News Briefs from the International Neuromodulation Society

Emerging Therapies & Diagnostic Tools News Feed

Study Estimates Costs to NHS in England of Spinal Cord Stimulation Screening Trials

Sept. 6, 2022 - A team of authors published a study estimating the budget impact for the National Health Service in England of screening trials for spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain. (Source: Frontiers in Pain Research)

Brain-Computer Interfaces Featured in News Column

Sept. 2, 2022 - A column about the "Future of Everything" describes current and potential future therapeutic applications of brain-computer interfaces, such as fighting depression or restoring speech in people with paralysis. (Source: Wall Street Journal)

Researchers in Sweden Use National Registry Data to Analyze Post-Neurostimulation Work Absences in Chronic Pain Patients

Aug. 31, 2022 - Researchers in Sweden used a large population sample from a national registry to analyze changes in sick leave and disability pension in patients from 2006-2017, before and after they were implanted with spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain, compared to a reference group. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Health Publication Provides an Overview of Spinal Cord Stimulation

Aug. 30, 2022 - A column gives an overview of spinal cord stimulation. (Source: Healthline)

Eating Disorder Study Targets Brain's "Reward Center"

Aug. 29, 2022 - A 6-month pilot trial published in Nature Medicine https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-01941-w followed two patients with binge-eating disorder who were implanted with a responsive neurostimulation system that monitored activity in the nucleus accumbens, detecting and interrupting signals that had been associated in prior studies with food cravings. (Source: Penn Medicine News)

Post-Stroke Study Uses Brain-Machine Interface

Aug. 27, 2022 - A research center in Tübingen, Germany is looking for patients with post-stroke hand paralysis to further study a rehabilitation training approach they recently published involving a brain-computer interface. In their approach, the participants mentally rehearse an impaired movement in conjunction with sensory feedback, using a brain-computer interface that controls a robotic orthosis. (Source: BioPrepWatch)

Paper Analyzes Data Concerning Transcranial Photobiomodulation

Aug. 25, 2022 - Researchers published an analysis of pooled data concerning safety and tolerability of transcranial photobiomodulation for mood and anxiety disorders. (Source: Brain & Behavior Research Foundation)

Publication Profiles Man Undergoing Investigative Neurostimulation Treatment for Opioid Addiction

September 2022 - A magazine article profiles a participant in a four-person study at West Virginia University of deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant addiction. (Source: Harpers's)

Researchers Analyze Deep Brain Stimulation Connectivity Patterns

Aug. 24, 2022 - A team of co-authors questioned if there may be multiple targets for a common network in publishing an analysis of brain connectivity patterns and outcomes in 10 patients who had received stimulation to different brain targets in order to treat therapy-resistant self-injurious behavior. (Source: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience)

Researchers Compare Three Different Deep Brain Stimulation Modes in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Aug. 24, 2022 - In a study in patients with Parkinson's disease, researchers compared motor effects and estimated energy use of standard deep brain stimulation and two different forms of what they called ""temporally optimized patterned stimulation", one having low average frequency. (Source: Frontiers in Neuroscience)

Data Published from Pilot Study of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Aug. 17, 2022 - Clinicians report an open-label pilot study of continuous theta burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in seven study participants who have neocortical drug-resistant epilepsy. (Source: Frontiers in Neuroscience)

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Guidelines for Chronic Pain Published

Aug. 23, 2022 - A review offers evidence-based clinical guidelines for the use of implantable peripheral nerve stimulation in the treatment of chronic pain. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Study: Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Enhanced Memory in Older Adults

Aug. 22, 2022 - Scientists used transcranial alternating current stimulation to two different targets in older adults, aged 65 - 88, and studied effects on working memory and later recall. The study in 150 subjects involved daily stimulation sessions over four days, with re-testing of a memory task after one month. (Source: Nature)

Committee Leadership Notes Progress and Remaining Challenges for Women in Neuromodulation

Aug. 19, 2022 - An article by members of the North American Neuromodulation Society's Women in Neuromodulation committee describes progress, and remaining challenges, in alleviating gender disparities in the field of neuromodulation from the standpoint of career progression and advancement for women practitioners and researchers. (Source: NeuroNews)

Researchers Study Changes in Brain Metabolism in Patients with Depression Who Received Brain Stimulation Treatment

Aug. 19, 2022 - A study tracked brain metabolic changes in 10 patients with depression who were treated with deep brain stimulation over 12 months. (Source: Molecular Psychiatry)

Neurology Guideline Authors Comment on Recently FDA-Approved Neurostimulation Treatment for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Aug. 18, 2022 - Commenting on a clinical study analysis at 12 months, neurology guideline authors expressed a desire for independent, sham-controlled study of 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation in painful diabetic neuropathy, and were curious about reported neurologic function outcomes. (Source: Neurology Today)

Home Treatment with Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Studied in Stroke Survivors

Aug. 18, 2022 - A pilot study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of adding remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation to enhance home-based cognitive rehabilitation in stroke survivors. (Source: MedPage Today)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Studied in Parkinson's Patients with Postural Syndrome

Aug. 17, 2022 - Researchers in Italy published data about the use of noninvasive brain stimulation during rehabilitation therapy in Parkinson's disease patients who have Pisa syndrome, a pathological lateral flexion of the trunk. (Source: NeuroNews)

Investigators Publish Data about Opioid Usage Changes in a Case Series of Spinal Cord Stimulation Patients

Aug. 17, 2022 - A retrospective case series in Canada tracked opioid usage in patients with chronic back and neck pain who received spinal cord stimulation between 2017 and 2021. (Source: Practical Pain Management)

Man Reaches a Milestone in his Lengthy Time with an Implanted Brain-Computer Interface

Aug. 17, 2022 - A news feature focuses on a man with paraplegia who has had a brain-computer interface for more than seven years and three months, the longest of anyone. The electrode array in his motor cortex allows him to use his thoughts to control external devices such as a computer, video games, and a robotic arm. (Source: Wired)

Funding Opportunity Focuses on Behavior and Brain Activity

Aug. 17, 2022 - The National Institutes of Health BRAIN Initiative has issued a funding opportunity and announced an informational session in September. The Brain Behavior Quantification and Synchronization (BBQS) opportunity is described as supporting "the development of cutting-edge tools for simultaneous, multimodal measurement of behavior within complex environments and integration of these tools with simultaneously recorded brain activity in humans." (Source: NIH BRAIN Initiative)

Report Compares Response Time Between Older and Younger Adults Given Neurostimulation Treatment for Depression

Aug. 16, 2022 - A report in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience based on data from more than 500 patients compared the speed of response in older versus younger adults who received repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for major depressive disorder. (Source: EurekAlert)

Study Investigates Presence of Skin Bacteria in Patients Seeking Spinal Cord Stimulation Treatment

Aug. 11, 2022 - At the 2022 North American Neuromodulation Society meeting, investigators presented a study of the prevalence of methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in spinal cord stimulation (SCS) patients. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Minimally Invasive Neurostimulation Method Studied in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Bladder Symptoms

Aug. 10, 2022 - Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation was tested in a proof-of-concept study in people who have overactive bladder due to multiple sclerosis. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis News Today)

Analysis: Parkinson's Disease Patients' Deep Brain Stimulation Outcomes Associated with Microelectrode Recordings

Aug. 10, 2022 - A pooled analysis assessed comparative outcomes in motor symptoms and medication usage in Parkinson's disease patients after they were implanted with deep brain stimulation systems with, or without, the use of microelectrode recordings during the procedure. (Source: Parkinson's News Today)

Authors Issue Guidance About Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Clinical Care

Aug. 7, 2022 - A team of authors reviewed pain management studies to prepare a guide for advanced practice providers on peripheral nerve stimulation. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Study Evaluates Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Patients with Loss of Smell after COVID-19 Infection

Aug. 5, 2022 - A double-blind, sham-controlled study evaluated anodal transcranial direct current stimulation combined with olfactory training in seven patients who experienced loss of smell following COVID-19 infection. (Source: Neurology Advisor)

Small Study Investigated Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation in ICU Patients with COVID-19

Aug. 3, 2022 - In Austria, researchers conducted a prospective randomized study of the effect on inflammatory markers of percutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in critical-care patients with severe COVID-19 infections who were about to receive artificial respiration. In the 10-patient study, half the patients were randomized to receive the stimulation treatment, while the others received standard-of-care treatment alone. (Source: EurekAlert)

Science Competition Recognizes Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Research

Aug. 4, 2022 - The 2022 Science & PINS Prize for Neuromodulation went to a researcher at Boston University who submitted an essay about using transcranial alternating current stimulation to improve age-related memory decline through a personalized protocol in study participants aged 60 - 76 years old. (Source: AAAS)

A Guide to Electrical Stimulation for Overactive Bladder

July 28, 2022 - An article gives an overview of electrical stimulation for overactive bladder, describing percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and sacral neuromodulation, and providing links to resources for patients. (Source: Healthline)

SPARC Program Announces Eight Phase I Winners of Neuromod Prize, Including for Spinal Cord Injury Research

July 25, 2022 - The National Institutes of Health's Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Conditions (SPARC) program announced eight Phase I winners of its Neuromod Prize, which focused on restoration of organ function and divided $800,000 among the eight winners, who can compete in proof-of-concept studies in a second phase of the competition. The winning projects focused on such issues as autonomic function after spinal cord injury; pain; urinary or GI tract function; cardiac function; and respiratory infections. (Source: PR Newswire)

Article: Lead Migration in Spinal Cord Stimulation

July 25, 2022 - In an interview, the author of a single-center study discussed findings of lead migration in spinal cord stimulation and possible applications of the findings to clinical practice. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Data Reported on Deep Brain Stimulation in Tourette Syndrome

July 21, 2022 - A team of co-authors reported on deep brain stimulation to the subthalamic nucleus in 10 patients with refractory Tourette syndrome. (Source: Journal of Neurology)

Researchers Study Neurostimulation Method with an Application in Spinal Cord Injury

July 21, 2022 - Researchers carried out two studies involving 10 healthy participants to investigate peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) in paired associative stimulation, which combines the electrical nerve stimulation with transcranial magnetic stimulation. PAS can help improve muscle activity and independence in incomplete spinal cord injury patients, and they sought to determine optimal PNS intensities. (Source: Scientific Reports)

Journal Article Presents Pilot Study of Deep Brain Stimulation for Alcohol Use Disorder

July 20, 2022 - Researchers published  a pilot study of deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens in six participants who had severe chronic alcohol use disorder. (Source: Sunnybrook Research Institute)

Research Published About Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Migraine

July 20, 2022 - A study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of combined occipital and trigeminal nerve stimulation in the acute treatment of migraine. (Source: Medical Dialogues)

Medical Center Announces NIH Grant for Neurostimulation Resarch in Chronic Pain

July 20, 2022 - UVA Health announced a grant of more than $5 million from the National Institutes of Health HEAL Initiative to fund a clinical trial of deep brain stimulation of sections of the insula to potentially treat refractory neuropathic pain in 12 patients. (Source: UVA Health)

Study Looks at Effects of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Treatment for Depression in Older Patients Compared to Other Adults

July 19, 2022 - To investigate whether benefit varies by age, a multi-center study of more than 500 patients with depression compared the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients who were either under 65, or aged 65 and above. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Researchers Gather Data for a Difficult Condition as a Possible Precursor to Brain Stimulation Therapy

July 19, 2022 - An article describes preliminary research into overnight EEG monitoring of girls with Rett syndrome which the researchers believe may one day help guide possible brain stimulation therapy which might improve the typically variable developmental trajectory in these children. (Source: Boston Children's Hospital)

Article Discusses Potential Brain Stimulation Mode

July 18, 2022 - An article says that low intensity focused ultrasound may eventually become a noninvasive brain stimulation method to help control symptoms of psychiatric disorders. (Source: MDLinx)

Specialists Call for Improved Access to Brain Stimulation Modality for Patients with Intractable OCD

July 15, 2022 - In an opinion article, 42 specialists call upon insurers and mental health providers to address what they call a "crisis of access" to deep brain stimulation therapy for people who have intractable cases of obsessive compulsive disorder. (Source: Nature Medicine)

Article Summarizes Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation Options in Migraine

July 14, 2022 - An article provides an overview of trigeminal nerve stimulation for migraine. (Source: Verywell Health)

Review: Consortium Members Advocate Study of Neuromodulation for COVID-19 Respiratory Concerns

July 14, 2022 - A team of authors published an overview to support scientific study of neuromodulation technologies' potential to treat inflammatory effects on respiration and lung function in COVID-19 infection. The authors co-founded the International Consortium on Neuromodulation for COVID-19 in April 2020. (Source: Frontiers in Neurology)

Researchers Study Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Post-Surgical Rebound Pain

July 14, 2022 – Researchers in China published a randomized, controlled study investigating transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation's effect on rebound pain in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under general anesthesia combined with preoperative femoral nerve block. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Investigators Report Findings in Study of Sacral Neuromodulation in Patients with Neurogenic Bladder

July 7, 2022 - Investigators report a sham-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial of sacral neuromodulation in neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. (Source: NEJM Evidence)

Podcast Discussion Focuses on Evolution of Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy and and Potential in Ischemic Disease

June 21, 2022 - A 30-minute interview in a series on "Neuromodulation Today and Tomorrow" covers the evolution and application of neuromodulation therapies, including conceptual possibilities for newer neurostimulation waveforms or combinations to potentially aid in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. (Source: Machine Medicine)

Spinal Cord Stimulator Maps Motor Response

July 11, 2022 - An article with potential significance for focal lower extremity pain presents a study in 12 chronic pain patients in whom a high-resolution spinal cord stimulation paddle was used to map the location of responses in different dermatomes and sides, corresponding to placement of the paddle at 8 locations across the side or middle of the spinal cord. (Source: Neurosurgery)

Article Describes the Evolving Science of Brain Stimulation Therapies

July 8, 2022 - Neuroscience researchers point to preclinical and clinical studies while presenting views about the utility of personalized brain stimulation for emerging therapies. (Source: Nextgov.com)

Authors Summarize Studies about Electrical Stimulation in Cerebral Vasospasm

July 4, 2022 - A review summarized studies of electrical stimulation as a potential therapy or preventive option for cerebral vasospasm, a complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage. (Source: NeuroNews)

Studies Report Outcomes of Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Back Pain without Prior Surgery

July 1, 2022 - A systemic review gathered evidence regarding outcomes for spinal cord stimulation in chronic back pain patients who had no prior back surgery. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Study Investigates Observations about Bimodal Stimulation in Tinnitus

June 30, 2022 - A randomized trial followed 191 tinnitus patients for 12 months to investigate effects of different bimodal neuromodulation settings that combine sound and electrical stimulation of somatosensory pathways. (Source: Scientific Reports)

Authors Summarize Network Mechanisms Underlying Neurostimulation for Epilepsy

June 30, 2022 - An open-access review discusses treatment of epilepsy with deep brain stimulation or responsive neurostimulation based on current and emerging targets within the brain's epileptogenic network, with the the potential to guide that selection through network analyses. (Source: Brain)

NHS Clinic Team Receives Recognition for Working to Establish a Brain-Stimulation Treatment Service for Patients with Depression

June 30, 2022 - A clinic team worked for two years to establish a permanent service for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for people with treatment-resistant depression in Whiteleaf, U.K. and has now received an NHS service team award for their efforts. (Source: Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust)

Authors Review Deep Brain Stimulation Studies in Huntington's Disease

June 29, 2022 - Clinicians published an update that summarized published reports about two investigational therapies for patients with treatment-resistant Huntington's disease; deep brain stimulation to the globus pallidus internus/externus, or intracranial brain-graft injection. (Source: Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics)

Journal Article Presents Results Concerning Neurostimulation Therapy for Acute Migraine

June 24, 2022 - Results were published in a randomized controlled trial of combined occipital and trigeminal neurostimulation in acute treatment of migraine. (Source: Headache Journal)

Article Reviews the State of Directional Deep Brain Stimulation to Treat Parkinson's Disease

June 8, 2022 - Two co-authors present an overview of directional deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease, summarizing current status and published evidence concerning the various directional DBS leads that are commercially available. The predict that eventually, adaptive systems will be developed to provide a more predictive way to apply the therapy. (Source: touchNeurology)

Retrospective Study Assesses Salvaging Relief in Chronic Pain Patients Who Tried Spinal Cord Stimulation

June 24, 2022 - Results appear in an open-access article in press concerning a multicenter retrospective review of 60 chronic pain patients who were trialed for dorsal root ganglion stimulation, from 2016 to 2020, to salvage pain relief after failed trials of traditional spinal cord stimulation, or loss of efficacy. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Researchers Investigate Neural Devices to Provide Sensory Input for Paralyzed Patients

June 24, 2022 - A video news magazine segment presents research into providing a sense of touch to paralyzed people who use brain-machine interfaces to regain some hand and arm function. (Source: Wall Street Journal)

Researchers Study a Neural Interface for Control of Robotic Arms

June 28, 2022 - An article describes research in which a man with partial arm paralysis was fitted with a brain-machine interface meant to permit control of robotic arms. (Source: Tech Times)

Case Presented of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Cancer-Related Pain

June 27, 2022 - A clinical vignette poster presented the case of a patient who was treated for cancer-related pain with spinal cord stimulation, after other methods were not sufficient. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Noninvasive Neurostimulation Studied in Patients with Prolonged COVID-Related Smell Loss

June 24, 2022 - Results of a small, double-blind, sham-controlled study were published about seven patients with loss of smell for at least six months following COVID-19 infection, received anodal transcranial direct current stimulation combined with olafactory training. (Source: Medscape)

Study Investigates Side Effect in Parkinson's Disease Patients Treated with Deep Brain Stimulation

June 23, 2022 - An article summarizes a prospective study of 111 patients with Parkinson's disease who received deep brain stimulation to the subthalamic nucleus and were followed for a year. In the 18 who developed mania, factors associated with its development and management were analyzed. (Source: Parkinson's News Today)

Presentation Addresses Research into Neuromodulation Approaches to Long COVID

June 22, 2022 - An article summarizes research into potential neuromodulation treatments for "long COVID", which were subject to a presentation at the International Neuromodulation Society 15th World Congress. (Source: NeuroNews)

Review Considers the Role of a Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial Phase

2022 - A review examines the question of the trial phase traditionally used before permanent implantation of a spinal cord stimulator. (Source: The Internet Journal of Neurosurgery)

Protocol Published for a Pilot Controlled Trial of Pink Noise Cortical Stimulation in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

June 15, 2022 - Researchers in New Zealand and Ireland published a protocol for a pilot, safety and feasibility randomised placebo-controlled trial of a novel neuromodulation method in chronic low back pain, high-definition transcranial infraslow pink noise stimulation (HD-tIPNS). The pilot study of 40 participants would be triple-blinded with the active arm of HD-tIPNS targeting the somatosensory cortex and dorsal and pregenual anterior cingulate cortex. (Source: BMJ Open)

Guide: Neurostimulation for Refractory Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain

June 20, 2022 - A team of co-authors has published a clinical guide for therapy adoption of restorative neurostimulation in refractory chronic mechanical low back pain. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Review: Recent Advances in Focused Ultrasound for Epilepsy

June 20, 2022 - An article discusses focused ultrasound as an investigative treatment alternative for drug-resistant epilepsy, which at low intensity can modulate neuronal activity. (Source: Frontiers in Neuroscience)

News Segment Features an Essential Tremor Patient Whose Neurostimulator is Remotely Adjusted Through Telemedicine

June 20, 2022 - A woman with essential tremor in rural Nebraska is using telemedicine to adjust settings on her deep brain stimulator, rather than driving eight or nine hours to Colorado, where her surgery was done. (Source: KETV)

Study is Investigating Deep Brain Stimulation in Pediatric Patients with Treatment-Refractory, Self-Injurious Behavior

June 19, 2022 - A girl with a rare neurological disorder, Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, entered a clinical study https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03982888 of deep brain stimulation to the nucleus accumbens  in children with autism spectrum disorder and treatment-refractory, repetitive self-injurious behavior. (Source: CTV)

Late-Breaking Research Presented from Clinical Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation in Huntington's Disease

June 17, 2022 - A late-breaking research presentation at the International Neuromodulation Society 15th World Congress summarized results of a randomized controlled clinical trial of pallidal deep brain stimulation in chorea-dominant Huntington's disease. (Source: NeuroNews)

Presentation Covers Occipital Nerve Stimulation in Chronic Cluster Headache

June 15, 2022 - At the International Neuromodulation Society 15th World Congress, data were presented from a mulitcenter randomized controlled trial of occipital nerve stimulation in medically intractable chronic cluster headache. (Source: NeuroNews)

Article Recounts Highlights of the INS 15th World Congress

June 7, 2022 - In an interview, International Neuromodulation Society President Marc Russo, MBBS DA (UK) FANZCA FFPMANZCA, summarized highlights of the INS 15th World Congress, which featured research presentations, technical advances, mentorship receptions, and interest from the global neuromodulation community. He also mentioned upcoming INS regional meetings in the Southern and Northern hemispheres, respectively, in November 2022 and in 2023. (Source: touchNeurology)

Pilot Study Will Evaluate Deep Brain Stimulation in Refractory Opioid Use Disorder

June 14, 2022 - Clinicians in Pennsylvania announced the start of a pilot study of deep brain stimulation to treat up to three patients who have refractory opioid use disorder. (Source: PR Web)

Study Elucidated Potential Brain Circuit Targets Involved in Addiction

June 13, 2022 - Researchers reported in Nature Medicine that potential brain targets for neuromodulation to treat addiction have been identified through lesion mapping. (Source: Revyuh)

Presentation Focuses on Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Postpartum Depression

June 13, 2022 - A pilot study of auricular vagus nerve stimulation in women with postpartum depression was presented  at the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology annual meeting .(Source: Legal Reader)

Company Initiates Patient Access Program

June 1, 2022 - Helius Medical Technologies, Inc. announced it has launched a patient therapy access program in the United States for to assist multiple sclerosis patients with access to its noninvasive neurostimulator. (Source: KULR8)

Report: Pain Patients Maintained Spinal Cord Stimulation Treatment During Pregnancy

June 10, 2022 - A small study reports on several women who had had active burst-mode spinal cord stimulation during pregnancy. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Segment Features Early Participant in Clinical Trial of Brain Stimulation Implant in Alzheimer's Disease

June 10, 2022 - A news report describes a patient's results from 24 months of deep brain stimulation targeting the fornix in a clinical trial in patients with Alzheimer's disease. (Source: Channel 5 NBCDFW)

Data Presented Concerning Neurostimulation in Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

June 10, 2022 - Data from 24 months of 10kHz spinal cord stimulation in painful diabetic neuropathy were reported at scientific sessions of the American Diabetes Association. (Source: NeuroNews)

Clinical Trial Design Reported for Sham-Controlled Study of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Pain Condition

June 3, 2022 - A journal article reports a clinical trial design that includes an active sham control in a study of peripheral nerve stimulation for post-amputation pain. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Study Focuses on Noninvasive Brain Neurostimulation in Migraine

May 3, 2022 - Data were reported from a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial of combined external occipital and trigeminal neurostimulation for migraine headache. (Source: Pain and Therapy)

Editorial Considers Emerging Neuromodulation Technologies

June 7, 2022 - An editorial discusses emerging neuromodulation tecniques and outlooks, including a recently announced approach of using "subwave" stimulation of dorsal horn dendrites in chronic pain. (Source: Neurotech Reports)

"Subwave" Stimulation Approach to Spinal Cord Stimulation Presented

May 31, 2022 - A plenary lecture at the International Neuromodulation Society's 15th World Congress detailed six-month results in 26 chronic pain patients of a novel spinal cord stimulation approach that targets dorsal horn dendrites. (Source: NeuroNews)

Researchers Study Pain Patients' Function and Quality of Life after Neurostimulation Treatment

May 26, 2022 - A study investigates the association between functional disability and health-related quality of life, estimating utility values after treatment with evoked compound action potential spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Presentation Summarizes Recent Studies and Reviews about Spinal Cord Stimulation

May 23, 2022 - An article, in Spanish, describes presentation of recent studies and systematic reviews about spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain, which took place during a public educational event in Barcelona prior to the International Neuromodulation Society 15th World Congress. (Source: La Vanguardia)

Article Featuring Cluster Headache Includes Neuromodulation Options

May 22, 2022 - An article about cluster headaches includes both occipital nerve and deep brain stimulation when describing treatment options. (Source: El Pais)

Six-Month Results Presented in Study of Spinal Cord Stimulation Targeting Non-Dorsal Column, Non-Axonal Structures

May 23, 2022 - Six-month results were presented at the International Neuromodulation Society 15th World Congress from a study into spinal cord stimulation in chronic pain patients that targets non-dorsal column, non-axonal structures. (Source: touchNeurology)

Results Reported in tDCS Trial in COVID Patients with Respiratory Distress

May 1, 2022 - A sham-controlled trial evaluated effects of active high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation plus respiratory rehabilitation on moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with COVID-19, who received the treatment for up to 10 days in the intensive care unit. (Source: Brain Stimulation Journal)

18-Month Data Presented from Patients Who Received Neurostimulation Treatment for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

May 14, 2022 - Data from 18 months of treatment were presented at the AACE Annual Scientific and Clinical Conference regarding patients who received spinal cord stimulation for painful diabetic neuropathy. (Source: Healio)

Survey: Providers' Goals for Neuromodulation Therapy for Chronic Pain

May 10, 2022 - A three-part survey of 88 healthcare providers at the 2nd Joint Congress of the International Neuromodulation Society European Chapters in 2021 asked clinicians: their goals for treating pain pains with neuromodulation, factors expected to change, and definition of success; for instance, increased mobility or quality of life. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Video Podcast Previews INS 15th World Congress

May 9, 2022 - In a 4-minute overview video, International Neuromodulation Society President A/Prof. Marc Russo previews the upcoming INS 15th World Congress, which will have simultaneous streams on pain, brain, and organ stimulation. He said the meeting will offer research, reviews, techniques, and information about startups and medical-device ventures, as well as opportunities for mentoring and interaction with international colleagues. (Source: touchNeurology)

Article: Novel Deep Brain Stimulation Targets for Movement Disorder

May 5, 2022 - A summary presents novel deep brain stimulation targets for movement disorder, as described in a recent journal article. (Source: DocWire News)

