Pads
• 15 ml bottle of Alpha Conducting Solution™ for moistening the electrodes
• 9-volt battery (good for about 100 treatments)
• convenient genuine leather carrying case which can be worn on a belt
• illustrated owner’s manual

This is everything necessary to begin to use the Alpha-Stim SCS for management of anxiety, depression and/or insomnia right away.

Five-year warranty

Each Alpha-Stim SCS is warranted to be free from defects of workmanship and materials under normal use for a period of five years except for replacement of batteries and accessories. See Owners Manual for complete details.

Prescribing Information

CE conformity statement for Europe: The Alpha-Stim SCS 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.
Caution statement for United States: Federal law (USA only) restricts this device to sale by, or on the order of, a licensed health care practitioner. Outside 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 with pharmaceuticals or other therapeutic intervention.
Indications: Alpha-Stim 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 SCS is an effective treatment with broad applications for a variety of anxiety disorders, or for the short term relief of the symptoms of anxiety, depression and/or insomnia. In many cases it is the sole therapeutic method required. As with any therapeutic intervention, not all people will respond to the Alpha-Stim SCS. The degree of efficacy will vary with the nature of the problem being treated and the overall health of the person.
Contraindications: Alpha-Stim SCS may affect the operation of cardiac pacemakers (particularly demand type pacemakers).
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. 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 SCS 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 for 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. If the Alpha-Stim SCS does not control your anxiety, depression and/or insomnia within 3 weeks, discontinue use and consult your physician.

Currently, the Alpha-Stim SCS is not licensed for sale in Canada.

Technical details

Power Source
one 9-volt battery (included)

Current
10 to 500 µA continuously adjustable

Frequency
0.5 Hz (pulses per second)

Waveform
bipolar asymmetrical rectangular waves, 50% duty cycle, 0 net current

Mechanical
height: 10 cm, width: 7.5 cm, depth: 2.3 cm, weight: 106 gm with battery

		Type B Equipment. This stimulator is internally powered only.	See instructions for use. Read the manual thoroughly before using.