#USA #San Mateo #Cala Health #TAPS Therapy #Essential Tremor

Innovative Therapy for Essential Tremor

Cala®, a leader in bioelectronic medicine, has recently published an insightful study in Brain Stimulation that highlights the effectiveness of its Cala TAPS™ therapy. This groundbreaking therapy presents a non-invasive option to alleviate tremors experienced by patients with essential tremor (ET). By directly influencing neural activity within specific brain areas, the therapy has opened new pathways for treating this often degenerative condition.

Study Overview

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison conducted an extensive clinical trial, revealing that Cala TAPS™ therapy, which utilizes transcutaneous afferent patterned stimulation, targets the ventral intermediate (VIM) nucleus of the thalamus. This area plays a crucial role in the brain's tremor network and is a common target for invasive treatments such as deep brain stimulation (DBS). The study found a clear correlation between tremor reduction in patients and alterations in the brain's alpha and beta band wave activities. These findings suggest that TAPS therapy effectively mimics the success of surgical interventions without the inherent risks and complications involved in surgery.

Dr. Stuart Isaacson, Director of the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center in Boca Raton, Florida, commented on the significance of these results. He stated, "This study validates the action of Cala TAPS therapy on a specific brain region involved in essential tremor as well as in postural and kinetic tremors seen in Parkinson's disease. The positive outcomes observed underscore the potential to enhance daily functioning for patients suffering from these conditions."

Supporting Research

Further research presented at the MDS Conference also bolsters the understanding of TAPS therapy's impact on ET. Conducted at the Mayo Clinic, this study utilized PET imaging to monitor brain metabolism changes in patients utilizing Cala TAPS™ therapy over a 90-day period. The outcomes indicated a marked decrease in tremor symptoms and corresponding metabolic activities in critical areas of the brain associated with tremors, notably the cerebellum. Such evidence not only validates the TAPS therapy approach but also points to its durability and effectiveness as a non-invasive treatment.

A Commitment to Patients

Cala Health continues to advocate for patients with essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease, ensuring that the Cala system is available through the Veterans Affairs Health System at no cost to qualifying beneficiaries. Furthermore, they are actively working on expanding Medicare coverage for individuals who meet specific criteria. Deanna Harshbarger, CEO of Cala Health, emphasized the company’s dedication to improving the quality of life for those living with these conditions. "Our research efforts reinforce the scientific rationale behind Cala TAPS™ therapy and its capacity to significantly alter the treatment landscape for essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease tremors," she stated.

Conclusion

Cala TAPS™ therapy represents a beacon of hope for individuals suffering from these debilitating tremors. With ongoing research and increasing clinical support, this innovative therapy could soon transform how essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease tremors are managed, empowering patients to regain control of their lives and independence. It marks a significant shift towards non-invasive treatment solutions that promise not just symptom management, but an improved quality of life for many.

The Cala kIQ™ System, the only FDA-cleared wearable device of its kind, delivers this essential therapy directly to patients in need, signaling a new era in the fight against tremors. As this technology evolves, it paves the way for further advancements in bioelectronic medicine, ultimately reshaping the standard of care for chronic diseases.