Article Covers Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Depression

May 5, 2022 - An article summarizes a recent overview of vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for therapy-resistant depression. (Source: Medscape)

Outcome-Survey Results Published Regarding Temporary Neurostimulation for Pain

May 4, 2022 - Results were published from patients surveyed between 3 and 30 months after they had received 60 days of peripheral nerve stimulation for pain. (Source: Future Medicine)

Article Describes Neurostimulator Lead Placement Technique

April 15, 2022 - A team of physicians has published a technique for S1 dorsal root ganglion stimulation lead placement. (Source: Pain Medicine)

Retrospective Study Examines Perceived Pain Reduction from Different Frequencies of Spinal Cord Stimulation

April 28, 2022 - A retrospective study of 237 pain patients treated from 2004 to 2020 assessed perceived pain reduction, comparing results between males and females who received spinal cord stimulation at either high or low frequency. (Source: Science Daily)

Machine-Learning Models in Development for Selection of Candidates for Spinal Cord Stimulation

April 28, 2022 - Using a prospectively collected database, researchers are developing predictive models regarding which patients might be anticipated to benefit from spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain. (Source: Florida Atlantic University)

Analysis: Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Smoking Cessation

April 28, 2022 - Researchers published a systemic review and meta-analysis of noninvasive brain stimulation in smoking cessation programs. (Source: News.am)

News Feature Surveys Research into Brain-Computer Interfaces for Paralysis

April 20, 2022 - A news feature describes research into brain-control interfaces that in a customized fashion help provide paralyzed people some ability to use technology to move, talk, or touch. (Source: Nature)

Narrative Review Focuses on Patient Selection for Spinal Cord Stimulation

April 20, 2022 - A group of international authors prepared a narrative review that presents a sequential decision-making model for patient selection for spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of chronic pain. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Study Protocol Published for Brain Stimulation-Assisted Cognitive Training Post-COVID

April 11, 2022 - Investigators published a phase IIb trial study protocol for studying brain stimulation-assisted cognitive training in patients with post-COVID-19 cognitive impairment. (Source: BMJ Open)

Case Published of Spinal Cord Stimulation in a Patient with Orthostatic Hypotension

April 6, 2022 - Clinicians reported a case of a woman with orthostatic hypotension who frequently fainted, describing use of a spinal cord stimulator that targets nerves that constrict arteries in the legs and trunk when activated. (Source: Live Science)

Clinicians Report Results of Study of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Hospitalized COVID Patients

April 8, 2022 - Results were published from the SAVIOR I randomized controlled trial of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation to treat respiratory symptoms and inflammation biomarkers  in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. (Source: Frontiers in Neurology)

Research Into Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Explores Targeting with Brain Imaging for Depression Treatment

April 7, 2022 - An article describes theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation in depression and individual tailoring of the location using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Another article describes using fMRI and diffusion tensor imaging to target deeper areas of the brain. (Source: Discover Magazine

Analysis Assesses Uptake of Spinal Cord Stimulation in England

April 5, 2022 - A statistical analysis from 2010 - 2020 assessed the uptake of spinal cord stimulation across the National Health Service in England. The therapy has been recommended there as a management option for chronic neuropathic pain since 2008. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

In Preclinical Work, Collaborators Demonstrate a Proof-of-Concept Peripheral Nerve Stimulator

March 31, 2022 - A team of co-authors in Texas published a proof-of-concept demonstration of an endovascular peripheral nerve stimulator. (Source: EurekAlert)

Analysis of Cortical Signals Shows Areas of Grasp and Speech Encoding

March 31, 2022 - In a person with tetraplegia, researchers decoded signals for grasping and speech from a cortical circuit they say might be considered for a target for a brain-computer interface. (Source: Neuron)

Researchers Use Neuromodulation Data from Dystonia Patients to Model Electrode Placement and Investigate Stimulation Effects

March 31, 2022 - A paper presents deep brain stimulation effects in 80 patients with either cervical or generalized dystonia, retrospectively investigates tracts associated with improvements, and maps optimal stimulation sites. (Source: PNAS)

Retrospective Analysis Reports Procedure-Related Outcomes for Spinal Cord Stimulation

April 2022 - In a retrospective analysis of procedure-related outcomes, physicians evaluated a readmission database for 3,737 patients who received spinal cord implantation between 2013 and 2017. (Source: Anesthesia & Analgesia)

Brain-Computer Interface Study Results to Be Presented, Further Clinical Study Planned

March 30, 2022 - Results will be presented at an upcoming meeting of an Australian study in which four people with quadriplegia had a brain-computer interface threaded into a vein near the motor cortex. An ensuing clinical study in Pittsburgh, PA will map sensorimotor activity. (Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Researchers Study Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Stroke Recovery

March 25, 2022 - A study by researchers in Germany assessed transcranial direct current stimulation in augmenting motor recovery following stroke, whose physical rehabilitation involved using virtual tasks performed via a personalized robotic system. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Study Analyzes Comparative Treatment Costs, With or Without Vagus Nerve Stimulation, in Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

March 25, 2022 - In a study that drew on data from 44 children's hospitals in the U.S., researchers analyzed comparative treatment costs for children with drug-resistant epilepsy who were treated either with anti-seizure medication alone (n=3471), or with anti-seizure medication and vagus nerve stimulation (n=1113). (Source: Science Daily)

Results Presented in Randomized Trial of Spinal Cord Stimulation

March 24, 2022 - Data from a clinical trial of high-frequency spinal cord stimulation were presented at the 2022 annual meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society. (Source: NeuroNews)

Researchers Start Study of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Alzheimer's Disease

March 23, 2022 - Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are beginning a study of the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. (Source: WCSC)

Observations Published of Vagus Nerve Stimulation Effects on Autistic Behaviors

March 21, 2022 - An observational study in pediatric patients who were being treated with vagus nerve stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy reported the treatment effects on autistic behaviors. (Source: DocWire News)

Data Presented from Randomized Trial of Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation at Frequencies as Low as 20Hz

March 15, 2022 - A presentation at the 2022 annual meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society covered a randomized study of dorsal root ganglion stimulation in chronic pain patients at frequencies from 20Hz to 80Hz. (Source: NeuroNews)

Physicians Study Spinal Cord Stimulation and Respiratory Function in Spine-Injury Patients

June 2022 - A research team assessed if high epidural spinal cord stimulation at a location related to intercostal muscles could facilitate respiratory function in two patients who were on mechanical stimulation due to spinal cord injury. (Source: Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology)

Column Looks Ahead in the Field of Neuromodulation

March 9, 2022 - A column provides perspectives on the future of neuromodulation. (Source: NeuroNews)

Experts Discuss Tibial Nerve Stimulation Devices for Overactive Bladder

March 9, 2022 - Two clinicians discussed their experience and perspectives on tibial nerve stimulation devices for overactive bladder. (Source: Urology Times)

Study Looks at Minimally Invasive Nerve Stimulation in Sexual Dysfunction

March 8, 2022 - An interview discusses findings presented at a recent scientific meeting of a randomized controlled study of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in female sexual dysfunction. (Source: Urology Times)

International Neuromodulation Society Announces Its 15th World Congress

March 7, 2022 - The International Neuromodulation Society issued a news release on the INS 15th World Congress to raise awareness of neuromodulation and to encourage attendance. (Source: EurekAlert)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Studied in Cannabis Use Disorder

March 3, 2022 - Results were published of a study of transcranial magnetic stimulation in persons with schizophrenia who have cannabis use disorder. (Source: Science Daily)

Recruitment Underway in Study of Brain Stimulation for Obesity

March 2, 2022 - Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network in Pennsylvania is recruiting six participants for a second phase of the clinical trial investigating deep brain stimulation of the hypothalamus in patients who have a body mass index above 50 with associated health risks, and who have not had sustainable results from gastrointestinal bypass surgery. (Source: Boston 25 News)

Review: Neuromodulation for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Feb. 28, 2022 - A review presents evidence on neuromodulation interventions for painful diabetic neuropathy. (Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports)

Parkinson's Patient Receives Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment for the First Time in Ireland

Feb. 27, 2022 - A newspaper article features the first Parkinson's disease patient to undergo deep brain stimulation in Ireland, rather than having to travel for the treatment. (Source: Independent.ie)

Researchers Present Retrospective Study Concerning Spinal Cord Stimulation

Feb. 25, 2022 - A meeting abstract in late 2021 presented single-institution data from 2004 - 2018 concerning length of benefit of spinal cord stimulation and impacts on opioid pain medication use. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Study Planned of Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Prevention of Depression Relapse

Feb. 23, 2022 - A protocol was published for a longitudinal study of the effect and neural mechanisms of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for relapse prevention in major depressive disorder. (Source: DocWire News)

Pilot Study Features Noninvasive Neurostimulation to Address Abnormal Heart Rhythm

Feb. 21, 2022 - A double-blind randomized pilot study published in JAMA Cardiology evaluated a single session of transcutaneous magnetic stimulation of the left stellate ganglion vs. sham in patients experiencing ventricular tachycardia. (Source: Medical Dialogues in Cardiology)

Review Focuses on Autonomic Neuromodulation and Atrial Fibrillation After Heart Surgery

Feb. 14, 2022 - A review article summarized findings of clinical studies of autonomic neuromodulation therapies and the risk that cardiac surgery patients may develop postoperative atrial fibrillation. (Source: BioSpace)

Authors Publish Findings of Preliminary Brain Stimulation Study in Alzheimer's Disease

Feb. 9, 2022 - An international team of authors published a preliminary study of transcranial focused ultrasound to the hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease. (Source: Journal of Personalized Medicine)

Study Examines Spinal Cord Stimulation Disparities

April 2022 - Researchers published an analysis of a 2016-2018 U.S. inpatient sample that examined racial disparities in cost and utilization for patients receiving inpatient spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain. (Source: Journal of Clinical Neuroscience)

Australian Charity Advocates for Research into Neurostimulation for Spinal Cord Injuries

Feb. 22, 2022 - An actress from Australian television went on the air to discuss her husband's paralysis in support of a request by SpinalCure Australia to establish a national program for treatment and research into neurostimulation for spinal cord injuries. (Source: 7news.com.au)

Study Documents Effects of Neurostimulation in Patients Being Weaned from Mechanical Ventilation

Feb. 15, 2022 - In a randomized, controlled, open-label trial researchers reported on transient transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation in patients who were reliant on artificial ventilation and had diaphragm dysfunction; the authors documented the effect of the neurostimulation on both weaning from the ventilator and on maximal inspiratory pressure. (Source: Physician's Weekly)

Collaborative Project Pursues Therapeutic Approaches with Networked Neurostimulators

Feb. 8, 2022 - A project in Germany, Intakt, seeks to develop networks of up to 12 interconnected low-power devices that can record and stimulate neural activity in order to potentially treat tinnitus, enable prosthetic movement, or provide therapy for gastrointestinal disorders. (Source: Institution of Mechanical Engineers)

Study to Explore Noninvasive Brain Surgery Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans

Feb. 13, 2022 - A three-year, $4 million study funded by the U.S. Department of Defense will investigate transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation in veterans who have had cognitive issues due to mild traumatic brain injury incurred within the last 20 years. (Source: Rio Rancho Observer)

Meta-Analysis Summarizes Studies of TENS for Pain

Feb. 10, 2022 - A team of authors published a systemic review and meta-analysis of studies concerning the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for acute and chronic pain. (Source: BMJ Open)

Peer-Review Article Presents 12-Month Results in Spinal Cord Stimulation Clinical Trial

Feb. 11, 2022 - Clinicians published 12-month results of a randomized controlled trial of treatment of nonsurgical refractory back pain with 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation. (Source: Journal of Neurosurgery)

Authors Describe Development of Remote Device Programming Platform

Feb. 10, 2022 - A team of co-authors describe development of a remote-care platform for patients with an implanted neuromodulation device. (Source: Scientific Reports)

Segment Highlights Spinal Cord Stimulation Research for Post-Paralysis Rehabilitation

Feb. 10, 2022 - A television segment features a man with paraplegia who participated in a research study into spinal cord stimulation for recovery of some mobility, and his wedding to a caregiver on the 10-year anniversary of the accident that paralyzed him. (Source: WNDU)

Feasibility Trial Involves Novel Brain Stimulation Device

Feb. 8, 2022 - A news feature describes a feasibility trial in the U.K. of a novel closed-loop implanted neurostimulator to target the pedunculopontine nucleus in patients with Parkinson's-like multiple systems atrophy. The research is aimed at identifying biomarkers of the disease state throughout the day and night and ultimately to develop stimulation patterns to manage symptoms and improve sleep. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Journal Article Summarizes Neuromodulation Treatments for Chronic Daily Headache

Feb. 7, 2022 - A team of co-authors in Italy reviewed the literature on the use of central and peripheral neuromodulation techniques for chronic daily headache. (Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports)

Article Reports Neurostimulation Treatment in Two Cases of Long COVID

Feb. 7, 2022 - In published findings concerning two patients who had symptoms of long COVID, authors report changes after administering alternating current stimulation of the eyes and brain each day for 10 - 13 days. (Source: Neuroscience News)

Clinicians Report on Spinal Cord Stimulation in a Case of Low Back Pain

Feb. 7, 2022 - A case report describes neurostimulation treatment in a patient who had chronic axial low back pain. (Source: Cureus)

Article Presents Clinical Results of Neurostimulation for Leg Movement Following Spinal Cord Injury

Feb. 7, 2022 - Researchers in Switzerland published results of a three-person study in Nature Medicine in which participants who had lost the ability to walk due to spinal cord injury received neurostimulation and training to recover voluntary movement in their legs. (Source: CNN Health)

Participants Sought for Clinical Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation in Alzheimer's Disease

Feb. 3, 2022 - A study site in Texas is recruiting patients with mild Alzheimer's disease for a clinical trial taking place at centers in the U.S., Canada, and Germany evaluating the potential of deep brain stimulation to slow or halt the condition. (Source: Yahoo! Finance)

Investigators Recruit Participants for Trial of Brain Stimulation in Alcohol Use Disorder

Feb. 3, 2022 - Researchers are seeking participants for a clinical trial in Albuquerque, N.M. of transcranial alternating current stimulation in alcohol use disorder. (Source: UNM)

Review Discusses Ultrasound Neuromodulation

Jan. 25, 2022 - A review, "Ultrasound as a Neurotherapeutic: A Circuit- and System-Based Interrogation," includes discussion of low-intensity focused ultrasound for brain mapping and neuromodulation. (Source: Focus)

Investigators Report Data on Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Following Lower-Limb Amputation

Jan. 27, 2022 - Data from a pilot study were reported at a recent meeting concerning peripheral nerve stimulation for pain in the three months following lower-limb amputation. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Meta-Analysis Looks at Clinical Trials of Neurostimulation for Swallowing Disorder

Jan. 31, 2022 - Neurostimulation was included in a special journal issue on "Advances in Management of Voice and Swallowing Disorders," in which a review and meta-analysis summarized randomized controlled trials of pharygeal and neuromuscular electrical stimulation in people with swallowing issues due to oropharyngeal dysphagia. (Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine)

Article Presents Findings About Remote Followup in Sacral Neuromodulation Patients

Jan. 28, 2022 - A survey published in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface examined patients' attitudes toward remote programming and virtual care in followup appointments after implantation of a sacral neuromodulation system. (Source: DocWire News)

Authors Present Contributions to Neurosurgery by Women in Neuromodulation

Jan. 20, 2022 - An article recounts innovative contributions by women in neuromodulation to the field of stereotactic and functional neurosurgery. (Source: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience)

Article Profiles the New President of NANS

Jan. 25, 2022 - Incoming North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) President Salim Hayek, MD, PhD, is profiled in the current issue of NeuroNews. (Source: NeuroNews)

Investigators Use Brain-Imaging Studies in Overactive Bladder Patients Receiving Sacral Neuromodulation

Jan. 24, 2022 - In a prospective study that compared healthy controls to patients who received sacral nerve stimulation for overactive bladder (including groups who either had success or failure), researchers in China observed changes in activation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex through neuroimaging in the course of investigating a possible central mechanism for the disorder. (Source: The Journal of Urology)

Authors Publish Evidence of Long-Term Effects of Transcranial Pulse Stimulation

Jan. 15, 2022 - A research team in Austria has published a study in healthy volunteers comparing sham and verum sessions of transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) that was focused on the coritcal somatosensory representation of the right hand. One week before and after the session, they tested tactile spatial discrimination and dexterity. (Source: Journal of Translational Medicine)

Foundation Announces Clinical Trials on Noninvasive Neurostimulation in Parkinson's Disease

Jan. 4, 2022 - The Michael J. Fox Foundation announced two ongoing clinical trials of neurostimulation devices in Parkinson's disease; "Use of a Non-Invasive Brainstem Neuromodulation Device to Improve Neurovascular Status in Parkinson's Disease" and "Vibrotactile Coordinated Reset: A Non-invasive Treatment for Parkinson's Disease". (Source: Michael J. Fox Foundation)

Event in Iran Features R&D Involving Brain Stimulation and Other Technologies

Jan. 23, 2022 - A ceremony about science and technology developments in Iran highlighted brain stimulation and cognitive technologies. (Source: IFP)

Studies Investigate Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Jan. 22, 2022 - A news feature describes emerging evidence for use of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation in treating posttraumatic stress disorder. (Source: Psychology Today)

Center Joins Study of Brain Stimulation in Alzheimer's Disease

Jan. 21, 2022 - The Allegheny Health Network is joining the ADvance II phase 3 clinical study that explores the safety and efficacy of deep brain stimulation of the fornix to treat mild Alzheimer's disease. (Source: PR Newswire)

Presentation Focuses on Telehealth in Neuromodulation Services

Jan. 20, 2022 - A presentation concerned the role telehealth would play in access to neuromodulation services. (Source: NeuroNews)

News Report Features Emerging Neuromodulation Treatments

Jan. 19, 2022 - A news report presents emerging noninvasive neurostimulation methods for chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or tremor. (ABC News)

Researchers Study Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Pilot Trial in Heart Failure Patients

Jan. 13, 2022 - A team of authors has published results of a pilot randomized clinical trial of the effect of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation on inflammation, heart function, and exercise capacity in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. (Source: Journal of the American Heart Association)

$9.8 Million Competition Announced for Nerve Stimulation for Autonomic Function

Jan. 18, 2022 - The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced it has launched the first phase of its $9.8 million Neuromod Prize that seeks to accelerate peripheral nerve stimulation to "independently regulate two or more desired autonomic functions without unintended effects on non-target organs". The prize was initiated under the NIS Common Fund's Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Conditions (SPARC)  (Source: National Institutes of Health)

Noninvasive Neurostimulation Methods Investigated for Long COVID

Jan. 5, 2022 - A news feature discusses recent lines of research into noninvasive neurostimulation as a potential treatment for long COVID. (Source: IEEE Spectrum)

Article Surveys the State of Therapeutic Brain Stimulation Development

Jan. 12, 2022 - A news feature describes research into deep brain stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation to potentially treat psychiatric or other conditions. (Source: STAT)

Closed-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation Two-Year Outcomes Reported

Jan. 8, 2022 - In a secondary analysis, a team of co-authors published two-year outcomes in a randomized controlled trial of closed-loop spinal cord stimulation for chronic back and leg pain. (Source: JAMA Neurology)

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Studied in Long COVID

Jan. 7, 2022 - A news feature that references past or future studies discusses neurostimulation as a potential therapy for long COVID. (Source: IFL Science!)

Two-Year Results Published in Clinical Trial of Neurostimulation for Chronic Pain

Jan. 3, 2022 - An article in press presents two-year results in a randomized controlled trial of restorative neurostimulation in patients with chronic disabling back pain secondary to multifidus muscle dysfunction. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Guidelines Published on Spinal Cord Stimulation Surgical Technique

Jan. 1, 2022 - The International Neuromodulation Society’s Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee has published recommendations for surgical technique -- including preoperative assessment and postoperative management -- for spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

International Guidance Published on Cervical Neurostimulation

Jan. 1, 2022 - A multispecialty group of physicians convened by the International Neuromodulation Society, through the  International Neuromodulation Society’s  Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee, has published evidence-based guidance on the use of cervical neuromodulation. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Researchers Begin Human Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation in Anorexia Nervosa

Dec. 29, 2021 - A 10-person clinical trial has begun in Queensland, Australia, to study deep brain stimulation as a potential treatment for people who have treatment-resistant anorexia nervosa. (Source: ABC)

Author Discusses Disparities in Access to Spinal Cord Stimulation

Dec. 22, 2021 - An article discusses current gaps and barriers in patient access to spinal cord stimulation. (Source: NeuroNews)

Registry-Based Study in Norwegian Epilepsy Patients Assessed Long-Term Vagus Nerve Stimulation Efficacy

Dec. 22, 2021 - A 60-month study evaluated the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy in adults and children, based on a Norwegian registry. An associated regression analysis sought to identify predictors of response. (Source: DocWire News)

Journal Article Describes Experience with Neurostimulation for Refractory Tourette Syndrome

Dec. 9, 2021 - A team of co-authors report on effects of deep brain stimulation in a man with refractory Tourette syndrome that involved obsessive compulsive symptoms and tics. The authors offer suggestions about targeting pathways and circuits, saying single components may be involved in multiple pathways that are related to different states. (Source: Clinical Case Reports)

Authors Study Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Targeting and Outcomes

Nov. 13, 2021 - A sham-controlled study of patients with post-stroke hemiplegia compared two methods of targeting repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and assessed the feasibility of targeting through functional near-infrared spectroscopy. (Source: Neurology and Therapy)

Article Describes Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment of a Patient with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Dec. 21, 2021 - A patient with obsessive compulsive disorder underwent deep brain stimulation in Argentina for the condition. (Source: OI Canadian)

Clinicians Report on Treating Two Long-COVID Patients with Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Dec. 15, 2021 - Clinicians in Germany report on treatment of two patients who had long-COVID symptoms, and were administered noninvasive alternating current stimulation of the eyes and brain. The authors report on the patients' cognition and visual-field function. (Source: Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Study Investigates Decision-Making

January 2022 - Investigators in Europe published results of a placebo-controlled study of the modulating effect of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation to the temporo-parietal junction on how participants weighed choices about environmental sustainability that might benefit future generations, which the authors said entailed intergenerational mentalizing while engaging in a social dilemma game of the type used in behavioral economics. (Source: Cortex)

Researchers Prepare for a Clinical Trial of a Potential Visual Prosthesis

Dec. 16, 2021 - Researchers in Chicago are seeking clinical trial participants for a study of an intracortical visual prosthesis, set to begin in 2022. (Source: WGN)

Study Reports Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation on Postural Alignment and Adaptation in Parkinson's Disease

Dec. 14, 2021 - Researchers studied alterations in body position of Parkinson's disease patients with deep brain stimulation off or on, and in comparison to young and old control participants. (Source: PLoS One)

Clinicians Investigate Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Laryngeal Dystonia

Dec. 2, 2021 - Clinicians published a a safety, feasibility, and pilot study of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in adductor laryngeal dystonia, at a frequency that prolongs intracortical inhibition. (Source: Experimental Brain Research)

Alternative Electrode Implantation Techniques Reported

Dec. 12, 2021 - Clinicians report, in two cases, on three different alternatives for dorsal root ganglion electrode implantation. (Source: Journal of Neurological Surgery Part A: Central European Neurosurgery)

Review Assesses Monotherapy with Baclofen in Severe Spasticity

Dec. 11, 2021 - A team of authors reviewed 20 studies regarding the effects of monotherapy with intrathecal baclofen on pain, function and quality of life in patients with severe spasticity. (Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports)

Authors Report a Retrospective Study of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Neurogenic Claudication

December 2021 - A retrospective study of a prospectively collected database assessed outcomes and efficacy of spinal cord stimulation in neurogenic claudication in patients with, or without, prior surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. (Source: Pain Physician Journal)

Researchers Seek Symptom-Severity Biomarkers in Obsessive Compulsive Patients Implanted with Deep Brain Stimulation Systems

Dec. 9, 2021 - A research team reports on seeking candidate biomarkers of symptom intensity through recording of local field potentials in study participants who have obsessive compulsive disorder and were implanted with deep brain stimulation systems capable of making such recordings. (Source: Nature Medicine)

Clinicians to Study Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients at Risk of Secondary Stroke

Dec. 8, 2021 - Researchers in Berne, Switzerland are starting a proof-of-concept trial in up to 15 enrollees of cervical spinal cord stimulation to invesstigate its effect on cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The device will be explanted after 15 days, and patients followed for six months. (Source: Trial Bulletin)

University Research Focuses on Wireless Neurostimulators

Dec. 8, 2021 - A television segment features research at Rice University to have two or more wireless neurostimulation implants powered and programmed by a single transcutaneous transmitter. (Source: WQAD)

Researchers Present a Psychological Screening Protocol for Pain Patients Anticipating Neuromodulation Therapy

Dec. 3, 2021 - At a recent scientific meeting, researchers presented a psychological screening protocol that was used to decide which chronic pain patients should proceed to an in-person psychological assessment prior to a neuromodulation trial phase. (Source: NeuroNews)

Investigators Publish 2-Year Data from Patients Receiving Restorative Neurostimulation for Chronic Low Back Pain

December 2021 - Investigators have published results from up to two years from a longitudinal cohort of 42 patients with chronic mechanical low back who received restorative neurostimulation therapy. (Source: Pain and Therapy)

$10 Million in Seed Funding Raised by a U.K. Startup Seeking to Commercialize a Noninvasive Stimulation Device for Parkinson's Disease Motor Symptoms

Nov. 24, 2021 - A startup spun out of London's Imperial College, Charco Neurotech, has raised $10 million in seed funding as it pursues commercial development of a noninvasive system to deliver vibrational stimulation to peripheral nerves in Parkinson's disease patients, which the company says is intended to decrease stiffness, slowness, and freezing of gait. The system includes an app to track symptoms and quality-of-life measures. (Source: Business Weekly)

Clinicians Report Observations of Pediatric Epilepsy Patients Following Responsive Neurostimulation

December 2021 - A multicenter retrospective observational study presents preliminary data about safety and efficacy in the off-label use of responsive neurostimulation in pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. (Source: Neurosurgery)

Article Reports on Lower-Limb Neuromodulation for Chronic Pain Following Traumatic Injury

Nov. 24, 2021 - A team of co-authors report on use on an implantable neuromodulation device in the lower limb as an adjunctive procedure in patients who have continued chronic pain after failed revisional microneurosurgery in a nonreconstructable zone of injury. (Source: Clinics in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery)

University Prize Awarded to Neuromodulation Researcher in Switzerland

Nov. 23, 2021 - A neuromodulation researcher has been awarded a 2021 ETH Zurich Latsis Prize, worth CHF 25,000 ($26,762). The recipient's work includes development of a lower limb prosthesis with sensors and a neural interface, which provides above-knee amputees sensation when their prosthetic foot touches the ground. (Source: ETH Zurich)

Researchers Report Recent Data in Studies of Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression

Nov. 22, 2021 - A news article recounts recent developments in research into personalization of deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression, including recently published data. (Source: Science)

Brain-Injured Hockey Player's Neurorehabilitation Includes Neuromodulation

Nov. 19, 2021 - A human-interest article describes how a former ice hockey player, who had a traumatic brain injury three years ago, is undergoing intensive neurorehabilitation now that incorporates a noninvasive portable neuromodulation system intended to foster brain plasticity during the training. (Source: Sportsnet.ca)

Study Investigates Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Cognitive Approaches in Problem-Solving

Nov. 18, 2021 - Researchers in Japan studied repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and cognitive behavior related to "giving up" during problem solving. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Survey Group Seeks Respondents Concerning Neurostimulation Treatment

Nov. 17, 2021 - A working group at LIverpool University is looking for people to take part in a survey on implantable neurostimulation devices. (Source: OUCH(uk))

Researchers Study Laser-Evoked Potentials During Chronic Pain Treatment with Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation

Nov. 16, 2021 - Researchers studied the rate that laser-evoked potentials recovered in patients who had been implanted with dorsal root ganglion stimulation systems to treat chronic neuropathic leg or groin pain. The authors hypothesize that recovery of the laser-evoked potentials may reflect therapy-induced changes in the nociceptive system. (Source: Pain Practice

Interview Series Installment Features Neuromodulation and Functional Neurosurgery

Nov. 17, 2021 - University of Illinois College of Medicine Prof. Konstantin Slavin, MD, chief of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, spoke in a 30-minute interview about the current and future evolution of neuromodulation therapies. (Source: Machine Medicine)

$2 Million Grant Will Support Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Research Over Five Years for Post-Stroke Aphasia

Nov. 16, 2021 - Researchers in New Mexico have received a $2 million grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders to study combining treatment for post-stroke aphasia with noninvasive brain stimulation meant to enhance brain plasticity, high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation. (Source: University of New Mexico)

Study: Deeper Brain Structures and Transcranial Electrical Stimulation

January - February 2022 - Researchers reported about electric fields in deep human brain structures in conjunction with transcranial electrical stimulation. Their studies involved seven subjects who were undergoing brain monitoring for epilepsy. (Source: Brain Stimulation)

Grant Funds University Research on Neurostimulation as a Potential Therapy for Addiction

Nov. 4, 2021 - The University of Minnesota's Center for Neural Circuits in Addictions received a $100,000 grant from the National Institutes on Drug Abuse to continue research on neurostimulation as a potential addiction treatment. (Source: University of Minnesota)

Comparative Study Looks at Neurostimulation in Parkinson's Disease Patients with Sleep Apnea

Nov. 6, 2021 - A study of deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease compared outcomes in 22 patients who had mild to moderate sleep apnea with 28 who did not. (Source: AJMC)

Proof-of-Concept Study Explores Closed-Loop Brain Stimulation and Cognitive Control

Nov. 2, 2021 - A proof-of-concept study in patients undergoing epileptic monitoring demonstrated participants' relative cognitive control during a conflict task when they received closed-loop direct stimulation of sub-parts of the internal capsule vs. open-loop stimulation. The closed-loop stimulation was applied when they were having difficulty with a laboratory test of cognitive control. Investigators also reported comparative effects on anxiety and the ability to shift focus. (Source: Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News)

Case Report: Patient-Specific Tractography and Current Steering to Resolve Life-Threatening Post-Implantation Dyskinesias

Oct. 14, 2021 - A team of co-authors present their experience combining patient-specific tractography and current steering to resolve a case of severe life-threatening dyskinesias due to a persistent microlesion effect after implantation of deep brain stimulation leads targeting the subthalamic nucleus. (Source: Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery)

Researchers Share Interim Results of Brain Stimulation for Depression

Oct. 29, 2021 - Researchers published an interim analysis, in 29 participants after 4 weeks of treatment, in a randomized controlled study of deep brain stimulation in treatment-resistant depression. (Source: American Journal of Psychiatry)

$11.3 Million Grant Will Fund Projects in Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

Oct. 25, 2021 - The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke awarded researchers at the University of Minnesota $11.3 million to continue work on projects to help further how treatment with deep brain stimulation may address symptoms of Parkinson's disease. (Source: News-medical.net)

Biomechanics Expert Studies Researches Sprain Rehabilitation with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Oct. 19, 2021 - Researchers are undertaking a sham-controlled study of transcranial direct current stimulation during rehabilitation from ankle sprain to improve stability and decrease chances of recurrence. (Source: Appstate.edu)

Phase I Results Presented in Study of Deep Brain Stimulation in Stroke

Oct. 20, 2021 - Phase I results were presented at the annual meeting of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons regarding a clinical trial of deep brain stimulation to the dentate nucleus in patients who had post-stroke hemiparesis of the upper extremities. The single-arm, open-label study enrolled 12 patients. The investigators said they are now planning a randomized, sham-controlled Phase II study in up to 40 patients. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Researchers Report on Electrical Stimulation of the Visual Cortex of a Blind Person

Oct. 19, 2021 - A research team reports on implantation of a microelectrode array in the visual cortex of a blind individual. The intracortical array was left in place for six months as part of a registered clinical trial in Spain. (Source: The Journal of Clinical Investigation)

Authors Present Evidence for a Common Neurostimulation Treatment Pathway in Essential Tremor

Oct. 4, 2021 - A team of co-authors retrospectively analyzed a cohort of individuals with essential tremor who had been treated with unilateral deep brain stimulation. To predict outcome of stimulation targets that share a common tract, the authors correlated percentage of contralateral improvement with structural connectivity measures using normative connectomes. (Source: NeuroImage: Clinical)

Observational Study Investigates Pulse-Dosing of Spinal Cord Stimulation and Recharge Patterns

Oct. 2, 2021 - A prospective, multicenter, observational study investigated intermittent stimulation with 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation and device recharge time. (Source: Pain Medicine)

Scientists Publish Meta-Analysis of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Cognitive Performance

Oct. 5, 2021 - A team of scientists in Korea conducted a meta-analysis of studies about transcranial direct-current stimulation as a technique to improve cognitive performance. (Source: Technology Networks)

Review Presents Findings About Deep Brain Stimulation for Tremor in Multiple Sclerosis

Oct. 5, 2021 - A systematic review and meta-analysis presents findings about deep brain stimulation for tremor in multiple sclerosis and other effects from the intervention. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis News Today)

Study Participant Describes Her Experience with Personalized Brain Stimulation to Treat Depression

Oct. 4, 2021 - In Nature Medicine, a study team described delivery of personalized deep brain stimulation for depression in one patient participating in their study, which makes use of a responsive neurostimulation system originally developed to sense and limit epileptic seizure activity. (Source: CNN)

Studies Compare Subperception, Other Modalities, of Spinal Cord Stimulation

Sept. 28, 2021 - Data presented at the mid-year meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society compared subperception spinal cord stimulation (SCS) with other SCS modalities. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Investigator Discusses Spinal Cord Stimulation for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Sept. 29, 2021 - An interview focuses on the recent FDA approval of a high-frequency spinal cord stimulation system for painful diabetic neuropathy. (Source: NeuroNews)

Article Highlights Differences Between Adaptive and Conventional Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

Sept. 29, 2021 - An article summarizes a study that compared conventional and adaptive deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease, (Source: DocWire News)

Researcher Presents Response-Rate Changes Over 60 Days in Pain Patients Who Received Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Sept. 29, 2121 - A study presented at PAINWeek 2021 retrospectively tracked changes in response rates in patients who received percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation for 60 days. (Source: Pain  Medicine News)

Clinical Trial Participant Discusses His Experience with a Brain Stimulation Intervention for Addiction

Sept. 29, 2021 - A television segment features a man who is participating in a clinical trial of deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant addiction. (Source: WSAZ)

One-Year Outcomes Published in Clinical Trial of Restorative Neurostimulation in Refractory Mechanical Chronic Low Back Pain

October 2021 - Clinicians have published results in an international randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial of an implantable neurostimulator designed to restore multifidus control and relieve symptoms. Their article reported 12-month outcomes in 204 patients with refractory mechanical chronic low back pain. (Source: Pain)

Observations Published of Pediatric Epilepsy Patients with Responsive Neurostimulation Systems

Sept. 15, 2021 - A team of co-authors published a multicenter retrospective observational study of 35 pediatric patients and young adults with epilepsy who were implanted with a responsive neurostimulation system. (Source: Neurosurgery)

Institute Pursues a Vagus Nerve Stimulator for Type 2 Diabetes

Sept. 28, 2021 - The recently formed Neo-Bionica Institute is developing an implantable vagus nerve stimulator for people with Type 2 diabetes to activate after meals in order to potentially stimulate insulin production and regulate blood sugar levels. (Source: 9 News)

Clinicians Study Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Pain Following Leg Amputation

Sept. 27, 2021 - A pilot study compared peripheral nerve stimulation to standard medical therapy alone in patients following lower-limb amputation. The patients were followed for three months to track effects on acute and sub-acute post-amputation pain. (Source: Anesthesiology News)

Study Investigates Tractography in Essential Tremor Treatment

Sept. 25, 2021 - Using tractography after deep brain stimulation surgery, researchers investigated the dentato-rubro-thalamic tract with the highest correspondence to intraoperative tremor control in patients with essential tremor. They used the depiction to evaluate short-term postoperative adverse and beneficial effects. (Source: DocWire News)

Study Will Evaluate Neurostimulation in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Sept. 10, 2021 - The National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control have granted $700,000 for a sham-controlled study of transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulation in chronic post-traumatic stress disorder in first responders to the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. (Source: BioWorld)

Researchers Conduct a Cost-Benefit Analysis for Spinal Cord Stimulation

Sept. 24, 2021 - Researchers developed a probabilistic cost-effectiveness analysis that compared conventional medical management with, and without, spinal cord stimulation over five years in patients with failed back surgery syndrome in Spain. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Multicenter Trial Investigates Upper Extremity Rehabilitation and Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Stroke Patients

Sept. 23, 2021 - At the European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) 2021, results were presented of a prospective, randomized trial in 119 patients with mild to moderate stroke who received rehabilitation for upper extremity function that was combined with either sham or active transcranial direct current stimulation. (Source: Medscape)

Researchers Study Effects of Neurostimulation on Lower Limb Rehabilitation After Stroke

Sept. 21, 2021 - In a pilot randomized controlled trial, clinicians compared physical rehabilitation in subacute stroke that had task-specific training for gait and lower limb performance with, or without, transcranial direct current stimulation. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Materials Research Aims to Reduce Friction in Brain Electrical Leads

Sept. 23, 2021 - Researchers in Korea published their development of a lubricated non-immunogenic probe that an article says may have an application in deep brain stimulation leads, potentially reducing insertion effects through decreasing surface friction. (Source: Parkinson's News Today)

Grant Will Fund Research on Providing Sensory Feedback in Prosthetic Limbs

Sept. 22, 2021 - The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders has awarded a biomedical engineer at the University of Houston $2.8 million for a research project to improve the control of robotic limbs and provide natural sensory feedback from robotic prostheses to amputees. (Source: University of Houston)

Clinicians Publish a Retrospective Case Series of Spinal Cord Stimulation Patients

Sept. 8, 2021 - A cases series of spinal cord stimulation patients at the Cleveland Clinic from 2000 to 2005 examined indications and complications. (Source: Pain Practice)

Study Examines Dystonia Genotypes and Response to Neurostimulation Treatment

Sept. 22, 2021 - Researchers assessed 396 patients with dystonia who had at least 12 months of follow-up from deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery to compare responses to treatment based on different genotypic mutations. (Source: Neurology Today)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Offered for Smoking Cessation Treatment

Sept. 20, 2021 - A smoker describes receiving transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment at a South Carolina university medical center to quit smoking. (Source: MUSC)

Study Compares Anatomic and Paresthesia-Based Neurostimulation Lead Placement

Sept. 15, 2021 - A study in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface compared spinal cord stimulator (SCS) placement using either paresthesia mapping or anatomic approaches in patients who received burst SCS systems for chronic low back pain. (Source: NeuroNews International)

Show Features Prosthetic Limbs with Neural Interfaces

Sept. 1, 2021 - A national public television segment in the U.S. highlights research to add a sense of touch to prosthetic limbs through a neural interface. (Source: PBS News Hour)

Study Tracks Ongoing Compliance with Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation

Sept. 13, 2021 - A recently presented study of patients with overactive bladder assessed their continuance of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation treatment, and examined factors such as symptom improvement and a history of neurologic issues, such as neurogenic bladder. (Source: Renal & Urology News)

Collaborators Announce Development of an Open-Source System that May Enable an Optogenetic Neuromodulation Platform

Sept. 10, 2021 - As part of a project aimed toward translation to an implantable device for humans, collaborators in the U.K. and China are developing an open-source system to enable optogenetic neural modulation using custom hardware and algorithms. (Source: Frontiers in Neuroscience)

The BRAIN Initiative Funds a Brain-Computer Interface Project Potentially Relevant to Epilepsy Treatment

Sept. 9, 2021- Through its BRAIN Initiative, the National Institutes of Health is providing $12.25 million in a multi-institutional grant to develop high-density electrode arrays and probes intended for eventual human trials as potential devices for use in drug-resistant epilepsy. (Source: UC San Diego)

Grant Supports Pilot Project on Potential Cranial Nerve Electrode for Degenerative Brain Disease

Aug. 20, 2021 - The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering has provided researchers at the University of Wisconsin a $300,000 grant to develop pilot data demonstrating the concept of an injectable, self-curing polymer electrode for potential use as a prophylactic strategy to stimulate cranial nerves to clear misfolded proteins in the brain that cause degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. (Source: University of Wisconsin)

Article About Canadian Epilepsy Patient Explains Neuromodulation Therapy

Sept. 7, 2021 - An article focuses on a family whose son with epilepsy received deep brain stimulation following treatment with vagus nerve stimulation, and explains neuromodulation therapy in general. (Source: Toronto Life)

Researchers Present Feasibility Study of Low-Energy Spinal Cord Stimulation

Sept. 7, 2021 - An early feasibility study of differential target multiplexed spinal cord stimulation was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Study Reports Epilepsy Patients' Experiences with Brain Stimulation

Sept. 7, 2021 - A study followed 12 epilepsy patients and their family caregivers over two years to assess their experiences with implanted brain stimulation devices, including the patients' sense of self-perception. (Source: Healthday)

Researchers Compare Rechargeable and Non-rechargeable Spinal Cord Stimulators

Aug. 29, 2021 - Researchers retrospectively analyzed healthcare utilization and other measures in 150 chronic pain patients in Germany who received a rechargeable device (49%) and those who received a non-rechargeable device (51%). (Source: Journal of International Medical Research)

Authors Recommend Educating Diabetes-Care Providers About Neuromodulation

Sept. 7, 2021 - Researchers analyzed a clinical database and referral patterns to anticipate utilization of neuromodulation as an emerging treatment for patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. (Source: Frontiers in Pain Research)

Review Focuses on Neural Dosing

Sept. 7, 2021 - A review focuses on "the preclinical and clinical knowledge base" for insights that may help develop approaches to neural dosing in spinal cord stimulation. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Noninvasive Method Stimulates Corticospinal Excitability in Lower Limbs

Sept. 7, 2021 - In healthy volunteers, co-authors in Japan and Canada studied paired associative stimulation with transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation to the posterior spinal root, stimulating sensory nerves of lower-limb muscles, and investigated the effects on corticospinal excitability of those muscles for potential insights into their neuroplasticity relevant to neurorehabilitation. (Source: Neuroscience)

Researchers Report Followup of Pain Patients Treated with Restorative Neurostimulation

Sept. 3, 2021 - Researchers published a two-year followup of 42 patients who were treated for chronic mechanical low back pain with restorative neurostimulation. (Source: Pain and Therapy)

Project Uses ECG Data to Model Brain Connectivity

Sept. 3, 2021 - Researchers developed and released an algorithm designed to better understand which brain regions directly interact with one another, and note that interaction's bearing on neurostimulation therapy for Parkinson's disease or epilepsy. (Source: Science Daily)

European Investigators Publish Study of Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Cluster Headache

Sept. 2, 2021 - Investigators published results of a clinical trial of occipital nerve stimulation for chronic cluster headache that assessed stimulation intensity of either 100% or 30% over 24 weeks. (Source: Clinical Pain Advisor)

Biomedical Engineers Add Neural Interface to Bionic Arm

Sept. 1, 2021 - An article details development of a prosthetic arm at the Cleveland Clinic that uses a neural-machine interface to provide a sense of touch and kinesthesia as well as motor control. (Source: CNET)

Researcher Models Deep Brain Stimulation for Potential Adaptive Systems

Sept. 1, 2021 - Research at the University College Dublin aims to apply computer modeling of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for movement disorder to develop adaptive stimulation, through embedding a smart algorithm in the device that can sense biomarkers and adjust stimulation parameters automatically. The research involves collaboration with a Dublin-based neurosurgeon who recently began providing DBS services there. (Source: Irish Times)

Paper Presents Data on Motor Symptom Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation of the Fields of Forel

September 2021 - Clinicians studied the effect of deep brain stimulation that targets a deep brain structure, the fields of Forel, on gait and balance disturbance in patients with Parkinson's disease. (Source: Neurosurgery)

Study Investigates Brain Plasticity and Responsiveness to Neurostimulation Treatment in Patients with Epilepsy

Aug. 30, 2021 - An investigator analyzed EEG recordings from 51 epilepsy patients who'd received responsive neurostimulation systems, comparing their responsiveness to the therapy to the extent that their functional connectivity reorganized within the first year. (Source: Neurology Today)

Researchers Analyze Cost-Effectiveness of Responsive Neurostimulation for Epilepsy

Aug. 29, 2021 - A team of co-authors published an analysis of the cost-effectiveness of responsive neurostimulation for drug-resistant focal-onset epilepsy. (Source: Epilepsia)

Study Assesses Burst Mode of Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Heart Rate

Aug. 26, 2021 - In a pilot study, researchers assessed a novel burst paradigm for auricular vagus nerve stimulation in 42 healthy young adults. The assessment included responder rate, and heart-rate variability, comparing the novel mode to both sham and tonic stimulation. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Review Focuses on Implantable Pulse Generators for Deep Brain Stimulation

Aug. 26, 2021 - A review summarizes considerations concerning existing implantable pulse generators, and emerging technologies, for deep brain stimulation. (Source: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience)

Academic Researchers Release Neurostimulation Modeling Software

Aug. 26, 2021 - A university-developed open-source software platform has become available that automates modeling of electrical nerve stimulation in three dimensions, for predicting how specific nerves will respond to different stimulation patterns from custom electrodes. Its four-year development was funded by the National Institutes of Health Common Fund's Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Conditions program (SPARC) program. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Study Assesses Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Effect on Gait in Parkinson's Disease

Aug. 25, 2021 - In a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled crossover study, researchers studied the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on exercise benefits for gait in patients with Parkinson's disease. (Source: Technology Networks)

Researchers Test Ultra-Low Frequency Waveform in Subjects with Chronic Pain

Aug. 25, 2021 - A group of co-authors wrote that following animal studies, for two weeks, they tested the analgesic effects of epidural ultra-low frequency currents in 20 subjects who had chronic back and leg pain, checking changes in pain levels again one week after explanting the electrodes. (Source: Science Translational Medicine)

Study Assesses Home-Based Followup Care for Deep Brain Stimulation Patients

Aug. 23, 2021 - A randomized trial in JAMA Neurology compared standard-of-care treatment to home-based postoperative management in Parkinson's disease patients who received deep brain stimulation. (Source: AJMC)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Studied in Bradykinesia

Aug. 23, 2021 - A small study of transcranial direct current stimulation in Parkinson's disease patients assessed effects on upper limb bradykinesia. The stimulation targeted the supplementary motor area. (Source: Parkinson's News Today)

Clinicians Investigate Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease Patients with Freezing of Gait

Aug. 20, 2021 - A randomized, double-blinded crossover study of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation in Nature https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-021-00190-x tracked inflammatory cytokines and other biomarkers in Parkinson's disease patients, and recorded changes in motor symptoms, such as freezing of gait. (Source: Psychiatry Advisor)

Authors Present Published Findings About Deep Brain Stimulation of the Habenula

Aug. 17, 2021 - A team of co-authors published a systemic review of the literature and clinical trial registries concerning deep brain stimulation of the habenula, whose role has been indicated in some neuropsychiatric disorders. (Source: Psychiatry)

Authors Discuss Science and Clinical Application of Functional Connectivity Research

Nov. 15, 2021 - An article synthesizes concepts that have emerged from studies of brain functional connectivity in various conditions and over an individual's lifespan. Neuromodulation treatment that targets brain circuits is one of the immediate areas of clinical impact for this emerging understanding, the authors say. (Source: NeuroImage)

Article Traces Evolution of Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapies

Aug. 15, 2021 - A clinician briefly reviews the evolution in spinal cord stimulation methods, such as the emergence of closed-loop stimulation therapy and other new algorithms that provide sub-perception pain treatment therapy. (Source: Interventional Pain Medicine and Neuromodulation)

Analysis Assesses Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation Outcomes in Patients with Psychological Stress

Aug. 19, 2021 - Using data about burst spinal cord stimulation treatment from the prospective, multi-center, single-arm, international TRIUMPH study, investigators assessed outcomes in pain patients who had high psychological stress. (Source: Spine Journal)

Clinicians Publish an Alternative Implantation Approach for Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation

July 30, 2021 - In a tutorial, clinicians published an alternative implantation technique. Their paper is entitled, "A paramedian approach for dorsal root ganglion stimulation placement developed to limit lead migration and fracture". (Source: Pain Practice)

Letter: Panel Proposes the New Term, Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome

Aug. 2, 2021 - In a letter to the editor, several co-authors note that an independent international panel of 25 experts has proposed the term persistent spinal pain syndrome to replace "failed back surgery syndrome". (Source: European Journal of Pain)

Investigators Study Respiration-Gated Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Depression

Oct. 2021 - In a crossover study of subjects experiencing recurrent depression, investigators used transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation that was gated to inhalation or exhalation, comparing results and recording functional MRI scans one week apart. Their paper is entitled, "Respiratory-gated auricular vagal afferent nerve stimulation (ARVANS) modulates brain response to stress in major depression". (Source: Journal of Psychiatric Research)

Large Spinal Cord Stimulation Case Series Involved Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Aug. 11, 2021 - A team of authors report on a series of 160 patients who were treated with spinal cord stimulation at an academic center from 2013 to 2021, and, as recommended in consensus guidelines, underwent preoperative imaging with MRI prior to placement of paddle electrodes. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Review: Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Borderline Personality Disorder

Aug. 10, 2021 - A systematic review focused on published reports about transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with borderline personality disorder. (Source: Healio)

Paper Reports on Transcranial Pulsed Ultrasound Stimulation in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

Aug. 9, 2021 - An analysis evaluated the change in cortical thickness and cognitive function in 17 Alzheimer's disease patients following treatment with transcranial pulsed ultrasound stimulation as a potential add-on therapy. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Researchers Investigate Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Post-Stroke Aphasia

Aug. 6, 2021 - A clinical trial at Syracuse University in New York is testing transcutaneous direct current stimulation in patients with aphasia from stroke in the left brain hemisphere. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Science and PINS Prize Honors a Neural Interface Project that is Developing Prosthetic "Sensing" for Lower-Limb Amputees

Aug. 6, 2021 - The Science and PINS Prize for Neuromodulation was given this year to Stanisa Raspopovic, whose peripheral-nerve interface project in the Department of Health Science and Technology at ETH Zürich is developing a "sensing leg" for lower-limb amputees (Source: Science)

Review Gathers Clinical Trial Evidence in Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Nicotine Dependence

Aug. 4, 2021 - A systemic review of randomized controlled trials summarizes evidence regarding noninvasive brain stimulation for smoking cessation. (Source: News-medical.net)

Young Investigators Researching Neuromodulation for Behavioral Conditions Receive Acknowledgement

Aug. 4, 2021 - In prizes for young investigators who received grants from the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, three of the six prizes were given for work involving neuromodulation in psychiatric conditions. (Source: Bakersfield.com)

Authors Report on Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation for COVID-19 Respiratory Symptoms

July 29, 2021 - An article reports on 51 patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia and received transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation to address respiratory symptoms at a public hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Source: Journal of Emerging Diseases and Virology)

Crossover Trial Reported that Involved Connectivity-Based Deep Brain Stimulation Settings in Patients with Essential Tremor

Aug. 2, 2021 - A team of co-authors from the Mayo Clinic published a blinded trial in patients with essential tremor who were crossed over between connectivity-based deep brain stimulation settings, standard-of-care programming, and sham. The directional stimulation settings targeted the dentato-rubro-thalamic tract. (Source: The Neuroradiology Journal)

Article Reports Deep Brain Stimulation Outcomes in Dystonia

Aug. 2, 2021 - The extent of symptom improvement over time was reported for 67 patients with either generalized, cervical, or brain pathology-induced dystonias who underwent deep brain stimulation surgery between 2014 and 2020 at four centers in India, Kuwait, Egypt, and Turkey. (Source: Neurology International)

Clinical Trial Will Evaluate Voltage-Driven Deep Brain Stimulation in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Obesity

Aug. 2, 2021 - Physicians in Pittsburgh, PA received FDA clearance to enroll six patients with chronic refractory obesity in a pilot study of deep brain stimulation of the lateral hypothalamic area. (Source: PR Newswire)

Temporary Spinal Cord Stimulation Studied in Cardiac Surgery Patients

July 30, 2021 - In a late-breaking clinical trials presentation, researchers shared data from a randomized pilot study of perioperative spinal cord stimulation in patients with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who underwent coronary bypass surgery. (Source: MedPage Today)

Review Addresses Brain Stimulation in Alcohol-Use Disorders

August 2021 - A team of authors reviews evidence and methodological considerations in the use of brain stimulation in alcohol-use disorders. (Source: Comprehensive Psychiatry)

Study Proposes a Predictive Model of Individualized Brain Stimulation Treatment Using Functional Connectivity

July 28, 2021 - Researchers published a proof-of-concept study for individualized targeting of transcarnail magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment. The study drew from data regarding 25 healthy controls and 93 participants with anxious misery, from a dataset entitled Dimensional Connectomics of Anxious Misery. They developed a proposed model that uses functional connectivity, symptom scores, and electric-field modelling to predict symptom change following a hypothetical course of TMS treatment. (Source: Neuropsychopharmacology)

Temporary Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Evaluated in Chronic Axial Low Back Pain

July 28, 2021 - A multicenter study of patients with axial low back pain evaluated pain scores in patients who used temporary peripheral nerve stimulation of medial nerves for two months, following the patients for five to eight months and beyond. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

FDA Presents Guidance on Non-clinical Testing and Clinical Considerations for Implanted Brain-Machine Interfaces for Patients with Loss of Limb Function

July 28, 2021 - On July 29, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will host a 90-minute webinar, starting at 11 a.m. U.S. Eastern time, for stakeholders interested in learning about its final guidance on "Implanted Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Devices for Patients with Paralysis or Amputation - Non-clinical Testing and Clinical Considerations". Registration is not required, but calling in 15 minutes in advance is advised to allow time to connect. A transcript will be posted after the fact. (Source: FDA)

Subanalysis Evaluates Intermittent Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation

July 27, 2021 - In a subanalysis of the TRIUMPH  and REALITY clinical studies, "Ultra-Low Energy Cycled Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation Yields Robust Outcomes in Pain, Function, and Affective Domains: A Subanalysis From Two Prospective, Multicenter, International Clinical Trials," the utility was evaluated of using intermittently cycled burst spinal cord stimulation in patients with chronic pain. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Clinicians Report Experience with Adjunctive Infection Control Measure

July 23, 2021 - A retrospective review evaluated the effectiveness of an antibacterial envelope in reducing surgical site infection in spinal cord stimulator implant surgeries. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Study Compares Estimate Approaches for Evoked Compound Action Potentials

July 22, 2021 - A study compared schemes for estimating evoked compound action potentials based on data from patients undergoing a spinal cord stimulation trial. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Review Looks at Literature About Unilateral Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

July 22, 2021 - A review summarizes evidence and controversies in the literature regarding effects of left- or right-sided deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease, both concerning motor and non-motor outcomes. (Source: NPJ Parkinson's Disease)

Researchers Study Neurostimulation Using Gamma Frequency Light or Sound

July 22, 2021 - An article describes emerging noninvasive brain stimulation using light or sound to stimulate the visual and auditory cortex at a gamma frequency. (Source: MD+DI)

Studies Suggest Brain Pathway for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

July 19, 2021 - A review integrates findings in studies of brain connectivity networks at the cortical and subcortical level, plus deep brain stimulation, in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder, and proposes a unified network that may be modulated at different points. (Source: Biological Psychiatry)

Researchers Investigate Evoked Compound Action Potentials in Relation to Perception and Discomfort

July 12, 2021 - In a small study with potential application to neurostimulation programming, researchers looked at different postures and pulse widths of spinal cord stimulation in conjunction with estimates of thresholds for evoked compound action potentials, which were examined in relation to thresholds for perception and discomfort. (Source: Frontiers in Neuroscience)

Study Focuses on Neurostimulation in Cluster Headache

July 20, 2021 - In a study, occipital nerve stimulation reduced the frequency of medically intractable chronic cluster headaches. (Source: Healio)

Presentation Describes Nanoparticles Under Development as Wireless Brain-Activity Sensors

July 15, 2021 - Researchers plan a presentation on injectable brain-activity sensors based on electro-plasmonic nanoparticles that convert electrical signals into optical signals that can be detected using near-infrared light. (Source: Phys.org)

Researchers Demonstrate Thought-to-Text Technology in a Paralyzed Individual

July 14, 2021 - Researchers published a demonstration of decoding words from brain activity via a brain-computer interface above the speech motor cortex in a person who lost the ability to speak due to stroke more than 15 years ago. At the same time, Facebook, which helped fund the research, indicated it is segueing its product development from a consumer headset or helmet to wrist-worn devices that use electromyography. (Source: The Verge)

Review Gathers Findings About Spinal Cord Stimulation in Multiple Sclerosis

July 10, 2021 - An article summarizes a systemic review of spinal cord stimulation in patients with multiple sclerosis who were experiencing motor disorders, urinary dysfunction, or neuropathic pain. (Source: AJMC)

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Studied in Long COVID

July 9, 2021 - A study of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in patients with long-COVID syndrome was published by the Laboratory of Neurophysiology & Movement Biomechanics at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium and the Human Waves Clinic. (Source: European Pharmacological Review)

News Segment Features Patient Who Received Neurostimulation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

July 2, 2021 - A patient who received spinal cord stimulation for complex regional pain syndrome that affected her feet is interviewed in a local television segment. (Source: WSAW)

Publication Presents Deep Brain Stimulation in Schizophrenia

June 25, 2021 - A published case study described 12-month results in a patient with treatment-resistant schizophrenia, who received deep brain stimulation to the substantia nigra pars reticulata. (Source: Medical Xpress)

U.S. Study Will Gather Data on Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Treatment-Resistant Depression

June 24, 2021 - Enrollment has begun in Virginia in a randomized, prospective, controlled clinical trial of vagus nerve stimulation in treatment-resistant depression. (Source: WDBJ)

Company Announces First Novel Implantation Technique in Baroflex Stimulator Treatment

June 23, 2021 - CVRx announced the first clinical application of a new ultrasound-guided approach to placing a baroreceptor stimulation lead in a patient receiving the implant to address heart failure. (Source: MedTech Outlook)

Clinical Trial Assesses Noninvasive Stimulation in Urinary Incontinence

June 22, 2021 - In a clinical trial in women with mixed urinary incontinence, investigators compared symptoms and patient impressions of improvement in groups treated with either pelvic floor muscle training and transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation or pelvic floor muscle training alone. (Source: MD Linx)

Case Series Tracks Neurostimulation Response by Gender

June 22, 2021 - A case series of 387 patients who received spinal cord stimulation or dorsal root ganglion for chronic pain documented pain severity at baseline and follow-up, treatment response and lead fractures or implants, stratified by age and gender. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Pilot Study of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Patients with Long COVID

June 22, 2021 - A pilot study evaluated transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in patients in Belgium who were experiencing symptoms of long COVID. (Source: Digital Journal)

Clinical Trial Will Investigate Neurostimulator to Improve Consciousness During Seizures

June 21, 2021 - A clinical trial will begin in September at three sites in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, who will receive an implanted neurostimulator which is being investigated as a potential intervention to improve consciousness during seizures. (Source: Yale School of Medicine)

Data Analysis Looks at Lead Anchoring, Migration, and Fracture in Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation

June 18, 2021 - A multi-center pooled data analysis examined lead migration and fracture rate in dorsal root ganglion stimulation when using either anchoring and non-anchoring techniques. (Source: Pain Practice)

Meta-Analysis About Pain Neuroscience Education

June 21, 2021 - An author of a meta-analysis was interviewed about the efficiency of therapeutic pain education in various formats. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Man Discusses Receiving Investigational Neurostimulation for Treatment-Resistant Addiction

June 18, 2021 - A news feature profiles a participant in a U.S. clinical trial of deep brain stimulation for opioid-use disorder. (Source: Washington Post)

Clinical Trial to Address Post-Treatment Cognitive Outcomes in Adult Survivors of Childhood Leukemia

June 18, 2021 - Clinicians are recruiting participants for a clinical trial of transcranial direct current stimulation to improve cognitive outcomes, such as executive functioning, in adult survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. (Source: Cancer Therapy Advisor)

Publication Reports Study of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Stroke Rehabilitation

June 16, 2021 - An article summarizes a study in Lancet about vagus nerve stimulation combined with rehabilitation to improve arm function after stroke. (Source: Neurology Advisor)

Article Notes Neurostimulation Options for Acute Migraine Relief

June 16, 2021 - An overview of acute treatments for migraine includes neurostimulation methods, such as remote electrical neuromodulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation and noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation. (Source: Healio)

Review Summarizes Evidence for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in Facial Pain Syndrome

June 15, 2021 - An article summarizes a journal article in Neuromodulation on peripheral nerve stimulation in trigeminal neuropathic pain. (Source: Clinical Pain Advisor)

Funding Announced for Project to Develop an Implantable Treatment to Aid Memory in Brain-Damaged Patients

June 15, 2021 - A multi-site $3.4 million project funded by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command will focus on developing a prototype implantable device intended to treat memory loss in individuals with traumatic brain injury or neurological disease. (Source: University of Pennsylvania Almanac)

Funding Announced for Project to Develop an Implantable Treatment to Aid Memory in Brain-Damaged Patients

June 15, 2021 - A multi-site $3.4 million project funded by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command will focus on developing a prototype implantable device intended to treat memory loss in individuals with traumatic brain injury or neurological disease. (Source: University of Pennsylvania Almanac)

Noninvasive Neurostimulation Cognitive Effect Studied

June 10, 2021 - A recently published study explored the effect of cervical transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation on cognitive performance during a state of sleep deprivation. (Source: Technology Networks)

Review Analyzes Infectious Complications of Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Therapy

June 6, 2021 - A systemic review analyzes the incidence of infectious complications from the trialling and implantation of dorsal root ganglion stimulation systems. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

One-Year Results Reported of Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

May 2021 - Clinicians report a 1-year follow-up on a series of 11 patients with refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder who received deep brain stimulation to the bed nucleus of stria terminalis. (Source: World Neurosurgery)

Editorial Proposes Adopting a New Term for a Common Back Pain Condition

June 8, 2021 - In an editorial, clinicians explain support for retiring the term "failed back surgery syndrome" in favor of the proposed phrase "persistent spinal pain syndrome". (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Study Explores Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Recurrent Back Pain

June 8, 2021 - A recent prospective study examined the feasibility of targeted peripheral nerve stimulation of lumbar medial branch in participants whose chronic axial pain had returned after radio-frequency ablation. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Neurostimulator Trial Reaches Primary Endpoints

June 7, 2021 - Nyxoah SA announced a clinical trial of its hypoglossal nerve stimulation system for obstructive sleep apnea reached primary safety and performance endpoints. (Source: BioSpace)

A Retrospective Review Compares Skin Closure Techniques and Post-Procedure Pain in Patients Receiving Spinal Cord Stimulation Implants

June 4, 2021 - A retrospective review of 155 patients who were implanted with a spinal cord stimulator or dorsal root ganglion stimulator between 2017 and 2019 compared post-procedural pain in patients who received either a running suture closure or surgical staple closure. (Source: Pain Research and Management)

Clinicians Report on 15 Years of Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy in Parkinson's Disease

June 2, 2021 - A retrospective study in Grenoble reports on treatment for 15 years or more of Parkinson's disease patients with deep brain stimulation systems that target the subthalamic nucleus. (Source: MedPage Today)

Brain-Computer Interface Receives CE Mark

June 1, 2021 - The Wyss Center has earned CE mark certification for a brain-computer interface software platform that runs an auditory feedback speller, which prompts a user to select letters when forming words and letters on a graphical interface. The software, NeuroKey, is currently being used in a home-based study by a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. (Source: FDA News)

Authors Summarize Evidence about Neuromodulation for Chronic Pain

May 29, 2021 - An article summarizes levels of evidence for neuromodulation therapies for chronic pain, spanning electrical nerve stimulation (implanted or external) and transcranial magnetic stimulation. (Source: The Lancet)

Center Provides Multiple Sclerosis Patients Noninvasive Brain Stimulation at Home

May 28, 2021 - An academic center is offering at-home transcranial direct current stimulation therapy for cognitive, motor, speech, or mood symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis News Today)

Research Explores Vagus Nerve Stimulation in COVID-19

May 27, 2021 - An article discusses research into vagus nerve stimulation as a potential adjunct therapy for COVID-19. (Source: News-medical.net)

Article Reports Results of Clinical Trial of Directional Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

May 27, 2021 - Clinicians published the results of a randomized, double-blind crossover study of directional deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Institute Funds U.K. Clinical Trial of Noninvasive Neurostimulation in ADHD

May 27, 2021 - A multi-center research team led by a professor at Kings College London has received £1,884,882.42 from the National Institute for Health Research to carry out a sham-controlled, blinded clinical trial of external trigeminal nerve stimulation in up to 150 children aged 8 - 18, who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. (Source: Mirage News)

Researchers Seek to Predict Optimal Deep Brain Stimulation Parameters

May 24, 2021 - Researchers used fMRI and machine learning to try to predict optimal deep brain stimulation settings when programming DBS systems in patients with Parkinson's disease. (Source: Nature Communications)

Scientific Presentation Covers Personalized Neuromodulation Approach in Acute Depression

May 24, 2021 - A presentation at the 2021 American Psychiatric Association annual meeting discussed the potential for use of accelerated theta burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy in acute depression. (Source: Psychiatry & Behavioral Learning Network)

Data Presented from a Clinical Trial of Neurostimulation in Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain

May 25, 2021 - A late-breaking plenary session of the 2021 virtual meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society covered data from a clinical trial of neurostimulation in patients with refractory chronic mechanical low back pain. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Researchers Present Data on Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Post-Amputation Pain

May 21, 2021 - In a scientific meeting presentation, physicians presented comparative data on pain control from either eight weeks of peripheral nerve stimulation with standard medical therapy vs. standard medical therapy alone, in a group of 16 veterans who had had leg amputation. (Source: Healio)

Study Provides Data on Low Amplitude Settings for Sacral Nerve Stimulation

May 21, 2021 - A study examined the efficacy of sub-sensory amplitude settings for sacral neuromodulation in women with overactive bladder. (Source: Urology Times)

Clinical Trial Data Presented Concerning Neurostimulation for Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal

May 21, 2021 - Data from a randomized controlled trial concerning noninvasive neurostimulation for opioid withdrawal symptoms were presented at a late-breaking plenary session of the 2021 virtual meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society. The study evaluated the effect of transcutaneous transuricular neurostimulation in reducing symptoms of opioid withdrawal. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Study Focuses on "Neural Dosing" Options for Sub-Perception Spinal Cord Stimulation

May 20, 2021 - An article summarizes a study published in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface of high and low frequency options for sub-perception spinal cord stimulation. (Source: NeuroNews)

Researchers Report on a Prosthetic Limb that Provides a Sense of Touch

May 20, 2021 - Researchers published in Science about adding a sense of touch to a robotic limb controlled by a brain-machine interface. (Source: Northern Public Radio)

Researcher at the University of Washington is Recruiting Patients for Overactive Bladder Studies

May 17, 2021 - Three different urinary incontinence devices are being trialled in women at the University of Washington. Two of the devices stimulate either nerves in the ankle or lower back, and each use external batteries. The third device being studied is self-contained and inserted vaginally. (Source: Newswise)

Study Summarizes Patient Perceptions of Therapeutic Brain Stimulation

May 14, 2021 - In a systemic review of patient perceptions of noninvasive brain stimulation, authors found four studies assessed perceptions of repetitive transcranial brain stimulation in psychiatric patients. (Source: NeuroNews)

Review Assessed Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Migraine

April 27, 2021 - A review analyzed randomized controlled trials of transcranial direct current stimulation used repeatedly for longer than four weeks. The authors performed a meta-analysis on its efficacy. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Researchers Report on a "Mindwriting" Brain Interface in a Paralyzed Study Subject

May 12, 2021 - Researchers describe development of an intracortical brain-computer interface that decodes attempted handwriting from neural activity in the motor cortex and translates it into text in real time. (Source: Nature)

Study: Noninvasive Pain Stimulation for Arthritis Knee Pain

April 30, 2021 - A small open-label feasibility study explored transcranial direct current stimulation for pain relief in patients who have knee osteoarthritis. (Source: Medscape)

Retrospective Review Reports on Noninvasive Stimulation for Ocular Pain

May 4, 2021 - Clinicians reported a retrospective review of 18 patients of the Miami Veteran Affairs Eye Clinic who received trigeminal nerve stimulation at home for at least three months to address severe ocular pain. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Team Wirelessly Monitors Parkinson's Disease Patients' Brain Activity

May 4, 2021 - A research team published its early development of a way to wirelessly record brain activity in Parkinson's disease patients for several hours at a time while they go about their everyday life. (Source: Gizmodo)

Review: Quality of Evidence and Clinical Effects of Auricular Vagus Neuromodulation

April 30, 2021 - A review of auricular vagus nerve stimulation randomized controlled trials indicated preliminary results concerning pathological vs. evoked pain. The review suggests improvements to reporting results and future directions, such as direct measures of neural target engagement and evaluation of blinding success. (Source: Frontiers of Neuroscience)

Study: Human Use of Wireless Implanted Brain-Computer Interface

April 28, 2021 - Researchers with the BrainGate Consortium reported the first human use of a high-bandwidth, wireless brain-computer interface. (Source: Ars Technica)

Study Explores New Stimulation Mode for Movement Disorder

April 26, 2021 - A small crossover study explored the safety and tolerability of burst-cycling deep brain stimulation for freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease. (Source: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience)

Brain Implants from a Patient's Perspective

April 19, 2021 - A feature article talks about the development of brain implants from the point of view of clinical trial participants and covers academic interest in such experiences, including "how a person’s selfhood can affect—and be affected by—an intelligent neural device." (Source: New Yorker)

Neurostimulation Device Company's Initial Public Offering Raises $102 Million

April 22, 2021 - NeuroPace raised $102 million in the first full day of an initial public offering that was initially anticipated in SEC filings to raise $75 million. The proceeds will be used for commercialization of its RNS system, R&D, clinical studies, and repayment of about $4 million from a Paycheck Protection Program loan. (Source: MassDevice)

Researchers Present Comparative Patient Data for Two Brain Stimulation Targets in Parkinson's Disease

April 21, 2021 - A presentation covered comparative outcomes in Parkinson's disease patients of deep brain stimulation to either the subthalmic nucleus or the globus pallidus. Patients were followed for up to 10 years. (Source: AJMC Managed Markets Network)

Meeting Proceedings Cover Updates in Emerging Technologies and Therapies for Deep Brain Stimulation

April 19, 2021 - Proceedings of the 8th annual Deep Brain Stimulation Think Tank, held virtually in September 2020, were published. The meeting covered updates in neurotechnology and neuromodulation. (Source: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience)

Data Reported in Pilot Trial of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in Postoperative Pain

April 15, 2021 - A pilot study assessed acute postoperative pain and opioid consumption in patients who received percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation, compared to sham treatment. (Source: EurekAlert)

U.S. Medicare to Require Prior Authorization for Spinal Cord Stimulation

April 14, 2021 - Beginning July 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will require prior authorization for cervical fusion with disc removal and implanted spinal neurostimulators. (Source: Becker's Spine Review)

Researchers Assess Disparities in Access to Neuromodulation

April 14, 2021 - Researchers presented findings from a review of literature and surveys about disparities in access to neuromodulation therapy for women and underrepresented minorities. (Source: NeuroNews International)

Evolution in Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Pain

April 14, 2021 - An interview covers developments in peripheral nerve stimulation for pain. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Patients from United Arab Emirates Start Using Abu Dhabi Facility to Receive Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

April 13, 2021 - The first Parkinson's disease patients from the United Arab Emirates received deep brain stimulation implants in Abu Dhabi, where the service started last year. (Source: Gulf News)

Case Series Reports Outcomes in Pain Patients Following Peripheral Neurostimulation, With or Without a Preceding Trial

April 12, 2021 - A journal article details a retrospective case series of 72 patients who were treated with peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) for chronic pain, 59 of whom received a preceding PNS trial. (Source: MD Linx)

Researchers Investigate the Effect of Occipital Neurstimulation on Putative Sensitization Factor in Migraineurs

April 12, 2021 - A small study compared aversive response to peripheral irritation with, and without, active occipital nerve stimulation in patients who have chronic migraine. The researchers suggest decreasing the effect of trigger factors might reduce central nervous system sensitization. (Source: Clinical Pain Advisor)

Study: Neurostimulation in Patients with Refractory Overactive Bladder, from 2006 to 2019

April 11, 2021 - A publication reports findings in a study of sacral neuromodulation in 263 individuals with overactive bladder, including outcomes in patients who had failed botulinum toxin, compared with patients who had not received it. (Source: MD Linx)

Data Published on Noninvasive Neurostimulation in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Patients

April 11, 2021 - A journal reports on combining transcranial pulsed current stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to address lower limb spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. (Source: Medical Dialogues)

Potential Directions for Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation

April 7, 2021 - An interview discusses dorsal root ganglion stimulation for pain. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Clinicians Report on Deep Brain Stimulation in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

March 29, 2021 - A paper presents findings from a study of deep brain stimulation that targeted the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in nine patients with treatment-resistant obsessive compulsive disorder. (Source: Translational Psychiatry)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Treatment for Depression in Patients with History of Childhood Trauma

March 29, 2021 - A presentation summarized findings in patients with certain types of childhood trauma and their response to transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression. (Source: Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Learning Network)

Study: Closed-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation in Pain Patients

March 26, 2021 - Final 24-month results were published in the Avalon study of closed-loop spinal cord stimulation in chronic pain patients. (Source: Pain Practice)

Study Investigates Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy with Spinal Cord Stimulation

April 5, 2021 - A randomized clinical trial compared 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation with conventional medical management in patients with medically refractory painful diabetic neuropathy. (Source: JAMA Neurology)

Review Considers Use of Functional Electrical Stimulation to Improve Gait After Stroke

April 2021 - A review was published to guide clinical decision-making about the use of ankle-foot orthosis or functional electrical stimulation after stroke . (Source: Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy)

Researchers Study Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Suicide Reduction in Depressed Patients with PTSD

April 1, 2021 - An article summarizes a study published in Neuromodulation that investigated multimodal elements of suicidality reduction after transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with PTSD and depression. (Source: NeuroNews)

Article Addresses Choices of Neurostimulation Targets for Chronic Pain

March 31, 2021 - An interview covers when to choose neurostimulation other than spinal cord stimulation. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Practitioners Discuss Neurostimulation for Chronic Pelvic Pain

March 24, 2021 - Brief interviews of pain management physicians focus on newer research into neurostimulation for chronic pelvic pain. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Clinicians Report Experience with Remote Spinal Cord Stimulation Programming

March 22, 2021 - An article in Neuromodulation describes the use of remote programming for spinal cord stimulations in patients with chronic pain during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. (Source: DocWire News)

Interview Discusses Brain Stimulation Technologies' Effect on Memory

March 20, 2021 - A radio interview talks about research into effects of noninvasive brain stimulation on memory, and the potential to help improve conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia. (Source: KCRW)

Patient is First in Arkansas to Receive Deep Brain Stimulation for Epilepsy

March 19, 2021 - The first deep brain stimulation surgery for epilepsy was conducted in Arkansas in a patient who had been using vagus nerve stimulation for the condition. (Source: UAMS News)

Researchers Investigate Spinal Cord Stimulation in Painful Peripheral Neuropathy

March 17, 2021 - An interview covers research into spinal cord stimulation for painful peripheral neuropathy. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Study: Data Show Disparities in Treatment with Neurostimulation for Pain

March 16, 2021 - Research published in Neuromodulation is summarized concerning an investigation into racial and socioeconomic disparities in spinal cord stimulation in patients who were covered by Medicare and/or Medicaid insurance.  (Source: Docwire News)

Study: Factors Influencing Uptake of Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

March 12, 2021 - In a single-institution retrospective chart review, authors sought to identify factors hindering obsessive compulsive patients from receiving deep brain stimulation therapy. (Source: Frontiers in Surgery)

Review: Sacral Neuromodulation in Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction

March 15, 2021 - A review and meta-analysis covers 20 years of scientific literature concerning safety and effectiveness of sacral nerve stimulation in neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunctions. (Source: Physicians Weekly)

Review: Peripheral Neurostimulation's Proposed Pain-Relief Mechanisms

March 12, 2021- A review presents a proposed mechanism for pain relief from percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Deep Brain Stimulation Service to Be Established in Dublin, Ireland

March 11, 2021 - A functional neurosurgeon is establishing the first deep brain stimulation service in Dublin, Ireland, where patients previously had to travel to Belfast or the UK for the surgery. Some 40 patients are expected to begin receiving the implantation procedures in the late summer. (Source: Athlone Advertiser)

Trial Investigates Shorter Protocol for Minimally Invasive Neurostimulation Treatment of Overactive Bladder

March 11, 2021 - A prospective, randomized, sham-controlled trial studied comparative efficacy of a shortened treatment period of overactive bladder with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. The shortened period was 6 weeks, rather than the usual 12 weeks, and study participants received either active stimulation or sham during that time. (Source: Medical Dialogues)

Researchers Study Recruitment Issues in Clinical Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression

March 10, 2021 - Clinicians in Canada report on an analysis of challenges in recruiting patients with treatment-resistant depression for deep brain stimulation. (Source: Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment)

Interview Focuses on Spinal Cord Stimulation Modes

March 10, 2021 - An interview describes how multiple waveforms are increasing spinal cord stimulation options. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Clinicians Share Radiation-Safety Practices and Knowledge

March 9, 2021 - A survey investigated radiation-safety practices and knowledge gaps among interventional pain treatment practitioners. (Source: Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine)

Researchers Report Data on Potential Biomarker for Personalized Neurostimulation in Parkinson's Disease

March 5, 2021 - As a potential biomarker of motor improvement during adaptive deep brain stimulation, clinicians assessed beta band activity in a Parkinson’s disease patient. (Source: European Journal of Neurology)

Study Compares Two Spinal Cord Stimulation Modes

March 9, 2021 - A study compared spinal cord stimulation in patients with axial back pain delivered at either at high frequency (10,000 Hz) or in 500 Hz burst mode. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Article Considers Non-Opioid Intrathecal Pain Relief in a European Setting

March 9, 2021 - A review article discusses the Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference and potential for a set of European guidelines regarding use of ziconitide for intrathecal analgesia in Europe. (Source: Brain and Behavior)

Research Paper Projects Potential Function of Retinal Implant

March 5,2021 - Scientists in Europe published a virtual reality program to simulate what patients who have retinitis pigmentosa might see with retinal implants they are developing. (Source: Neuroscience News)

Article Describes Minimally Invasive Brain-Computer Interface

Feb. 28, 2021 - An article says a sensor implanted in a vein near the motor cortex "might just be the first intracranial brain-computer interface (BCI) designed for everyday home use, enabling paralysed patients to regain independence by controlling a laptop or mobile phone using their thoughts." (Source: Medium)

Article Highlights Advances in Treating Chronic Pain with Neuromodulation

March 5, 2021 - Neuromodulation therapy is featured in an article about the future of personal health and treatment of chronic pain. (Source: MediaPlanet)

Stroke Patient Works with Neurosurgeons to Control a Robotic Limb Brace

March 3, 2021 - Physicians at Jefferson University Medical Center are working with a stroke patient to try a brain-computer interface linked to a brace on his weakened left arm to restore more motor control over the limb. (Source: The Health Nexus)

Noninvasive Stimulation Tested in Post-Infection Joint Pain

March 2, 2021 - In a sham-controlled randomized trial, clinicians analyzed the effect of alternate sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation on persistent joint pain. The study subjects were women who had been infected by the chikungunya virus. (Source: Brain Stimulation)

Sacral Nerve Stimulation Setting is Subject of Study

March 1, 2021 - A study evaluated the effect of sub-sensory amplitude settings in sacral nerve stimulation therapy for overactive bladder. (Source: Neurology Urodynamics)

Article Addresses Access to Spinal Cord Stimulation

March 3, 2021 - An interview covers some obstacles for pain patients to access spinal cord stimulation therapy. (Source Pain Medicine News)

Journal Article Summarizes Studies of a Neurostimulation Modality for Pain Conditions Beyond CRPS

March 2, 2021 - A systemic review in Neuromodulation summarized studies of dorsal root ganglion stimulation treatment for chronic pain beyond complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). (Source: Clinical Pain Advisor)

Report: Deep Brain Stimulation Operative Time Based on Imaging Method

March 2, 2021 - Authors present findings from a retrospective chart review about operative time based on stereotactic imaging types. The findings emanated from a quality assurance study performed at an institution that changed from a deep-brain-stimulation-surgery imaging technique of post-implantation MRI to in-room CT. (Source: Surgical Neurology International)

Clinicians Propose Formalizing Recommendations for Physical Activity Following a Device Implant

March 1, 2021 - A letter proposes creation of consensus recommendations for physical activity following implantation of a neuromodulation device. (Source: American Academy of Pain Medicine)

Podcast About Neurosurgery and Cognition Focuses on Chronic Pain

Feb. 28, 2021 - In an interview about pain neurosurgery, Dr. Julie Pilitsis refers to chronic pain as tri-dimensional, involving sensory, cognitive, and emotional elements, saying that patients need holistic treatment from a multidisciplinary approach. (Source: Neurosurgery Podcast)

Review: Image Guidance for Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery

Feb. 26, 2021 - A review provides image guidance on deep brain stimulation surgery to treat Parkinson's disease. (Source: TBME)

Researchers Study Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Opioid Craving

Feb. 26, 2021 - A transcranial magnetic stimulation study examined two brain areas for potentially reducing craving for opioids. The study also explored participants' pain levels. (Source: New-medical.net)

Analysis Explores Deep Brain Stimulation and Mood in Parkinson's Disease Patients

Feb. 25, 2021 - A meta-analysis examines mood changes after bilateral subthalamic deep brain simulation in patients with Parkinson's disease. (Source: Physician Weekly)

Researchers Make Data Available in Study of Stimulation and Emotional Self-Regulation

Feb. 24, 2021 - Scientists released a dataset of fMRI data associated with neurofeedback, to support research into using stimulation to reinforce self-regulation. (Source: Study Finds)

Authors Track Continuance of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Bladder Condition

Feb. 24, 2021 - A study assessed rates of drop-out from continued percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation treatment for overactive bladder, compared to compliance with medical management.  (Source: Renal and Neurology News)

Article Features Experience with Treatment by Spinal Cord Stimulation for Abdominal Issues

Feb. 23, 2021 - Clinicians published a retrospective chart review of 26 consecutive patients who underwent a spinal cord stimulation trial for a primary diagnosis of nausea, vomiting, and refractory pain. (Source: Digestive Diseases and Sciences)

Video Explains Spinal Cord Stimulation Frequencies and Patterns

Feb. 24, 2021 - Two pain physicians from U.S. academic medical centers are interviewed in a three-minute video where they describe different spinal cord stimulation waveforms and stimulation patterns. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Study Assesses Levodopa Challenge in Two Deep Brain Stimulation Targets for Motor Disorder

Feb. 23, 2021 - A retrospective study assessed the value of short-term response to levodopa in predicting motor outcomes of Parkinson's disease patients following deep brain stimulation that either targeted the globus pallidus interna or the subthalamic nucleus. The study looked at factors such as tremor and patient age. (Source: AJMC)

Percutaneous Nerve Stimulation Trialled for Low Back Pain

Feb. 22, 2021 - Investigators report a prospective, multicenter clinical trial of percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation of medial branch nerves for chronic low back pain following lumbar radiofrequency ablation. (Source: Pain Medicine)

Neurostimulation Device Maker Announces Financing Round

Feb. 17, 2021 - Mainstay Medical announced it has closed an equity financing worth gross proceeds of $108 million. (Source: Mass Device)

Meta-Analysis Explores a Cost-Effective Threshold for Emerging Parkinson's Disease Treatment

March 2021 - Based on articles from 1998 - 2018, a team of authors analyzed utility and cost-effectives of treatment procedures, including deep brain stimulation, for Parkinson's disease. (Source: Neurosurgery)

Review Considers Range of Neurostimulation Options for Chronic Disabling Low Back Back

Feb. 17, 2021 - A review centers on management of chronic disabling low back pain and rapidly evolving neurostimulation options. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Practitioners Surveyed on Battery Life of Deep Brain Stimulation Devices

Jan. 26, 2021 - An article presents observations concerning trends in battery life of deep brain stimulation devices. (Source: Movement Disorders)

Interview Offers an Overview of the Development of Neuromodulation for Chronic Pain

Feb. 15, 2021 - A Q&A interview covers the evolution of neuromodulation therapy for chronic pain and possible directions in its further development and application, and considers the perspective of patients and providers. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Researchers Try 3D Model to Optimize Neurostimulation for Pain Patients

Feb. 8, 2021 - Researchers investigated creation of a patient-specific predictive model for programming coverage of tonic spinal cord stimulation, using on magnetic resonance imaging from two patients. (Source: Journal of Neural Engineering)

Implant Studied to Address Vestibular Balance Disorder

Feb. 11, 2021 - The New England Journal of Medicine published an early feasibility study of an implanted vestibular protheses in individuals with instability and vision issues based on loss of vestibular hair cell function. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Authors Report on Prevalence of Pelvic Floor Symptoms in Women with Parkinson's Disease

Feb. 11, 2021 - Physicians who surveyed women with Parkinson's disease and age-matched controls investigated the extent of self-reported pelvic floor symptoms, including any beyond what may have previously been reported to a healthcare provider. (Source: Journal of Parkinson's Disease)

Clinical Trial Assesses Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Stroke

Feb. 2, 2021 - The company electroCore announced completion of a 68-person enrollment in a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, Phase 2 trial in Turkey to assess safety and feasibility of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation as an acute method to decrease ischemic brain injury from stroke. (Source: BioSpace)

Study Investigates Minimally Invasive Neurostimulation for Urinary Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease Patients

Feb. 8, 2021 - An article summarizes a study of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation in 76 Parkinson's disease patients with detrusor activity, who underwent a tapering protocol over 24 months. (Source: MD Linx)

Researchers Study Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Memory

Feb. 4, 2021 - A study that used videos to prompt formation of memories about complex and realistic events evaluated the effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on memory. (Source: Neuroscience News)

Article Presents Update on Access to Deep Brain Stimulation in British Columbia, Canada

Feb. 3, 2021 - An article says the British Columbia Ministry of Health is recruiting a second neurosurgeon to reduce waits for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery by Parkinson's disease patients, and that new equipment added in June 2019 has allowed the number of annual DBS surgeries to increase from 38 to 78. The article says improvements in access were advocated for by a patient who was able to receive a DBS system 17 months ago, two years after she was referred for the procedure to manage her Parkinson's disease. (Source: Salmon Arm Observer)

Study Reports Data on Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Tinnitus

Jan. 30, 2021 - Researchers shared outcomes from a prospective longitudinal study of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation in a large cohort of patients with tinnitus. (Source: Progress in Brain Research)

Paper Describes Noninvasive Neurostimulation Targeting Blood Pressure Regulation in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Jan. 28, 2021 - Collaborators in Switzerland and Canada published research in Nature about adapting epidural electrical stimulation of the spinal cord to control blood pressure after spinal injury. (Source: Expatica)

Review: Brain Stimulation Helps Shed Light on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Jan. 1, 2021 - A review focuses on research that could potentially shed light on the pathophysiology of obsessive compulsive disorder, the authors say, which they believe could advance its treatment. The research includes both functional imaging studies and treatment with invasive or noninvasive brain stimulation, both of which have bearing on a proposed disease model of increased activity in brain regions that form a cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical loop. (Source: American Journal of Psychiatry)

Authors Report a Proof-of-Concept Study of Neurostimulation in Arthritis Patients

Feb. 1, 2021 - Investigators report on a prospective, multicenter, open-label, single-arm, proof-of-concept study of auricular vagus nerve stimulation during active, treatment-resistant, rheumatoid arthritis. In the study, 27 patients were followed for 12 weeks. (Source: Lancet)

Patient Discusses Symptom Improvement after Spinal Cord Stimulation

Feb. 1, 2021 - A woman with complex regional pain syndrome raised £35,000 for spinal cord stimulation surgery. (Source: LADbible)

Report Highlights Research into Predicting Brain Response to Electrical Stimulation

Feb. 1, 2021 -  Researchers used novel electrical stimulation wave patterns to map brain activity, then employed new machine-learning techniques to analyze the data to predict the outcome of stimulation across multiple brain regions. They hope their work will have therapeutic applications. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Data Presented About Directional Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

Jan. 29, 2021 - A study in 234 Parkinson's disease patients who were followed for up to 12 months following implantation of directional deep brain stimulation leads targeting the subthalamic nucleus was subject to a presentation during the January meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society. (Source: NeuroNews)

New Terminology Proposed for a Persistent Pain Condition

Jan. 27, 2021 - An accepted manuscript, available online, by an international committee offers rationale for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome being renamed Persistent Pain Syndrome, rather than Chronic Pain after Spinal Surgery, as suggested by the new International Classification of Disease, ICD-11, which has been accepted by the World Health Organization. (Source: Pain Medicine)

Review Discusses Current Spinal Cord Stimulation Options to Treat Chronic Pain

Jan. 24, 2021 - A review covers neurostimulation for intractable chronic neuropathic pain. (Source: Brain Sciences)

Noninvasive Stimulation Trialed for Analgesia Post-Surgery

February 2021 - Researchers report a pilot randomized controlled trial of auricular neurostimulation during recovery from colorectal surgery, including a subgroup analysis by age. (Source: Diseases of the Colon & Rectum)

Study Investigates Noninvasive Brain Stimulation to Reduce Tremor in Essential Tremor Patients

Jan. 25, 2021 - In a study, researchers used transcranial alternating current stimulation to suppress tremor in patients with essential tremor. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Woman with Parkinson's Disease Recounts Her Experience as a Deep Brain Stimulation Patient

Jan. 24, 2021 - In a column, a Parkinson's disease patient in Vancouver, British Columbia gives a vivid description of her surgery for a deep brain stimulation system, and benefits she noticed. (Source: Globe and Mail)

News Segment Features Man with Dystonia, Treated by Neuromodulation

Jan. 22, 2021 - A television segment follows up on a Pennsylvania man with dystonia who received a deep brain stimulation system 21 years ago - at the time, being the youngest person to do so, a couple of years before DBS received a humanitarian device exemption from the FDA for that condition. (Source: WPXI)

Missouri Man Describes Improvement in Parkinson's Disease Symptoms After Deep Brain Stimulation

Jan. 20, 2021 - An article features a man who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease while pursuing agriculture during retirement, and received a deep brain stimulation system to help manage his symptoms. (Source: KTVO)

Study Evaluates Obsessive Compulsive Behavior Following Personalized Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Jan. 19, 2021 - An article in Nature Medicine describes research into the effect of  transcranial alternating current stimulation on obsessive compulsive behavior. The stimulation targeted the orbitofrontal cortex, and was personalized to the intrinsic frequency of the reward network. (Source: HealthDay)

Study Explores "Personalized" Brain Stimulation for Depression

Jan. 18, 2021 - Nature Medicine reports on a proof-of-concept study of intracranial brain stimulation in a patient with depression. (Source: UCSF)

Researchers in Texas are Enrolling Patients with Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries in a Clinical Trial of Vagus Nerve Stimulation

January 2021 - A clinical trial of vagus nerve stimulation will investigate its effect in people with cervical spine injuries on movement and a sense of touch. (Source: UT Dallas)

Clinical Trial Will Examine Post-Surgical Neurostimulation for Pain Control

Jan. 15, 2021 - A randomized sham-controlled clinical trial will evaluate the effect of percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation on postoperative opioid consumption following orthopedic surgery. (Source: Clinical Pain Advisor)

Overview Discusses Deep Brain Stimulation for Chronic Pain

Jan. 15, 2021 - An article recounts research into deep brain stimulation for chronic pain. (Source: Neurology Advisor)

Study Investigates Noninvasive Stimulation in Essential Tremor

Jan. 13, 2021 - Researchers report on the effect on essential tremor of transcranial cerebellar stimulation that is phase-locked to the tremor movement. (Source: Imperial College London)

Laboratory Research Demonstrates Injectable Brain Electrode

Jan. 13, 2021 - An international team reports wirelessly stimulating the brains of freely moving mice using injectable magnetoelectric nanoelectrodes activated by an external magnetic field. (Source: Science Advances)

Company Announces Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA for Noninvasive Device for Alzheimer's Disease

Jan. 12, 2021 - Cognito Therapeutics announced its noninvasive neurostimulation device has received FDA Breakthrough Device designation for the treatment of cognitive and functional symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. (Source: Argus Press)

Clinical Trial Starts of Noninvasive Neurostimulation for Upper-Extermity Rehabilitation after Spine Injury

Jan. 12, 2021 - ONWARD, formerly known as GTX Medical, announced patient enrollment has started in a trial of noninvasive spinal cord stimulation therapy in spine-injured patients who are undergoing rehabilitation for hand and arm function. (Source: Argus Press)

Researchers Study Augmenting Upper-Limb Rehabilitation with Neurostimulation

Jan. 12, 2021 - Researchers combined noninvasive stimulation with physical rehabilitation of the hands and arms in spine-injured patients. (Source: UW Medicine)

Neuromodulation Centre Will Offer Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Depression

Jan. 11, 2021 - Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust became the first in its region to offer depression treatment using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and one of the few health service trusts in England to launch a Neuromodulation Centre offering the treatment. An article says the service was "introduced earlier than planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic" to be available to people who struggle with mental health issues during the lockdown. (Source: Southern Daily Echo)

Virtual Realty and Spinal Cord Stimulation Combined in Study of Patients with Chronic Leg Pain

Jan. 5, 2021 - A study explored combining spinal cord stimulation treatment for chronic leg pain with a virtual reality simulation that illuminates the patient's virtual leg when it receives treatment. (Source: WV News)

Clinicians Report About Neurostimulation in a Patient with Hereditary Spastic Paresis 

Dec. 15, 2020 - Physicians in Brazil published a paper about 12-month findings regarding the effect on motor function and gait of spinal cord stimulation in a woman who had progressive lower-limb weakness and spasticity related to hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4, which lacks effective treatments for progressive deficits or disease-modifying therapy. (Source: Parkinsonism & Related Disorders)

Researchers Investigate the Physics of Temporal Interface Noninvasive Neurostimulation

Nov. 5, 2020 - A paper presents calculations of biophysical mechanisms that were studied to potentially optimize temporal-interface neurostimulation for clinical use. (Source: Cell Systems)

Researchers to Study Noninvasive Neurostimulation in Paralysis

Dec. 15, 2020 - Neuroscience Research Australia is running a double-blinded randomized controlled trial of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation to try to aid functional rehabilitation for individuals paralyzed by a spinal cord injury. (Source: The Australian)

Article About Parkinson's Patient Describes Deep Brain Stimulation System and His Experience with the Therapy

Dec. 14, 2020 - An article describes a man with early onset Parkinson's disease whose tremors were controlled by deep brain stimulation two years after his diagnosis, almost a decade ago. (Source: dpaonthenet)

Review Considers Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials of Neurostimulation for Migraine

Dec. 10, 2020 - A group of co-authors in France published a review of randomized controlled studies of neurostimulation methods, both invasive and noninvasive, for migraine. (Source: Journal of Headache and Pain)

Brain-Computer Interface Allows Paralyzed Man to Move Two Prosthetic Arms

Dec. 14, 2020 - Johns Hopkins announced that a quadriplegic man was able to control two prosthetic arms simultaneously using a brain computer interface implanted two years ago. (Source: Interesting Engineering)

Clinicians Report on Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Depression in Stroke Survivors

Dec. 11, 2020 - A clinical trial in Australia provided 11 stroke survivors high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression. (Source: News-medical.net)

Researchers Study Indicators of Candidacy for Neurostimulation or Intrathecal Drug Delivery Following Spinal Cord Injury

Dec. 10, 2020 - Researchers in Russia have shared a protocol for assessing whether spine-injured patients should be offered spinal cord stimulation or intrathecal baclofen, following a study of patients who suffered paralysis and spasticity following spinal cord trauma. (Source: EurekAlert)

Feasibility Study Protocol Published for a Responsive Brain Stimulation Randomized Trial in Treatment-Resistant Obesity

Dec. 2020 - A protocol is published of an early feasibility study of responsive neurostimulation in up to six individuals who have loss-of-control eating and treatment-refractory obesity. The randomized trial is single-blinded with a staggered-onset design, and will assess neurostimulation of the nucleus accumbens with the brain-responsive device in this disorder. (Source: Neurosurgery)

Case Series Reports on Intraoperative Monitoring of Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurostimulator Placement

Dec. 8, 2020 - Clinicians report an observational series of intraoperative neuromonitoring in 115 consecutive implant cases of pain patients with dorsal root ganglion stimulation systems, to guide placement. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

German Feasibility Study Looks at Home Use of Neurostimulation System for Acute Migraines

Dec. 8, 2020 - A double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group feasibility study of home-use of transcranial alternating current stimulation to abort migraine attacks in Germany yielded information about effectiveness and study completion by participants. (Source: AJMC)

Review Addresses Current Perspectives on Spinal Cord Stimulation for Treatment of Cancer Pain

Dec. 7, 2020 - A narrative review discusses the use of spinal cord stimulation for cancer-related pain, in light of pain mechanisms and precautions for interventional pain treatment techniques in this patient population. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Data Reported for Noninvasive Neurostimulation in Chronic Migraine

Dec. 5 - In an abstract at a PAINWeek 2020 Virtual Conference, researchers report a pooled analysis of data of open-arm studies of use of a remote neurostimulator in chronic migraine. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Clinicians Present Randomized Controlled Trial of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Diabetic Neuropathic Pain

Dec. 3 - Results of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial of 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation in patients with diabetic neuropathic pain were reported at a virtual meeting of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. (Source: Healio)

Randomized Controlled Trial Studies Patients' Preferences in Spinal Cord Stimulation Screening Trial

Dec. 1, 2020 - A qualitative study from the United Kingdom reports spinal cord stimulation patients' preferences in undergoing a screening trial or not. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Article Summarizes Research About Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for Groin or Leg Pain

Dec. 3, 2020 - A summary presents a pooled analysis of studies concerning dorsal root ganglion stimulation for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain and chronic neuropathic pain of the lower extremities. (Source: Physician's Weekly)

Parkinson's Patient in Canada Receives a Deep Brain Stimulation System that Logs Brain Activity

Dec. 2, 2020 - News coverage features a Toronto-area Parkinson's disease patient who was among the first in his area to receive a deep brain stimulation system that logs brain activity and may be able to permit remote stimulation adjustments and adaptive treatment in response to the activity being captured. (Source: CBC)

Authors Report Six Months of Teleprogramming for Psychiatric Patients with Deep Brain Stimulation Systems

December 2020 - Authors in Shanghai, China and Cambridge, England report on six months of deep brain stimulation teleprogramming of patients with psychiatric conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Source: Journal of Neurosurgery)

Article Recounts Pain Patient's Experience with a Temporary Peripheral Nerve Stimulation System

Nov. 21, 2020 - An article describes a wounded Army veteran's use of a peripheral nerve stimulation device for treating chronic nerve pain in his leg over the course of 60 days. Meanwhile, the patient said he is trying to break his dependence on the narcotics he has taken for the last 10 years to manage his pain from a traumatic injury to his foot and ankle caused by an improvised explosive device in Iraq. (Source: Daily Memphian)

Paper Reports Interim Findings in Trial of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in COVID-19 Patients

Nov. 30, 2020 - A publication offers an interim analysis of an observational trial of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. (Source: Journal of Clinical & Experimental Immunology)

Authors Review Noninvasive Neuromodulation Treatments in COVID-19

Nov. 25, 2020 - A review summarizes the ways noninvasive neuromodulation may manage disorders associated with COVID-19 through (1) anti-inflammatory/autonomic effects on neuroinflammation to treat respiration; (2) addressing musculoskeletal pain and systemic fatigue; (3) augmenting cognitive and physical rehabilitation following critical illness; and (4) treating mental health-related issues associated with the pandemic. (Source: Frontiers in Neurology

Neuromodulation Award Submissions Open

Nov. 23, 2020 - The AAAS Science & PINS Prize for Neuromodulation 2021 has opened for submissions, which are due March 15, 2021. The prize is an award for "innovative research that modulates neural activity through physical (electrical, magnetic, optical) stimulation of targeted sites in the nervous system with implications for translational medicine." (Source: Science)

Researchers Investigate Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Nov. 23, 2020 - A study that is using transcranial magnetic stimulation for obsessive compulsive disorder was featured in a Brisbane newspaper, in an article that featured one participant and added that the study has room for more participants. (Source: Brisbane Times)

U.S. BRAIN Initiative Grants Include Funding for Neurostimulation Studies

Nov. 19, 2020 - The National Institutes of Health announced more than 175 grants, valued at nearly $500 million, through its Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) initiative. The grants include efforts to improve sleep in people with Parkinson’s disease through deep brain stimulation; explore neural circuits involved in pain; and aid recovery of movement and bladder control after acute spinal cord injury. (Source: National Institutes of Health)

European Researchers Report on Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation

Nov. 11, 2020 -  In a prospective observational study of 245 patients in Austria, Germany, and the U.K. with dysphagia due to stroke, traumatic brain injury or following mechanical ventilation and tracheotomy, clinicians at 14 centers gathered information about pharyngeal electrical stimulation treatment and changes in aspiration risk and swallowing safety. (Source: PR Newswire)

Journal Article Presents Work into a Brain-Stimulation Targeting Algorithm Based on Spike and Spike-Independent Features

Nov. 19, 2020 - A team of authors report on their exploration into potentially using 25 features from microelectrode recordings to build a classification model for discriminating the signals belonging to the subthalmic nucleus to aid in targeting lead placement during deep brain stimulation implantation. (Source: Physician's Weekly)

Neurosurgeon in India Presents Epilepsy Therapy Options

Nov. 19, 2020 - A column by a director of neurosciences at a neurosciences institute in Gurugram, India, says that unlike some beliefs and stories about epilepsy prevalent there, it is mostly treatable, including with surgery including, potentially, deep brain stimulation surgery. (Source: Kashmir Reader)

Defense Grant Aids Study on Surgical Skill Acquisition and Investigation of Noninvasive Neuromodulation During Medical Student Training

Nov. 18, 2020 - An interdisciplinary team at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and University at Buffalo received a $2.2 million grant from the $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command of the U.S. Department of Defense to better understand and measure surgical skill acquisition, and determine if that mastery can be accelerated through observing the brain activity of medical students who are performing technical tasks while neural stimulation is applied through external electrodes. (Source: Renesselaer News)

Researchers Investigate Efficacy of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Nov. 13, 2020 - Researchers in Helsinki report on 15 patients who received hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea, and the comparative nocturnal respiratory indices after 1.5 years post-implantation. (Source: The Clinical Respiratory Journal)

Review: Brain-Imaging Studies as a Basis for Targeting Deep Brain Stimulation

Nov. 16, 2020 - Clinicians in Toronto present a short review of the emerging use of white-matter tractography in targeting deep brain stimulation for psychiatric disorders. (Source: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience)

Correlation Between Mind-Body Awareness and Post-Neurostimulation Pain Scores Studied

Nov. 15, 2020 - Researchers studied pain patients' degree of interoceptive awareness and correlation with improvement in pain scores following spinal cord stimulation. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Retrospective Study Examines Pain Relief and Opioid Use After Software Upgrade or Change to Burst Neurostimulation Mode

November/December 2020 - Co-authors published a retrospective, multicenter study of burst-mode spinal cord stimulation treatment to salvage loss of effectiveness in pain relief, and in software upgrades, including evaluating the impact of the stimulation change on opioid consumption. (Source: Pain Physician Journal)

Review Considers Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Nov. 12, 2020 - Clinicians reviewed repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation trials for the treatment of headache and other symptoms following concussion/mild traumatic brain injury. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Minimally Invasive Neurostimulation Studied for Bowel Issues in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Nov. 12, 2020 - A study investigated treatment with percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation in patients with multiple sclerosis suffering from neurogenic fecal incontinence and functional constipation. (Source: DocWireNews)

Researchers Investigate Aphasia Treatment with Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Nov. 12, 2020 - An article describes work using personalized noninvasive brain stimulation to treat aphasia in stroke survivors. (Source: NewsMedical.net)

Research Contracts Support Studies into Spinal Cord Injury Treatments

Nov, 13, 2020 - The Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency Bridging the Gap Plus program for treating spinal cord injury announced research contracts to multidisiciplinary teams at three universities for projects that include electrical stimulation technologies. (Source: DARPA)

Study Focuses on Noninvasive Brain Stimulation with Cognitive Training in Older Adults

Nov. 11, 2020 - Researchers published results of a study of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with cognitive training in healthy older adults. (Source: UQ News)

Research Suggests Location of Vagus Nerve Stimulation Mechanism

Nov. 9, 2020 - Research suggests a location within the body's nerve fibers that may be the source of the direct point of action for vagus nerve stimulation that decreases inflammation. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Comparative Study Followed Spinal Cord Stimulation Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy for 12 Months

Nov. 10, 2020 - A presentation summarizes data from of comparative study of patients with painful diabetic neuropathy who received either 10kHz spinal cord stimulation and conventional medical management, or conventional medical management alone, for at least 12 months. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Dallas-Area Woman With Parkinson's Disease Discusses Her Deep Brain Stimulation Implant

Nov. 10, 2020 - A television segment features a woman with Parkinson's disease who opted for deep brain stimulation about three years after diagnosis, as her medication effectiveness faded. (Source: NBCDFW)

Clinician Describes Drug Delivery System Refills During Pandemic Conditions

Nov. 8, 2020 - A letter describes how emergent instances of intrathecal drug delivery system refills have been handled, using safety measures at specialized facilities, in the Lombardy region of Italy since March, which was hit hard by the COVD-19 pandemic. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Author Publish Data on Salvage Pain Relief in Spinal Cord Stimulation

Nov. 10, 2020 - A retrospective chart review explored 10kHz spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to restore pain relief as a replacement for traditional SCS therapy. (Source: Journal of Pain Research)

Report Compares Outcomes in Deep Brain Stimulation for Meige Syndrome

Nov. 6, 2020 - A report compares outcomes, and power consumption, in cases of primary Meige Syndrome in 17 patients who were treated with either globus pallidus pars internus deep brain stimulation, or subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation, and either underwent general or local anesthesia. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

External Vagus Nerve Stimulation Studied in Pilot Trial in Patients with Lupus

Nov. 3, 2020 - Clinicians report on a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, pilot trial of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in 18 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. (Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

News Feature Presents Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment for Parkinson's Disease

Oct. 29, 2020 - An article about deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease says it "sounds like science fiction, but at this point it is far from unheard-of." The article likens its effect to masking what might be considered an "information lesion" within what might be considered a "symphony" of electrical currents in the brain. (Source: Discover)

Chart Review Summarizes Experience with Peripheral Neurostimulation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Oct. 26, 2020 - A chart review of implantable peripheral nerve stimulation for complex regional pain syndrome at a single institution was published that spans almost 30 years. (Source: Physician's Weekly)

News Feature Describes Pain Patient's Experience Awaiting Neurostimulator Implant During Pandemic

Oct. 23, 2020 - A man in the Melbourne area with chronic pain arising from a car accident seven years ago underwent a trial phase for spinal cord stimulation recently, with remote programming adjustments, while waiting to see if he will be scheduled for permanent implantation. (Source: ABC)

Specialists Publish Editorial Concerning Neurosurgical Intervention for Chronic Pain

Oct. 23, 2020 - An editorial considers the current status and potential role of deep brain stimulation in chronic pain conditions. (Source: Brain Science)

Researchers Study Brain Stimulation in Alzheimer's Apathy

Oct. 20, 2020 - In an investigation of noninvasive brain stimulation on apathy in Alzheimer's disease patients, 19 patients completed a double-blind, randomized, controlled pilot study at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System that compared the outcomes of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation with sham. (Source: VAntage Point)

Patient in Minimally Conscious State Receives Neurostimulator Implant

Oct. 18, 2020 - A woman whose extended seizure in 2018 left her in a minimally conscious state received a spinal cord stimulator at the base of her skull, in hopes of improving her responsiveness, according to an interview with her family and specialists involved. (Source: Times of India)

Case Report: Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Interleukin-6 Levels in COVID-19

Oct. 15, 2020 - A clinical letter that appeared online in Early View discusses two cases of using transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in patients who were hospitalized with symptoms of COVID-19, including elevated interleukin-6. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Study in Brain-Injured Patient Tracks Signs of Neuroplasticity During Rehabilitation with Neuromodulation

Oct. 15, 2020 - A published report presents recovery of a traumatic brain injury victim who used combined physical therapy and noninvasive neuromodulation, and whose cognitive function was tracked. (Source: News-medical.net)

Medical School Professor Patents a Peripheral Nerve Stimulator

Oct. 14, 2020 - The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences announced faculty member Dr. Erika Petersen was granted a U.S. patent for a peripheral nerve stimulator that she designed alongside BioVentures LLC to target occipital neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, and migraines. (Source: Arkansas Money and Politics)

Clinicians Discuss Neurostimulation Targeting in Case of Deep Brain Stimulation for Tourette Syndrome

Sept. 30, 2020 - Using tractography 1 year post-implant, clinicians at Stanford University School of Medicine report evidence for the role of the dorsal ventral lateral posterior thalamic nucleus connectivity in deep brain stimulation for Tourette syndrome, based on a robust and durable response in their patient who received stimulation in the centromedian-parafascicular complex and more dorsally. (Source: Journal of Psychiatric Research)

Researchers Investigate Vibroacupuncture Pain Relief

Oct. 7, 2020 - Writing that "the brain prefers combinations of frequencies in simple ratios because these generate more robust and synchronous neural responses," a team of authors investigated in healthy volunteers whether vibrating transducers at acupuncture points produced more pain relief if the frequency either equated to a musical cord (32, 48 and 64 Hz) or to a single frequency (32 Hz). (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Review Summarizes Surgical and Neuromodulatory Studies Addressing Anorexia Nervosa

Sept. 29, 2020 - A review of neurosurgical and neuromodulatory treatments for anorexia nervosa, including deep brain stimulation, summarized findings from 20 clinical trials. (Source: Eating Disorders)

Authors Publish Potential Endovascular Brain Stimulation Targets Based on Brain Mapping Visualization

Nov. 1, 2020 - Researchers investigating the feasibility of neurostimulation conducted with endovascular, electrode-bearing, stents ("stentrodes") used a brain atlas based on probalistic mapping to compare neuroanatomical relationships between conventional DBS targets and associated vascular sites. (Source: Brain Stimulation)

Researchers Publish Results of a Clinical Trial of Bimodal Noninvasive Neuromodulation in Tinnitus

Oct. 7, 2020 - Science Translational Medicine published results of a three-year clinical trial in 326 people with tinnitus, who underwent bimodal neuromodulation daily for 12 weeks, which consisted of wearing headphones that delivered sequences of audio tones layered with wideband noise to both ears, while stimulating the tip of the tongue with an electrode-bearing device. (Source: Scientific American)

Case Report Details High-Frequency Deep Brain Stimulation of Superior Cerebeller Peduncles in a Cerebral Palsy Patient

Oct. 7, 2020 - A case report presents experience addressing dystonia and spasticity symptoms in a cerebral palsy patient who received monopolar deep brain stimulation (DBS) to both superior cerebeller peduncles and dentate nuclei after having failed to recover following two years of DBS to the globus pallidus internus. (Source: Tremor Journal)

Community News Show Features Clinical Trial of Neurostimulation for Addiction

Oct. 6, 2020 - A television news segment featured a man who received deep brain stimulation in a clinical study of the intervention in addiction; he said he has been drug-free for almost one year. (Source: KATU)

Five-Year Data Presented on Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Central Sleep Apnea

Oct. 5, 2020 - In 53 people who were treated with transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation for central sleep apnea, an analysis supported safety and effectiveness of the therapy, according to a presentation at the 2020 meeting of the Heart Failure Society of America. (Source: Medpage Today)

Data Presented from Pilot Cross-Over Study of Deep Brain Stimulation in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia

Oct. 5, 2020 - Preliminary findings, published earlier this year, were presented at the 33rd European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress concerning seven patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who received deep brain stimulation to the nucleus accumbens or subgenual anterior congulate cortex in a pilot randomized cross-over trial. (Source: Medscape)

Laboratory Research Demonstrates a Noninvasive Method to Specifically Modulate a Cortical Circuit

Oct. 1, 2020 - In research in rats, researchers demonstrated noninvasive molecularly-specific millimeter-resolution manipulation of brain circuits through injection of engineered ultrasound-controllable drug carriers, which are stable drug-loaded liposomes tethered to microbubbles, and the use of uncaging focused ultrasound sequences. (Source: Nature Communications)

Authors Publish an Informatics Platform for Pooling Neuromodulation Data

Sept. 18, 2020 - A team of authors at the University of Utah has published an informatics platform they call the International Neuromodulation Registry, which they say will allow pooling of data across multiple centers to increase predictive power of neuromodulation studies. (Source: Neuroinform)

Ottawa Facility Offers Opportunities to Participate in Clinical Research of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Oct. 5, 2020 - At an Ottawa mental health center, The Royal, its Institute of Mental Health Research in January added a clinical research platform in addressing treatment-resistant depression with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). An article about the Ottawa-area resource says that although Health Canada provided regulatory approval for rTMS in 2002, only three jurisdictions – Saskatchewan, Quebec and Yukon – publicly fund the treatment. (Source: Ottawa Business Journal)

Physicians Report on Tele-Medicine Visits for Deep Brain Stimulation System Programming

Oct. 2, 2020 - A team of authors report on tele-programming services for patients with Parkinson's disease or dystonia who obtained the service from January 2019 to March 2020 at 40 hospitals around China, a period that extended into the main timeframe of the COVID-19 outbreak in China. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Research Project Targets Spinal Cord Injury with Neuromodulation and Other Technologies

Sept. 30, 2020 - A multi-institution consortium will receive $36 million over five years as part of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's Bridging the Gap Plus Program to combine technologies, including neuromodulation, to intervene soon after spinal cord injury and ultimately improve functional outcomes, potentially promoting nerve regeneration to bridge the injury site. The technologies include spinal cord and cortical stimulation systems. (Source: Daily Democrat)

Study Looks for Mechanisms Influencing Response to Neurostimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sept. 28, 2020 - Noting that incomplete responses to hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy for obstructive sleep apnea occur about a third of the time, an international team of authors report on use of sleep studies within subgroups to assess pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie favorable versus incomplete responses. (Source: Physician's Weekly)

Case Series Gathers Data on Parkinson's Disease Patients Who Received Spinal Cord Stimulation

Sept. 28, 2020 - In a case series, 15 Parkinson's disease patients who received spinal cord stimulation for treatment of pain and motor symptoms were followed for an average of 22 months. The patients were given options of tonic stimulation for burst stimulation in either a continuous or cyclical mode. (Source: Bioelectronic Medicine)

Review and Meta-Analysis Compares Spinal Cord Stimulation Waveforms for Treating Chronic Low Back Pain

Sept. 23, 2020 - A systemic review and meta-analysis gathered evidence for various spinal cord stimulation waveforms -- tonic, burst, and high-frequency -- relative to each other for treating chronic refractory low back pain. The analysis included randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies; the authors there were some heterogeneity and limitations in evidence, and that evidence of longitudinal efficacy is needed for the more-novel waveforms. (Source: Pain Physician)

Review Includes Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Acute Post-Operative Pain

September 2020 - A review about two types of regional analgesia for acute post-operative pain that are "free of many of the limitations of both opioids and local anesthetic-based techniques" includes percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation, saying it is "unique . . . in that it does not induce sensory, motor, or proprioception deficits and is cleared for up to 60 days of use." The review, however, calls for additional validation in the setting of acute pain through randomized controlled trials of the two non-pharmaceutical methods it covers. (Source: Anesthesiology)

Laboratory Study Provides Insight into Neuronal Effects of Ultrasound Neuromodulation

Sept. 18, 2020 - A laboratory study in a transgenic mouse brain slice model to determine effective parameters to elicit neuromodulation through ultrasound showed its application increased calcium signaling, the neuronal response rate depended on pulse repetition frequency, and it reversed effects of a sodium channel blocker. (Source: Scientific Reports)

Novel, Intermittent Stimulation to be Studied in Participants Cleared for Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorder

Sept. 24, 2020 - A newly posted open-label clinical trial, Novel Paradigms of Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders, will evaluated symptoms and cognitive function as 20 subjects undergo periods of novel stimulation patterns, varying in frequency, contact location, and/or temporal pattern. Investigators at Cleveland Clinic initiated the trial after preclinical observations about intermittent, coordinated reset, stimulation. (Source: Clinicaltrials.gov)

Mixed-Methods Analysis Evaluates Patient Experiences with Spinal Cord Stimulation for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Sept. 23, 2020 - A study of patients in the Netherlands who received spinal cord stimulation for failed back surgery syndrome explored their expectations and experiences and found quality-of-life and psychosocial themes related to outcomes, including stigma regarding chronic pain and spiritual well-being, with acceptance and coping emerging as motifs among the various themes. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Review Considers Patient Experience with Neuromodulation

Sept. 23, 2020 - A systemic review in Neuromodulation of seven published studies of qualitative patient experience with neuromodulation therapy tracked four broad themes: coping with chronic pain, expectations, managing challenges and regaining normalcy. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Authors Study Stimulation-Induced Dyskinesia in Meige Syndrome

Sept. 21, 2020 - Eight physicians in Beijing published a retrospective assessment of 32 patients who underwent deep brain stimulation for Meige syndrome, comparing programming control factors in 10 who had stimulation-induced dyskinesia and 22 others who didn't. They found the patients with dyskinesia had active contacts on the therapeutic stimulation lead that were in a different area of the subthalamic nucleus than the patients who didn't have dyskinesia. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Paper Examines Access to Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease in High-Income Countries

Sept. 1, 2020 - Two authors sought to determine treatment gaps in deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease in nine high-income countries. (Source: Value in Health Regional Issues)

Team Describes Prototype That May Enable Personalized Prosthetics

Sept. 21, 2020 - A research team described rapid prototyping of soft implants for use as neuromuscular interfaces, which they say might enable personalized bioelectronics for neuroprosthetic applications. Demonstrated in small laboratory animals and in zebrafish, they say the prototypes are "leveraging the robotically controlled ink-jet deposition of low-viscosity conductive inks, extrusion of insulating silicone pastes and in situ activation of electrode surfaces via cold-air plasma". (Source: Nature Biomedical Engineering)

Facility in the UAE Serves Patients with Deep Brain Stimulation Systems

Sept. 21, 2020 - Last year, the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi began evaluating patients for deep brain stimulation, with around six to seven patients who may receive the surgery there next month. In the meantime, the facility has been performing programming updates for nearby patients who were not able to travel to their implanting centers to have those visits due to the pandemic. (Source: The National)

Newspaper Profile Features Arkansas's First Female Neurosurgeon to Become a Full Professor

Sept. 20, 2020 - The University of Arkansas for Medical Science announced that Dr. Erika Petersen --who joined the faculty 10 years ago and directs the neurosurgery program with a burgeoning deep brain stimulation service -- has become the first female neurosurgeon to be promoted to full professor in Arkansas. (Source: Arkansas Gazette)

Effectiveness of Various Neurostimulation Techniques for Tinnitus Evaluated in Meta-Analysis

Sept. 18, 2020 - A meta-analysis of of 32 studies involving 1,458 participants evaluated effectiveness of different noninvasive brain stimulation therapies for tinnitus. (MD Linx)

Clinical Trial Will Evaluate Brain Implant That Delivers Near-Infrared Light

Sept. 17, 2020 - A clinical trial starting soon in France will follow 14 early-stage Parkinson's disease patients, half of whom will have an implanted fiber optic cable that delivers pulses of near-infrared light to their brain's substantia nigra. The trial will evaluate safety and clinical benefits on symptoms and disease progression, in addition to looking for evidence of neuroprotection of dopamine-producing cells. (Source: Science)

Noninvasive Acoustic Neuromodulation Studied in Patients with Insomnia

Sept. 17, 2020 - In a clinical trial, 107 people with insomnia received 10 hour-long sessions of placebo or noninvasive acoustic neuromodulation intended to influence the autonomic nervous system. The placebo used random tones and the active interevention used so-called "high-resolution, relational, resonance-based electroencephalic mirroring (HIRREM)," which monitors brainwaves and plays back audible tones of varying pitch. (Source: Newswise)

Clinicians Report on Supervised Three-Week Test of Sacral Neuromodulation for Overactive Bladder

Sept. 16, 2020 - A prospective study followed patients with overactive bladder for one year who received a sacral neuromodulation system after a three-week test phase that included two waves of reprogramming, each a week apart, in non-responders. (Source: Urology Times)

Patient in Israel Receives Vagus Nerve Stimulator Implant for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Sept. 14, 2020 - A person with severe depression that did not respond to medical treatment has received a vagus nerve stimulator implant for the condition in Israel, where he was reportedly the first person in that country to receive the device, which has been available as a treatment for epilepsy there for 15 years. (Source: Jerusalem Post)

Open-Source Platform Allows Near-Real Time Closed-Loop Stimulation During Intracranial EEG Recording

December 2020 - Researchers published their tool to investigate closed-loop stimulation for research and therapeutic use, an open-source platform for near real-time closed-loop stimulation designed for intracranial EEG recordings and stimulation that they call a Closed-Loop System for Electrical Stimulation (CLoSES). (Source: NeuroImage)

Spinal-Cord-Injury Patients Surveyed About Neuromodulation for Bladder and Bowel Function

Sept. 7, 2020 - A survey of 370 individuals with spinal cord injury investigated their needs for managing neurogenic bladder and bowel function, and willingness to adopt neuromodulation interventions. (Source: Spinal Cord)

U.S. FDA Publishes Letter About Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial Phase

Sept. 4, 2020 - The U.S. FDA published a letter to healthcare providers reminding physicians to follow product labeling and carry out a trial stimulation period prior to permanently implanting a spinal cord stimulation device. (Source: FDA)

Clinical Trial Concerns Implanted Neuroprosthetic System for Hand Control in Individuals with Mid-Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Sept. 2, 2020 - A Phase 2 trial has been initiated of a a third-generation neuroprosthetic device, the Networked Neuroprosthetic (NNP) System, at Case Western Reserve University. The fully implantable system is designed to improve hand function in individuals with mid-cervical level spinal cord injuries. (Source: CDMRP)

Researchers Report Nanoscale Clip Development for Preclinical Work in Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Aug. 21, 2020 - Researchers share progress in creating nanoscale 3D-printed clips that have thin-film electrodes to interface with small-fiber peripheral nerves in small animal models for recording nerve activity over weeks-long time frames. The devices provide multi-channel, current-steering-based stimulation. A goal is to enable longitudinal studies to support development of therapeutics involving closed-loop control of peripheral circuit function. (Source: Nature Communications)

Grant Will Aid Research Into Neuromodulation to Address Brain-Circuit Rhythms in Mental Disorders

Sept. 3, 2020 - The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health awarded researchers $6.6 million for work on treating mental health disorders with neurostimulation that addresses the synchrony of rhythms in brain circuits. (Source: EurekAlert)

Article Presents Survey of Patients Awaiting Spinal Cord Stimulation During Pandemic

Aug. 21, 2020 - In seven U.K. centers, patients on a waiting list for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic pain were prospectively surveyed in May about their views on the impact of the pandemic, lockdown, and willingness to attend a National Health Service hospital to receive an SCS implant. (Source: British Journal of Pain)

Paper Addresses Deep Brain Stimulation for Post-Infarct Dystonia

Aug. 26, 2020 - Co-authors report on a series of three patients who have post-infarct dystonia and received deep brain stimulation to the subthalamic nucleus due to striatal infarcts that decreased confidence in the globus pallidus internus as a possible stimulation target. (Source: Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery)

Collaborators Work on Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

Aug. 27, 2020 - An article describes an academic collaboration to develop a wirelessly charged adaptive deep brain stimulation system, which is intended to detect and respond to biomarkers of Parkinson's disease symptoms, rather than provide continuous stimulation. (Source: Taipei Times)

Study Looks at Disparities in Spinal Cord Stimulation in the U.S.

Aug. 26, 2020 - A publication discusses socioeconomic disparities in utilization of spinal cord stimulation in the U.S., with privately insured patients having higher odds of having it for complex regional pain syndrome or failed back surgery syndrome, vs. patients with Medicare, and Medicaid patients having even lower odds of having it; black and Hispanic patients had higher odds of having it than white patients. (Source: MDLinx)

Grant Will Help Fund Study of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Alzheimer's Disease

Aug. 26, 2020 - A $1.5 million grant from the U.S.-based Alzheimer's Association and Bill Gates was announced for a team from the U.K. Dementia Research Institute and the Imperial College, London. The grant will help fund study of noninvasive temporal interference brain stimulation to boost functions of the hippocampus, to test if it is possible in the most-affected areas of the brain to revive mitochondrial function, which plays a role in early stages of brain degeneration seen in the disease. (Source: Yahoo! News)

Study Analyzes Deep Brain Stimulation for Cluster Headache

Aug. 22, 2020 - Looking at four cohorts, investigators statistically analyzed imaging data, outcomes, and related measures in 40 patients who underwent deep brain stimulation for refractory chronic cluster headache, and identified two influential stimulation areas. (Source: Annals of Neurology)

Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Implantation for the Upper Extremity

Aug. 11, 2020 - Co-authors published a technical note about peripheral nerve stimulation in the upper extremity for median, ulnar, and radial nerves. (Source: Pain Medicine)

Paper Presents a Case of Paired Associative Stimulation During Walking Rehabilitation after Spinal Injury

Aug. 17, 2020 - Scientists published research into using paired associative stimulation that combines transcranial magnetic stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation during walking rehabilitation undertaken by a patient who has an incomplete spinal cord injury. (Source: Science Daily)

Dorsal Root Ganglion Treatment Effectiveness Graded in Systematic Review

Aug. 17, 2020 - An international work group graded treatment effectiveness in a systematic review of prospective trials and observational studies of dorsal root ganglion stimulation for the treatment of chronic focal neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndrome. (Source: Pain Medicine)

Meta-Analysis Looks at Effectiveness and Adverse Effects of a Neurostimulation Target for Essential Tremor

Aug. 1, 2020 - A team of authors in China analyzed outcomes, including effectiveness over time, and adverse effects that were published up to 2019, involving 1,714 patients with essential tremor who received deep brain stimulation that targeted the ventral intermediate nucleus. (Source: Neural Plasticity)

Researchers Plan Feasibility Study of Responsive Brain Stimulation in Treatment Refractory Obesity

July 27, 2020 - Researchers published the design of a feasibility study of bilateral responsive neurostimulation of the nucleus accumbens for loss-of-control eating by individuals who have treatment-refractory obesity. (Source: Neurosurgery)

Review: MRI Compatibility of Neuromodulation Devices

Aug. 18, 2020 - A review presents guidelines for MRI compatibility of available neuromodulation devices, including spinal cord stimulators, intrathecal drug delivery systems, peripheral nerve stimulators, deep brain stimulators, vagal nerve stimulators, and sacral nerve stimulators. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Design Published of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Neurostimulation in Back Pain

Aug. 16, 2020 - Clinicians published the design of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial begun in 2018 that compares 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation plus conventional medical management to conventional medical management alone, in patients with refractory back pain who have not had major back surgery, and are not good candidates for surgery. (Source: Pain Practice)

Authors Report on Respiratory Function in a Paralyzed Individual Treated with Noninvasive Spinal Cord Stimulation

Aug. 17, 2020 - Authors report  on breathing and coughing ability in a patient with tetraplegia who was treated with transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation. (Source: Themagazineplus.com)

Article Addresses Occipital Nerve Stimulation

Aug. 11, 2020 - Co-authors present their approach to using ultrasound-guided placement of occipital nerve stimulators in three patients with occipital neuralgia, who were followed for an average of eight months. (Source: Pain Medicine)

Study: Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy and Function in Early Motor Complications of Parkinson's Disease

Aug. 17, 2020 - Researchers published a study of the impact of deep brain stimulation on social and occupational functioning in people who have early motor complications from Parkinson's Disease. (Source: Parkinson's News Today)

Study Looks at Deep Brain Stimulation Cycle Effects on Gait in Parkinson's Disease

Aug. 17, 2020 - In a preprint, authors present their study of entraining stepping movements of Parkinson's disease patients thought alternating a stimulation cycle speed close to stepping speed in patients with deep brain stimulators targeting the subthalamic nucleus. (Source: bioRxiv)

Authors Investigate Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Motor Effects Following Paralysis

Aug. 14, 2020 - In a case series published in Early View in Neuromodulation, researchers report on using bilateral dorsal root ganglion stimulation to evoke motor response in the upper leg of patients who have chronic motor complete spinal cord injury. (Source: NeuroNews)

Abstract Presents Early Results of Controlled Trial of Neurostimulation in Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

September 2020 - In a meeting abstract about a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial, early results are presented that compare 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation with conventional medical management vs. conventional medical management alone in treating painful diabetic neuropathy. (Source: EASD Virtual Meeting)

Study Explores Potential of Epidural Stimulation to Regain Hand and Arm Movement after Stroke

Aug. 13, 2020 - A clinical trial in Pittsburgh will investigate evoked motor responses in the course of 30 days of epidural spinal cord stimulation in people who have lost arm and hand function following subcortical stroke. (Source: Trialbulletin.com)

Brain Imaging Studies Help Suggest Optimal Brain Stimulation Target for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

July 14, 2020 - Investigators write in Nature Communications that certain fiber tracts seem most effective as a stimulation target when treating obsessive compulsive disorder with deep brain stimulation. The study was based on pre- and post-implant MRI imaging in 50 patients who were treated at a number of centers around the world. (Source: Psych Central)

Survey Examines the Need to Standardize Implanted Stimulator Connectors

Aug. 11, 2020 - A team of authors has published results of a survey of members of the North American Neuromodulation Society regarding potential development of standard connectors for implanted stimulators, a possibility being explored by the Institute of Neuromodulation. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Tibial Nerve Stimulation System Clinical Trial Starts

Aug. 11, 2020 - A clinical trial of an implantable tibial nerve stimulation system has begun in the U.S. and Europe in patients with overactive bladder. The OverActive Bladder Stimulation System Study (OASIS) is an open-label prospective trial to evaluate efficacy in treating urinary urge incontinence. (Source: Urology Times)

Case Series: 10 kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Thoracic Pain

July/August 2020 - A team of authors has published a multicenter retrospective chart review of 19 patients who had 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation for chronic thoracic pain, with outcomes gathered at 1, 6, and 12 months post-implant. They also analyzed anatomic lead placement. (Source: Pain Physician Journal)

Reviewers Analyze Studies of Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Headache Relief

Aug. 8, 2020 - A literature review in Neuromodulation analyzed findings from six clinical trials of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation for acute headache relief. (Source: AJMC)

Aneasethetists in the UK Release Guidance on Spinal Cord Stimulation Competencies for Pain Medicine Specialists

July 2020 - The Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Aneasethetists has issued "Guidance on Competencies for Spinal Cord Stimulation", which outlines core, and advanced, knowledge for pain medicine specialists who either may encounter the therapy in the course of their work, or who are providers of the therapy. (Source: Faculty of Pain Medicine)

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Studied in Language-Learning Task

Aug. 6, 2020 - Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of Pittsburgh published a study into using transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation to enhance a language-learning task, in which native English speakers were asked to distinguish between four Mandarin tones. (Source: UCSF)

Retrospective Analysis Compares Re-Operation Rates of Paddle or Percutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulators

Aug. 4, 2020 - A single-center retrospective chart review analyzed re-operation rates of percutaneous and paddle leads in spinal cord stimulation systems. (Source: Pain Medicine)

Science & PINS Prize for Neuromodulation Announced

Aug. 6, 2020 - Viviana Gradinaru, professor of neuroscience and biological engineering at the California Institute of Technology, is the 2020 grand prize winner of the Science & PINS Prize for Neuromodulation for her essay about development of minimally invasive gene delivery tools and identification of novel therapeutic targets, both in and outside the brain, in strategies that include minimally invasive optogenetic-mediated modulation. (Source: AAAS)

Prospective Trial Assesses Brain-Responsive Neurostimulation in Adults with Medically Intractable Seizures

July 20, 2020 - In a long-term prospective open label trial, brain-responsive neurostimulation was assessed for safety, efficacy, and quality of life in adults who were treated over nine years for medically intractable focal onset seizures. (Source: Neurology)

Sacral Neuromodulation Study Evaluates Bowel Function

July18, 2020 - A retrospective study evaluated the clinical effect of sacral neuromodulation on bowel dysfunction in patients with neurogenic bladder. (Source: Colorectal Disease)

Studies Present Seizure-Reduction Data from Neurostimulation for Epilepsy

Aug. 3, 2020 - An article summarizes data from two studies concerning seizure reduction in patients with epilepsy treated with a responsive neurostimulation system. (Source: Neurology Live)

Results Published from Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Data Collaboration

Aug. 3, 2020 - Theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation data were pooled from 22 studies in a collaboration focused on evaluating individual variability of response. Based on the findings, the collaborators offer some recommendations for controlling methodological variability. (Source: Brain Stimulation)

Review: Circuit Dysfunction and Neurostimulation Trials in PTSD

July 31, 2020 - A review discusses ongoing neurostimulation trials, and highlights the current understanding of neuronal circuit dysfunction in post-traumatic stress disorder. (Source: Journal of Neurosurgery)

Article Presents Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression

Aug. 1, 2020 - An editorial introduces a journal article about a study using an accelerated, high-dose, resting-state functional connectivity–guided intermittent theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant depression. (Source: The American Journal of Psychiatry)

Study Explores Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Method During Post-Stroke Motor Activity

July 29, 2020 - Researchers report on lower extremity function in 12 subjects who had chronic stroke and participated in a double‐blind, placebo controlled, crossover study of the safety, feasibility, and potential effectiveness of bilateral high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation during cycling. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Lateral Spinal Cord Stimulation Studied to Restore Sensation in Limb Amputees

July 29, 2020 - Researchers report on using lateral spinal cord stimulation in four upper-limb amputees to study the feasibility of evoking sensations to restore somatosensation. (Source: eLife)

Safety and Efficacy of Vagus Nerve Stimulator Studied in Rheumatoid Arthritis

July 28, 2020 - A safety-and-efficacy study assessed a miniaturized vagus nerve stimulator in patients with drug-resistant rheumatoid arthritis. (Source: The Lancet Rheumatology)

Retrospective Case Series Reports Outcomes of Patients Receiving Occipital Nerve Stimulation

July 28, 2020 - Clinicians in France retrospectively reviewed 60 patients with intractable occipital headaches who received occipital nerve stimulation following referral between 2008 and 2014. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Researchers Study Paresthesia-Free Nerve Root Stimulation in Chronic Pain Patients

July 28, 2020 - Researchers in Canada investigated paresthesia‐free high‐frequency spinal nerve root stimulation in 14 patients with intractable, dermatomal neuropathic pain. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Case Series Reports on Potential New Neurostimulation Target in Spinal Cord Injury

July 24, 2020 - Researchers report investigating dorsal root ganglion stimulation to evoke motor response in patients with motor-complete spinal cord injury, as a potential new target for spinal cord stimulation treatment. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Paper: Neurostimulation in Chronic Postsurgical Pain

July 24, 2020 - A study evaluated 10-kHz spinal cord stimulation in chronic postsurgical pain. (Source: MD Linx)

Research Grant Announced for Abdominal Electrical Stimulation

July 23, 2020 - In COVID-19-related research into therapeutic electrical stimulation, researchers in Australia have received a $2.4 million grant for research into electrical stimulation of the abdominal muscles in people with upper-body paralysis, to evaluate if it could reduce their time on mechanical ventilation. The funding from the government of New South Wales is part of a $15 million research package for spinal cord injury research. (Source: Sydney Morning Herald)

Pilot Trial Compares Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease to Optimum Medical Management without Neurostimulation

July 21, 2020 - A prospective, randomized controlled pilot trial compared, over five years, deep brain stimulation in early stage Parkinson's disease with optimum medical management alone. (Source: Neurology Advisor)

Patient in Germany Receives Lung-Pacing Implant as Part of Clinical Study to Wean COVID-19 Patients from Mechanical Ventilation

July 10, 2020 - A medical center announced implanting the first patient in Germany in a safety-and-effectiveness study, RESCUE-3, of an implanted diaphragm pacing system to help wean COVID-19 patients from mechanical ventilation. (Source: Innovations Report)

Review Discusses Brain Connectivity and Neuromodulation Effects

July 20, 2020 - A review addresses the "growing intersection between two fields: neuromodulation and brain connectomics." (Source: NeuroImage)

Researchers Study Neural Response to Mechanical Stimulation

July 20, 2020 - In work they said may have implications for future therapy development, researchers report in ACS Nano basic research into using magnetic nanodiscs as a tool for studying neural responses to stimulation of cells' pressure receptors. The study included focusing on pressure-sensitive neurons in the dorsal root ganglion. (Source: Mirage)

Pilot Study Investigates Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Rheumatoid Arthritis

July 16, 2020 - A pilot, sham-controlled study of vagus nerve stimulation in patients with drug-refractory rheumatoid arthritis was presented at the 2020 Interdisciplinary Autoimmune Summit. (Source: Healio)

Study Evaluated Spinal Cord Stimulator Sensations Post-Implant

July 10, 2020 - A retrospective study of post-spinal-cord-stimulator unpleasant paresthesia and/or dysesthesia was presented at the 2020 annual meeting of the American Academy of Pain Medicine. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Noninvasive Neurostimulator Receives Emergency Use Authorization for Breathing Issues

July 14, 2020 - Devicemaker electoCore announced the U.S. FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for its vagus nerve stimulation device to be used in asthmatic people with difficulty breathing who are potentially affected by the novel coronavirus. (Source: Fierce Biotech)

Paper Analyzes Factors Concerning Spinal Cord Stimulator Removal

July 11, 2020 - A journal article presents analyses conducted to describe timing, and identify factors, associated with spinal cord stimulation removal. (Source: NeuroNews)

Study Tracks Cognitive State of Parkinson's Disease Patients Receiving Long-Term Deep Brain Stimulation

July 9, 2020 - A 10-year follow-up study reported in Neurology evaluated whether long-term deep brain stimulation in people with Parkinson's disease is cognitively safe and explored whether there is a changed risk for development of dementia. (Source: Parkinson's News Today)

University Opens New Center for Innovation and Translation of Research into Brain Science and Neuromodulation

July 6, 2020 - Penn Medicine (the University of Pennsylvania Health System) announced opening of a new translation center, BrainSTIM, to research cognition and neural networks, potentially developing new stimulation-based therapies. One example cited in the announcement was the study of brain stimulation and aphasia. (Source: Philadelphia Business Journal)

Study: Outcomes of Deep Brain Stimulation in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Fiber-Tract Imaging of Electrode Placement

July 6, 2020 - Data from four cohorts of patients, totaling 50 people, with obsessive compulsive disorder, who underwent deep brain stimulation to three different brain targets, were reported in Nature Communications. The authors used fiber-tract imaging to investigate association of electrode placement and best clinical outcomes. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Cardiology Journal Hails Heart Failure Device Study Design as a Potential Future Model

July 2, 2020 - Noting that, among other things, device studies are challenging because they are usually smaller than drug trials, difficult to blind, randomize and control, and have diverse endpoints, an editorial in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology about the BeAT-HF (Baroflex Activation Therapy in Patients with Heart Failure and a Reduced Ejection Fraction) trial calls the trial's unique design a "model" for future clinical trials of therapies intended to treat a life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating disease. The editorial notes that initial therapy approval might be based on intermediate endpoints with the expectation that clinical reductions in morbidity be pursued in ongoing studies.(Source: Medtech Dive)

Report: Post-Stimulation, and Without Locomotor Training, Some Spine-Injured Patients Develop Spontaneous Volitional Movement

June 30, 2020 - Researchers report on the development of spontaneous volitional movement in the absence of stimulation in some individuals who received long-term spinal cord stimulation, after complete spinal cord injury, without locomotor training being part of the study protocol. (Source: Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience)

Researchers Report Results of Pilot Five-Year Clinical Trial in Parkinson's Disease Patients

June 30, 2020 - A pilot study over five years compared outcomes in 30 early Parkinson's disease patients who received deep brain stimulation plus medical management vs. patients who only received optimal medical management alone. (Source: U.S. News & World Report)

Authors Propose a Multidimensional Responder Index for Chronic Pain Therapies

June 27, 2020 - A team of authors propose a multidimensional responder index that they say may provide a more meaningful response measure than a numeric rating scale in clinical trials for chronic pain therapies. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Spinal Cord Stimulation Study Reports Psychological Measures at 12 Months

June 25, 2020 - In 12-month results from an ongoing multicenter clinical trial of burst spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain, researcher report pain-related psychological measures, in addition to changes in opioid use. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Study of Deep Brain Stimulation Evaluates Brain Tractography and Impulsiveness in Parkinson's Disease Patients

June 24, 2020 - Researchers in Australia have published, with overseas colleagues, work to map how structural connectivity of subthalamic deep brain stimulation correlates with impulsivity in Parkinson’s disease patients. A neurologist on the team was interviewed by ABC radio about the work, which the authors believe could help to plan electrode placement and inform stimulation titration to limit such side effects post-implant. (Source: Cosmos)

Study Looks at Comparative Outcomes of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients with a Family History of Mental Illness

June 12, 2020 - An article summarizes a poster from the North American Neuromodulation Society annual meeting concerning prospectively gathered patient outcomes at 6 and 12 months after spinal cord stimulator implantation, in which outcomes were compared between a cohort who had a family history of psychiatric illness and another group of patients who did not. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Basic Research Explores Directional Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation

June 17, 2020 - A news feature discusses a recent basic scientific investigation in rats of the effect of vagus nerve stimulation on heart rate and breathing rate, with the concept that an anodal block of the therapy might direct it in a more targeted fashion than current methods. (Source: Technology Networks)

Poster Presents Three-Month Study Results of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

June 15, 2020 - Three-month results were presented in a poster at the virtual scientific sessions of the American Diabetes Association in a study comparing 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation with conventional medical management alone in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. (Source: Medscape)

Report Presents Spine-Injured Patients' Use of Prosthetic Arm with Sense of Touch

June 9, 2020 - A research report about four men with transhumeral amputations describes their use of a self-contained robotic arm that includes hand sensation, which allows them to do such tasks as ski, repair cars, and canoe. (Source: JAMA)

Article Summarizes Current Status of Neurotechnology Applicable to Alzheimer's Disease

June 8, 2020 - An article summarizes neurotechnologies and research that are applicable to Alzheimer's disease and dementia. (Source: Neurotech Network)

Analysis Presents Explanation Factors in Spinal Cord Stimulation

June 3, 2020 - A study analyzed factors associated with spinal cord stimulator explantation in a cohort of 252 patients. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Study Explores Noninvasive Neurostimulation Effects on Tics in Tourette Syndrome

June 4, 2020 - Researchers report in Current Biology results of a study into the effects of noninvasive median nerve stimulation on tics in people with Tourette syndrome. (Source: Health Day)

Registry Outcomes of Intrathecal Ziconotide for Chronic Pain Reported

May 29, 2020 - A publication presents an analysis of results of a registry, which was an open-label, long-term, mulitcenter observational study, that evaluated the short- and long-term safety and effectiveness of intrathecal ziconotide based on patient-reported outcomes. (Source: Pain Medicine)

Authors Raise the Potential of Neuromodulation of Inflammatory Response in COVID-19-Related Organ Dysfunction

May 26, 2020 - A multidisciplinary group of authors from Duke University has published a journal article on "Implications for Neuromodulation Therapy to Control Inflammation and Related Organ Dysfunction in COVID-19." The authors describe the potential for multiorgan failure from inflammatory cytokines and the potential for reversing inflammation through vagus nerve stimulation. They add that a human study into influencing the inflammatory reflex through splenic nerve stimulation has begun (sponsored by Galvani Bioelectronics). (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research)

Analysis of Efficacy of Deep Brain Stimulation in Refractory Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

May 28, 2020 - A systemic review and meta-analysis evaluates deep brain stimulation in refractory obsessive compulsive disorder, drawing on reported data from eight randomized controlled trials and 38 observational studies that together comprise more than 300 patients. (Source: MDLinx)

Preprint: Noninvasive Neuromodulation Methods, the Inflammatory Response, and COVID-19

May 22, 2020 - A team of researchers in Brazil has published a perspective on the use of noninvasive neuromodulation to manage disorders related to COVID-19, such as those involving the inflammatory reflex. (Source: SSRN preprint server)

Presentation Covers a Randomized, Controlled Trial of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Overactive Bladder

May 2020 - A presentation on percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for overactive bladder at the American Urological Association's virtual meeting covered a double-blind, randomized vs sham efficacy trial of 220 patients and three years follow-up. (Source: Uro Today)

Pain Catastrophizing Results Presented from Neurostimulation Studies in Chronic Pain Patients

May 22, 2020 - An article covers results regarding pain catastrophizing scores in two studies of burst neurostimulation for pain that were presented at the 2020 Annual North American Neuromodulation Society meeting in Las Vegas. One presentation showed 12-month results from a multicenter prospective study. The other, a feasibility study with six-month results, investigated variations in low doses of electrical stimulation. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Review Discusses Neural Interfaces for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Robotics

May 15, 2020 - An invited review discusses what might be required to transition devices to restore upper limb control to a clinical market. The authors say characteristics of peripheral nerve interfaces and brain-machine interfaces could enable them to be concurrently developed. (Source: Muscle & Nerve)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Cognitive Performance

May 16, 2020 - An article provides an overview of research into noninvasive brain stimulation and optimizing cognitive function. (Source: Neuroscience News)

Video Features a Man with Essential Tremor Who Received Deep Brain Stimulation

May 13, 2020 - An essential tremor patient is featured in a segment about deep brain stimulation therapy. (Source: KVIE)

Wrist-Worn Device Studied for Essential Tremor

May 8, 2020 - A large prospective study investigated a wrist-worn transcutaneous neurostimulator in patients with essential tremor. (Source: Medscape)

Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Studied in Upper Limb Rehabilitation

May 1, 2020 - As a potential approach to upper limb rehabilitation, researchers sought to elicit arm and hand movements using transcutaneous cervical spinal cord stimulation. (Source: Journal of Neural Engineering)

Authors Address the Issue of Managing Intrathecal Drug Delivery Devices During the Pandemic

May 15, 2020 - An article features advice from a letter to Neuromodulation about management of intrathecal drug delivery therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Source: NeuroNews)

Visual Prosthesis Uses Machine Learning to Stimulate Visual Cortex

May 14, 2020 - Research into stimulating the visual cortex with a temporal pattern is being explored to help blind people visualize specific shapes or characters, such as letters. (Source: Inverse)

Man in UK Profiled Regarding His Vagus Nerve Stimulation System for Depression

May 14, 2020 - A man who has battled depression for years granted an interview about the success he has found through an implanted vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) provided by one of the few NHS trusts with a VNS service. (Source: BBC)

Brain-Computer Interface Aids Study into Memory Consolidation During Sleep

May 11, 2020 - In a study, two people with paralysis who have brain-computer interfaces for the Braingate research project were studied to learn how memories are transferred to long-term storage during sleep. (Source: Science Times)

Article Features Publication Concerning Interest in Vagus Nerve Stimulation for COVID-19 Respiratory Issues

May 13, 2020 - NeuroNews featured the Neuromodulation article "The Use of Non‐invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Treat Respiratory Symptoms Associated With COVID‐19: A Theoretical Hypothesis and Early Clinical Experience". (Source: NeuroNews)

Guidelines Proposed for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 12, 2020 - Opinions shared in an April online conference of NYC Neuromodulation 2020 were synthesized into proposed guidelines for noninvasive brain stimulation clinical services or research activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The publication covers transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and low-intensity transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), including transcmanial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). (Source: Brain Stimulation)

Paper Features Subanalysis of Non-Surgical Patients with Refractory Back Pain

May 8, 2020 - A subanalysis presents prospectively collected clinical outcome data for 26 non‐surgical refractory back pain patients who were treated with 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation. (Source: Anaesthesia)

Research Aims to Apply Neuromodulation to Reduce Dysphonia Symptoms

May 4, 2020 - A $50,000 grant will allow further development of a noninvasive neuromodulation technology for dysphonia. The technology involves small vibrators attached to the skin above the voicebox, in order to stimulate laryngeal mechanoreceptors. An ongoing clinical trial indicated effects on vocal symptoms caused by spasms in the musculature that is used in speech production. (Source: University of Minnesota)

Artificial Arm Includes Neural Interface

April 30, 2020 - A brief report describes use over three to seven years by four patients of a bone-anchored, self-contained robotic arm with sensory and motor components. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

New Curriculum Focuses on Spinal Cord Stimulation Training for Practitioners

May 1, 2020 - A multidisciplinary committee of the North American Neuromodulation Society has developed a training curriculum for spinal cord stimulation, as described in an article in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface. (Source: NeuroNews)

Review: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Pain, Headache, and Comorbid Depression

April 27, 2020 - A panel provided recommendations and treatment guidelines for transcranial magnetic stimulation in managing neuropathic pain and headaches. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Mobility Investigated in Patients with Advanced Parkinson's Disease

April 23, 2020 - Results were published of a prospective investigation of the effects on mobility of spinal cord stimulation in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. (Source: Parkinson's News Today)

Spinal Cord Stimulation Effect on Blood Pressure Generates Research Interest

April 13, 2020 - A retrospective study suggests spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain produces transient reductions in blood pressure that may provide a rationale for studies investigating the burden of high blood pressure medication in this group. (Source: Clinical Autonomic Research)

Sacral Neuromodulation Study Data Published

April 28, 2020 - One-year outcomes were reported in a safety and efficacy trial of a rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system in patients with urinary urge incontinence. (Source: Physician's Weekly)

Scientists Study Brain Stimulation in an Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease Using Optogenetics

April 27, 2020 - In an animal model of Parkinson's disease, biomedical engineers have used a relatively fast-acting form of optogenetics, Chronos, to gain insight into motor dysfunction and potentially contribute to optimizing deep brain stimulation in patients. (Source: Science Daily)

Study Investigates Gastric Application of Vagus Nerve Stimulation

April 27, 2020 - Data were published regarding a potential gastric application of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation. The data concern use of respiratory-gated auricular vagal afferent nerve stimulation (RAVANS), which delivers electrical pulses in tune with the respiratory rhythm, in study volunteers who had had frequent indigestion. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Article Provides Basis for Investigation of Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in COVID-19

April 27, 2020 - An article, "Use of non‐invasive vagus nerve stimulation to treat respiratory symptoms associated with COVID‐19: A theoretical hypothesis and early clinical experience," presents scientific foundations, preliminary observations, and a discussion of mechanisms. The article states that randomized controlled clinical trials are anticipated. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Randomized Trial Will Investigate Vagus Nerve Stimulation Respiratory Effects in COVID-19

April 27, 2020 - The company electroCore announced the start of a randomized, controlled, investigator-initiated clinical trial in Spain, SAVIOR, of its noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation system in patients with COVID-19, to investigate its effects on respiratory symptoms. The announcement said a U.S.-based trial, SAVIOR-2, has begun institutional review board review. (Source: Globes)

Authors Publish Review of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Pain

April 24, 2020 - A review covers factors that influence the clinical success of peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic pain conditions. (Source: Bioelectronic Medicine)

Review Presents Noninvasive Stimulation of the Central or Peripheral Nervous System

May 2020 - An updated review of theoretical, physiological and practical aspects of noninvasive stimulation of brain, spinal cord, nerve roots and peripheral nerves follows up on an initial 1994 review that was prepared under the auspices of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

Research Team Reports Adding Sensory Feedback to Neural Interface

April 23, 2020 - Researchers report that, based on processing of sub-perceptual touch signals, they were able to provide some tactile feedback to a spinal-cord-injured person who has regained some hand function through use of a neural interface. (Source: Cell)

Researchers Report Analysis Concerning Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial Phase and Infection Rate

April 8, 2020 - An analysis of data from the U.S. and Europe evaluated the length of a spinal cord stimulation trial period and infection rate. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Considerations for Chronic Pain Patients with COVID-19

April 8, 2020 - An article describes special needs and concerns about chronic pain patients with COVID-19. (Source: MedPage Today)

Research Suggests High-Density Brain Electrodes Can Survive More Than Six Years

April 8, 2020 - With preclinical results and laboratory testing to simulate device aging, scientist report they have developed brain implants with more than 1,000 electrodes that are protected with a biocompatible coating. (Source: Medical Xpress)

Grant Will Fund Research Into Light-Activated, Wireless Implantable Electrode

April 7, 2020 - The University of Pittsburgh announced a $437,144 grant from the National Science Foundation to further develop a light-activated wireless electrode for development of more precise neuronal stimulation. (Source: EurekAlert)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Study Proceeds in Patients with Chronic Pain

April 7, 2020 - Following a pilot placebo-controlled trial, researchers are planning an expanded study of transcranial alternative current stimulation in patients with chronic pain. (Source: WMC-5)

Researchers Attempt to Optimize Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Depression

April 6, 2020 - An article describes how researchers have studied a particular protocol for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in an attempt to optimize therapy for treatment-resistant depression. (Source: New Atlas)

International Neuromodulation Society Chapter Produces a Practice Guideline for Management of Neuromodulation Devices During the Pandemic

April 5, 2020 - In preparation for the suspension of all non-urgent elective surgery in the NHS for at least three months starting April 15, the Neuromodulation Society of the United Kingdom and Ireland, NSUKI, has produced a practice recommendation to aid in managing neuromodulation devices during that time. (Source: Neuromodulation Society of the United Kingdom and Ireland)

Investigators Publish an Anatomical Study Concerning Neuromodulation for Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain

April 3, 2020 - A medical research team has published their anatomical investigation of a potential intraoral route for neurostimular implantation to address trigeminal neuropathic pain in a way that may provide greater opportunity for secure anchoring, compared to the established approach to locate the foramen ovale for ablative procedures. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Noninvasive Neurostimulation Device Subject to an FDA Application for Emergency Use Authorization

April 2, 2020 - The company electroCore has submitted to the FDA an application for Emergency Use Authorization to facilitate study and clinical use of its gammaCore Sapphire noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation therapy for potential use to address respiratory symptoms associated with COVID-19. The application included non-clinical data and data from several pilot studies that involved patients with a variety of respiratory disorders. (Source: Street Insider)

Researchers Document Effects of Target Variations in Circuit-Based Neuromodulation for Depression

April 1, 2020 - In a retrospective analysis transcranial magnetic stimulation to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for patients with depression, an article describes how small variations in stimulation location were investigated in order to potentially address different depression symptoms, such as sleep disruption, worry, and negative mood. (Source: Science Translational Medicine)

Retrospective Review of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation After Onset of Vestibular Migraine

April 1, 2020 - A single-center retrospective review describes effects of external trigeminal stimulation after onset of vestibular migraine. (Source: Physicians Weekly)

Case Report: Neurostimulation in Tourette Syndrome

March 25, 2020 - A case report details treatment, using deep brain stimulation, of a 15-year-old with refractory Tourette syndrome and associated obsessive compulsive disorder. (Source: Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery)

Review Discusses Emerging Modalities and Implantable Technologies for Neuromodulation

March 31, 2020 - A review considers the future of neuromodulation devices that may help improve understanding of neural control of organ function and precisely modulate those functions in a programmable way. (Source: Cell)

Recording of Cortical Activity Translated Into Text

March 30, 2020 - Researchers reported on their efforts to train a machine-learning neural network to decode an electrocorticogram into a sentence. (Source: Nature Neuroscience)

Deep Brain Stimulation and Camptocormia Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease

March 29, 2020 - A medical team published results of a study that assessed improvements in Parkinson's disease-associated camptocormia following subthalamic deep brain stimulation. (Source: Medical Science Monitor)

Noninvasive Spinal Cord Stimulation Studied in Paralysis

March 25, 2020 - An international team researching transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord (TESS) in individuals with tetraplegia published findings of its effect on observations of motor-evoked potentials in arm muscles elicited by cortical and subcortical stimulation. (Source: Journal of Neuroscience)

Paper Presents Novel Intermittent Burst Dosing for Spinal Cord Stimulation

March 26, 2020 - An article summarizes a paper published in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface on novel intermittent burst dosing in spinal cord stimulation. (Source: NeuroNews International)

Researchers Study Working Memory and Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

March 24, 2020 - Research in healthy subjects tested the effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on working memory, with and without cognitive load. (Source: EurekAlert)

INS Invites Mentor and Mentee Applications for Members' Neuromodulation Mentorship Program

March 24, 2020 - The International Neuromodulation Society invites applications from chapter leaders and members to participate in the INS Mentorship Program that is designed to engage the next generation of neuromodulation therapy practitioners through discussions about best practices in implantable technologies, clinical management and career development. Applications for both mentors and mentees are available, and will be reviewed by the INS board and members of the Young Neuromodulators and International Women in Neuromodulation committees. (Source: International Neuromodulation Society)

Sham-Controlled Trial Studies Noninvasive Electrical Stimulation in Movement-Evoked Pain

March 23, 2020 - A randomized sham-controlled trial studied if applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation during two hours of daily activity at home for four weeks reduced movement-evoked pain and other patient-reported outcomes, compared to sham stimulation or none, in women with fibromyalgia. (Source: MDLinx)

Educational E-Health Tool Summarizes Recommendations on Referral to Spinal Cord Stimulation

March 19, 2020 - Recommendations from a European panel on appropriate referral to spinal cord stimulation is available as an educational e-health tool. (Source: Physician's Weekly)

Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation Studied for Improvement in Oromotor  Control for Feeding

March 18, 2020 - Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation was studied in a prospective, open-label study in newborns who had oral feeding difficulties due to prematurity or neural injury, as an approach that was paired with bottle-feeding rehabilitation. (Source: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience)

Review Summarizes Studies of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Neuropathic Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury

March 13, 2020  - A review summarizes 11 studies, comprising three different types of noninvasive brain stimulation, in neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury, and identifies findings in one type concerning anxiety. (Source: American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation)

Theory of Sensory Neuromodulation As a Potential Intervention for Neurological Disease

March 6, 2020 - A paper proposes that sensory neuromodulation may be employed to repair dysfunctional brain oscillations, and thus provide a broad therapeutic approach to neurological disease. (Source: Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience)

Columnist Advises Pain Patients to Plan for Pandemic Impacts

March 12, 2020 - A column advises pain patients to prepare ahead of time for possible disruption in access to care, or other impacts, due to the novel coronavirus. (Source: Pain News Network)

Authors Discuss Spinal Cord Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

March 16, 2020 - A mini-review presents spinal cord stimulation in Parkinson's disease and potential relevant mechanisms. (Source: Bioelectronic Medicine)

Paper Describes a Deep Brain Stimulation Target in a Case of Epilepsy

March 10, 2020 - Physicians report on the use of deep brain stimulation of the anterior thalamic nucleus for treatment of refractory tuberous sclerosis-related epilepsy. (Source: World Neurosurgery)

Authors Summarize Findings Concerning Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Migraine or Cluster Headache

March 12, 2020 - A systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes six randomized controlled clinical trials of cervical noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation for migraine and cluster headache. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Researchers Compare Depressive Symptoms and Targets for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

March 12, 2020 - In a retrospective analysis using mapping from a large imaging database of functional connectivity, researchers compared how distinct clusters of depressive symptoms responded to different transcranial magnetic stimulation targets across independent retrospective data sets. (Source: American Journal of Psychiatry)

Chart Review Evaluates Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Vestibular Migraine

Feb. 26, 2020 - A retrospective chart review evaluated noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation for acute vestibular migraine. (Source: Pain Medicine News)

Deep Brain Stimulation for Medically Refractory Epilepsy Performed in West Virginia

March 10, 2020 - A medical center announced the first deep brain stimulation procedures for medically refractory epilepsy were performed in West Virginia. (WVU Medicine)

Noninvasive Stimulation Subject to Clinical Trial for Certain Types of Overactive Bladder

March 10, 2020 - A 12-week-long double-blinded sham-controlled clinical trial at the University of Southern California will evaluate transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord in patients with overactive bladder due to neurological conditions, such as injury or stroke. (Source: EurekAlert)

Paper Reports Results from Deep Brain Stimulation in Patients with Refractory OCD

March 9, 2020 - Twelve-month results were reported in a series of 70 patients with refractory obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) who received deep brain stimulation of the ventral anterior limb of the internal capsule. (Source: HCP Live)

Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation Studied in Tourette Syndrome

March 2020 - Four individuals with Tourette syndrome who were implanted, as part of a larger clinical trial, with deep brain stimulation systems with sensing capabilities were studied for six months to differentiate tics from voluntary movement. The study authors believe that this physiological signal could potentially guide development of neuromodulation therapies for the disorder by using a closed-loop approach. (Source: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry)

Data Presented on Patients with Chronic Knee Pain Who Received Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

March 5, 2020 - A case series presented at the American Academy of Pain Medicine Annual Meeting followed patients with chronic knee pain, who were implanted with a peripheral nerve stimulator to manage the pain, for two years. (Source: Medscape)

Lawmaker Proposes Telehealth Psychological Screening for Spinal Cord Stimulator Therapy

March 4, 2020 - A congressman in Ohio has introduced proposed legislation that would allow Medicare recipients to receive psychological screening for spinal cord stimulation through telehealth, which he said would help residents with chronic pain who have difficulty traveling from rural areas to appointments, and thereby potentially help increase access to neuromodulation. (Source: Sentinel Tribune)

Authors Contemplate Placebo-Controlled Spinal Cord Stimulation Studies

March 2020 - Given the evolving technology for spinal cord stimulation (SCS), a team of authors notes there are emerging opportunities to incorporate placebo controls and blinding when developing studies of SCS in chronic pain. (Source: Pain)

Authors Recommend Clarifying Descriptions of Certain Types of Neurostimulation

March 4, 2020 - A perspective article recommends distinctly identifying different types of burst neurostimulation. (Source: Expert Review of Medical Devices)

Study: Noninvasive Stimulation for Refractory Constipation

March 4, 2020 - An article summarizes a published, sham-controlled study of transabdominal interferential electrical stimulation in cases of refractory constipation. (Source: MedPage Today)

Physicians Summarize the Role of Neuromodulation for Chronic Pain

March 3, 2020 - A pair of physicians give an overview of neuromodulation as a therapy option for chronic pain in a health column. (Source: Harvard Health Blog)

Urology Meeting Presentation on Where to Place the Neuromodulation Lead

March 2020 - A point-counterpoint presentation about sacral, pudendal and tibial nerve stimulation, made at the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction Winter Meeting, is summarized in coverage of the meeting. (Source: Uro Today)

Research Into Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

March 1, 2020 - An editorial discusses research into deep brain stimulation for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The authors conclude, "The creation of a worldwide database for OCD, like the one developed for DBS in Tourette’s syndrome, would be an important step toward defining predictors of response. Finally, we need to leverage state-of-the-art neurotechnologies (like chronic sensing of local field potentials) to learn more about the neurocircuitry of OCD to discover biomarkers of response and to identify nodes (besides those already studied) that may be targeted to directly modulate the symptoms of OCD." (Source: American Journal of Psychiatry)

Neuromodulation Therapy Research Presented at Urology Meeting

March 2020 - An institutional review of long-term follow-up of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) patients was presented at the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction Winter Meeting. In addition, data were presented on a leadless implantable tibial nerve stimulator and a rechargeable SNS system. (Source: Uro Today)

Review Summarizes Data About 10 kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation

Feb. 22, 2020 - A review summarizes current and emerging data about 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation for various pain syndromes. (Source: CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics)

Column: Glial Cell Findings and the Potential Impact on Approaches to Spinal Cord Stimulation

January 2020 - A column recaps a keynote address and other developments from the North American Neuromodulation Society annual meeting in which the role of glial cells in pain processing and potential neuromodulation approaches was highlighted. (Source: Neurotech Reports)

Pain Patient in the UK Turns to Spinal Cord Stimulation to Manage Sciatica Pain

Feb. 24, 2020 - A woman who developed chronic sciatica after degenerative disc disease described being referred to spinal cord stimulation and her experiences with a newer device. (Daily Mail)

Feasibility Study Results Published Regarding 10 kHz Neurostimulation in Chronic Abdominal Pain

February 2020 - Twelve-month results were published from a prospective, multicenter feasibility study of the safety and efficacy of 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation in chronic abdominal pain. (Source: Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Studied in Motor Recovery from Chronic Ischemic Stroke

Feb. 20, 2020 - Results were presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference of a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial in 30 chronic ischemic stroke survivors to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a wearable, multifocal, transcranial, rotating, permanent magnet stimulator for motor recovery. (Source: EurekAlert)

Neurologist Describes a Type of Parkinson's Disease that Recently Led to Postponement of a Concert Tour


Jan. 22, 2020 - In an article, a neurologist who specializes in movement disorder describes a type of Parkinson's disease associated with a gene involved in cellular energy metabolism, Parkin, and the option of deep brain stimulation therapy. Rock musician Ozzie Osbourne recently revealed he was diagnosed with the condition, and following an injury and hospitalization, postponed his North American leg of a concert tour. (Source: The Conversation)

Review: Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Opioid Use Disorder

Feb. 14, 2020 - A systematic review of noninvasive brain stimulation for opioid use disorder considered findings from five studies, which totaled 150 study participants. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Trade Outlet Provides Overview of Neuromodulation Therapy for Chronic Pain

Feb. 14, 2020 - An article presents neuromodulation as a potential option for treatment of chronic pain, saying the therapy is an evidence-based innovation with advantages over oral painkillers, and can be trialed in advance. (Source: MedTech Outlook)

Review: Spinal Cord Stimulation as a Treatment for Ischemic Pain

Feb. 18, 2020 - A team of authors published a review about spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of inoperable ischemic pain. The review also references recommendations of the Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee. (Source: Research Reports in Clinical Cardiology)

Researchers Study Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Motor Recovery

Feb. 17, 2020 - A study of closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation in rats examined the consequences of maladaptive central plasticity, subsequent to peripheral nerve injury, on motor function during rehabilitative training following nerve repair. (Source: University of Texas at Dallas)

Model Compares Projected Cost-Effectiveness of Systems for Spinal Cord Stimulation

Feb. 17, 2020 - A cost-effectiveness model compared a wireless spinal cord stimulation single-stage ("direct to implant") system versus a spinal cord stimulator that entails a screening stage prior to permanent implantation. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Study Explores Cortical Plasticity from Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

May 2020 - A crossover, blinded, sham-controlled study of 22 healthy volunteers assessed stimulus-specific effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on cortical plasticity. (Source: NeuroImage)

Ultrasound Stimulation Studied in Memory Loss

Feb. 11, 2020 - A small pilot study of 35 people with probable Alzheimer's disease tracked the patients' neuropsychological scores over three months following ultrasound brain stimulation sessions with transcranial pulse stimulation, designed to activate relatively deep parts of the brain and potentially support "neuroplastic regeneration of diseased brain functions". (Source: JAMA Network)

Stimulation Device for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Undergoes Multi-Center Study

Feb. 13, 2020 - An open-label, single-arm study, at centers in Australia, France, and the United Kingdom, evaluated safety and efficacy of a bilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation device for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. (Source: Healio)

Newspaper Profiles Man with Movement Disorder Who Received Neurostimulation Therapy

Feb. 13, 2020 - An article features a Parkinson's disease patient in Vancouver, B.C. whose function and quality of life improved after he received a deep brain stimulation system. (Source: Vancouver Sun)

Results Presented of Clinical Trial Using Evoked Compound Action Potentials to Adjust Spinal Cord Stimulation

Feb. 13, 2020 - The 12-month results of a randomized, double-blind trial of closed-loop spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain were reported during the annual scientific meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society. (Source: NeuroNews)

Study Provides Preclinical Evidence of Brain Stimulation During Unconscious State

Feb. 12, 2020 - Researchers from the University of Wisconsin reported research in primates in which electrical brain stimulation to the central lateral thalamus was able to arose them from a deep unconscious state induced by deep anesthesia. (Source: Wisconsin State Journal)

Analysis Pools Evidence of Smoking in Spinal Cord Stimulation Patients

Jan. 28, 2020 - A review documents the prevalence of smoking in patients with spinal cord stimulators, which can adversely impact pain-related outcomes. (Source: Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine)

Case Study: Advice on Perioperative Management of Spinal Cord Stimulators

Feb. 10, 2020 - In the context of a case study, two co-authors present advice about the perioperative management of spinal cord stimulators (SCS) and implantable pulse generators to minimize the risk of the SCS losing functionality when patients undergo procedures for other issues. (Source: Pain Medicine)

Clinical Trial in Spain Concerns a Potential Visual Prosthetic that Stimulates the Visual Cortex

Feb. 6, 2020 - An article focused on the first participant of a clinical trial in Spain explains research there to develop a visual prosthetic system that provides visual information from an eye-gear-mounted camera system to the visual cortex. (Source: MIT Technology Review)

Researchers Pursue Development of a Stretchable Polymer Battery

Feb. 5, 2020 - A research lab at Stanford University is developing a solid, but stretchable, polymer battery that might be used in body-worn sensors or medical device applications. (Source: Today's Medical Developments)

Researchers Issue a Guide About Supervised Home Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Feb. 10, 2020 - Researchers have produced a guide concerning the supervised use of transcranial direct current stimulation at home for clinical research and practice. (Source: Brain Stimulation)

Author Summarizes Status of Varied Deep Brain Stimulation Targets Studied in Treatment-Resistant Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Feb. 10, 2020 - The status of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in refractory obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and descriptions and rationale regarding six stimulation targets, were covered in an overview article. The article states that fewer than 300 patients with OCD have had DBS, which in the U.S. received an FDA Humanitarian Device Exception clearance. The author notes that most of these patients receiving the treatment participate in clinical trials due to insurance coverage issues. (Source: Psychiatry Advisor)

Randomized Trial Compares Neurostimulation to Medical Treatment Alone in Patients with Advanced Parkinson's Disease

Feb. 7, 2020 - A paper presents 12-month results in a randomized trial in 25 patients with advanced Parkinson's disease that compared deep brain stimulation in the caudal zona incerta versus best medical treatment. (Source: Journal of Neurosurgery)

12-Month Results Published for Prospective, Open-Label Study of Closed Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation

Feb. 5, 2020 - A team of co-authors published 12-month results regarding 50 patients who were implanted with a closed-loop spinal cord stimulation system to treat chronic pain in a prospective, open-label study. (Source: Neurosurgery)

Parkinson's Disease Patient in Germany Receives Recently Approved Deep Brain Stimulation System

Feb. 6, 2020 - The neurosurgical department of the LMU University Hospital in Munich announced that in January it was the first center to implant a Parkinson's disease patient with a deep brain stimulation system, recently approved in the European Union, which records brain signals to personalize the therapy and optimize stimulation delivery. (Source: IDW)

Study: Glutamate as a Potential Biomarker of Response, in Patients with Depression, to Deep Brain Stimulation

April 2020 - In 16 patients with treatment-resistant depression, researchers measured baseline glutamate in the rostral anterior cingulate and checked if that was predictive of response at six months to deep brain stimulation to the subcallosal cingulate. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

Annual Call for Award Applications Opens for Early-Stage Neuromodulation Investigators

February 2020 - The Science & PINS Prize is accepting applications by March 15, 2020 from junior investigators who have performed research in neuromodulation. The competition awards $25,000 and publishes the winner's research essay in the journal Science. The runner-up's essay is also published in Science. (Source: Science)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Study Explores Cortical Response

Jan. 31, 2020 - A study in healthy volunteers investigates how the physiological effects of noninvasive brain stimulation differ across the human cortex. (Source: Science Advances)

Multicenter Study Compares Medical Management and Spinal Cord Stimulation in Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Feb. 4, 2020 - A presentation at the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) reported on an ongoing randomized controlled trial of spinal cord stimulation at 10kHz in painful diabetic neuropathy. (Source: NeuroNews)

Column Presents Neuromodulation as a Therapy Option to Manage Chronic Migraine

Feb. 4, 2020 - A column by a physician introduces neuromodulation as one recently emerging therapy option to help manage migraine, and suggests that patients could ask their physicians about different non-pharmaceutical treatments for migraine, since there are now a variety of options. The author says neuromodulation exemplifies the extent of progress being made in migraine management. (Yahoo! Lifestyle)

Researchers Investigate Brain Stimulation for Chronic Pain

Feb. 3, 2020 - Researchers began a clinical trial in October with funding from National Institutes of Health to directly observe how the brains of chronic pain patients represent their pain. The study may help to improve deep brain stimulation as a possible therapy for chronic pain, by potentially suggesting therapeutic neurostimulation targets and tracking neural response in order to automatically adjust stimulation levels. (Source: UCSF)

Documentary Features Functional Electrical Stimulation

Jan. 30, 2020 - A news story features the Cleveland FES Center, whose work creating functional electrical stimulation systems for people with functional deficits, such as quadriplegia, was included in the documentary "I Am Human". (Source: Freshwater Cleveland)

The Case for Establishing Neuromodulation Centers of Excellence

Jan. 30, 2020 - An opinion article by Robert Levy, MD, PhD, the President of the International Neuro­modulation Society and Editor-in-Chief of Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface, presents a strong case for establishing neuromodulation centers of excellence. (Source: Neuro News)

Research Center Formed by Universities in Australia and China

Jan. 15, 2020 - The University of Queensland in Australia and the Southern University of Science and Technology in China established a joint Centre for Neuroscience and Neural Engineering to formalize a partnership in which surgeons from Shenzhen had been trained in neuromodulation in Queensland. The collaboration will continue with research into neural protection and repair following stroke, and improved neuromodulation techniques for movement disorders and neurological conditions. (Source: University of Queensland)

Brain Study Suggests Basis of Essential Tremor and Potential Target for Neuromodulation

Jan. 15, 2020 - A study of structural differences in the brains of people with essential tremor suggests a brain-activity cause for the condition. The research could open possibilities to reduce tremor, potentially, for instance, with noninvasive types of neuromodulation using activity in that particular brain region as a guide, according to the paper's senior author. (Source: Columbia University Irving Medical Center)

Retrospective Article Considers Issues and Advances in Neurotechnology Development

January 2020 - A year-in-review column about developments in 2019 in the neurotechnology field identifies some challenges that have remained over the past decade concerning issues such as clinical trial design of control arms and obtaining reimbursement for emerging therapies. (Source: Neurotech Reports)

Column Discusses Non-Opioid Intrathecal Pain Relief

Jan. 14, 2020 - An opinion article discusses intrathecal ziconotide in the management of chronic non-cancer pain. (Source: Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy)

Researcher Analyzes Factors Influencing Development of Neural Interface Technologies

Jan. 8, 2020 - A viewpoint article discusses factors affecting translational research and development of neural technology, particularly, previously approved or emerging implantable devices and functional electrical stimulation systems. (Source: Neuron)

Neurostimulator Receives Marketing Approval in Europe for Treatment of Fecal Incontinence

Jan. 6, 2020 - BioNess announced it has received CE mark approval for its implantable tibial nerve stimulator for the treatment of fecal incontinence. (Source: Mass Device)

Workshop Invites Applicants to Explore Modeling and Simulation of Peripheral Neuromodulation to Regulate Organ Function

Jan. 1, 2020 - The IT'IS Foundation, with funding from the National Institutes of Health, is seeking applicants by Jan. 31 for a 5-day Ideas Lab in April to develop solutions for predictive modeling of peripheral neuromodulation to regulate organ function. (Source: SPARC Science)

Meta-Analysis Investigates Effectiveness of Placebo Vs. Spinal Cord Stimulation

Jan. 1, 2020 - A meta-analysis of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) trials introduces a potentially generalizable differentiation between placebo and sham concepts and investigates the effectiveness of SCS when compared with placebo. (Source: Pain)

Clinical Study Will Explore Non-invasive Motor Cortex Stimulation for Joint Pain

Dec. 18, 2019 - The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is recruiting patients with osteoarthritis of the knee for a sham-controlled Phase II trial of transcranial direct current stimulation to the motor cortex as a potential pain-control approach. (EurekAlert)

Research Compares Neurostimulation Methods Influencing Bladder Control in Spine-Injured Patients

Dec. 17, 2019 - A small study in individuals with spinal cord injury who have neurogenic detrusor overactivity evaluated four modes of electrical nerve stimulation, include transcutaneous dorsal genital nerve stimulation, to compare their effects on participants' bladder capacity. (Frontiers in Neuroscience)

Scientists Study Neural Circuit Factors in Epileptic Seizures

Dec. 16, 2019 - In animal studies that might aid in identifying new targets for deep brain stimulation in epilepsy, researchers employed optogenetics to observe how descending projections from the substantia nigra pars reticulata differentially control seizures. (EurekAlert)

Study Evaluates Mood and Quality of Life in Epilepsy Patients Based on Time of Neurostimulation Treatment after Diagnosis

Dec. 10, 2019 - A presentation at the American Epilepsy Society annual meeting showed data from more than 140 epilepsy patients treated with responsive neurostimulation either within the first 20 years of diagnosis or afterwards, and looked at issues such as mood and quality of life, from two to eight years after implantation, respectively. (Neurology Live)

Patient Discusses Participation in a Clinical Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation for Alcohol Addiction

Dec. 15, 2019 - A Canadian scientist last year underwent deep brain stimulation to the nucleus accumbens as part of a clinical study to investigate the intervention in alcohol addiction. (CTV News)

Survey Results Reported for Neuromodulation Mentorship Program

Dec. 15, 2019 - An article presents recommendations and survey results of a mentoring program begun in 2015 by the North American Neuromodulation Society. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Researchers Evaluate Methods for Refilling Intrathecal Drug Delivery Devices

Dec. 11, 2019 - A team of co-authors studied patient preferences concerning refill methods for intrathecal drug delivery systems. The study randomized 192 refill procedures for 107 patients to either an ultrasound-guided method, or a template-guided method. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Article Evaluates Factors in Functional Neurosurgery Clinical Trial Design

Dec. 11, 2019 - An article examined 48 randomized controlled clinical trials of functional neurosurgery procedures from 1961 to 2016 and quantified data on the design and quality, looking at such factors as humanitarian device exemptions and investigational indications, funding, and device approval status. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Long-term Results Released in Deep Brain Stimulation of the Ventral Anterior Limb of the Internal Capsule for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Dec. 4, 2019 - Researchers published results in 18 patients with treatment-resistant depression who received deep brain stimulation to the ventral anterior limb of the internal capsule for one year of open-label maintenance followed by one year of optimization. (Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry)

New Course Teaches Allied Health Professionals About Neuromodulation Therapy

Dec. 9, 2019 - An article describes creation of a new e-learning module to provide masters-level training for nurses and allied health professionals who work with patients receiving neuromodulation therapy. (NeuroNews)

Study Maps Individual Variations in Brain Functional Networks

Dec. 10, 2019 - An article in Neuron describes investigation of individual-specific functional connectivity between subcortical structures and nine cortical functional networks in 10 individuals, including motor, vision, attention, and goal-oriented behavior. The authors say some observed subcortical variation in some zones may have implications for deep brain stimulation therapy treatment effects. (Science Daily)

Research Explores Potential Anti-infective Coating

Dec. 9, 2019 - Researchers developed a prototype protective coating for potential use in neuromodulation implants. (Surgical Infections)

Spinal Cord Stimulation Studied in Spinal Cord Injury Patients for Potential Improvement in Cough

Dec. 6, 2019 - Results were published regarding 10 patients with tetraplegia who were studied tor 20 weeks of treatment with lower thoracic spinal cord stimulation to see if it aided in restoration of cough and improved breathing. (BioPortfolio)

Study Explores High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation for Combined Neck and Arm Pain

Dec. 3, 2019 - Results were published of a prospective, single-arm study of high-frequency spinal cord stimulation in 45 patients for treatment of combined neck and arm pain. (Neurosurgery)

Clinical Trial Listed for Reponsive Neurostimulation in PTSD

Nov. 6, 2019 - UCLA plans a six-person, open-label study of responsive neurostimulation in post-traumatic stress disorder. (Clinicaltrials.gov)

Clinical Trial Results Reported Concerning Implant Studied in Chronic Cluster Headache

December 2019 - Clinicians reported the results of a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation for chronic cluster headache. (Lancet Neurology)

Authors Discuss Factors to Consider in Developing Peripheral Nerve Interfaces

Dec. 2, 2019 - A commentary acknowledges recent investment by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in peripheral nerve interfaces and highlights some design considerations based on their intended applications. (Journal of Neuroscience Methods)

New Swiss Center Will Focus on Neurostimulation Technologies to Restore Motor Function

Dec. 5, 2019 - A Swiss initiative is establishing the NeuroRestore Center that draws upon expertise from four partner institutions in neurorehabilitation and neurosurgical implant technologies. The center will be focusing on developing electrical stimulation therapies to help restore motor function in paralyzed patients, as well as in people who have Parkinson's disease or are recovering from stroke. (News-medical.net)

Research News Article Summarizes the State of Bioelectronic Medicine

Dec. 3, 2019 - A news feature about bioelectronic medicine describes the growth and development of interest in the field. (PNAS)

Journal Publications Share Implant Technique for Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation

Nov. 22, 2019 - A retrospective case series considers a transgrade technique for dorsal root ganglion stimulation, while a technical note in Pain Practice also addresses the technique. (Pain Physician)

Research Explores Recreating Neural Dynamics in Silicon

Dec. 3, 2019 - Researchers wrote in Nature Communications that they have experimented with trying to recreate neural firing patterns in silicon chips, as a potential future "bionic neuron" that might one day provide therapies for chronic disease through repair of diseased circuits of the central nervous system, for instance, potentially addressing such issues as cardiac arrhyhmia if age or disease causes decoupling of respiratory and cardiac rhythms. (The Guardian)

Study Combines Stroke Rehabilitation and Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Dec. 3, 2019 - A clinical trial in England combined post-stroke physical rehabilitation and stimulation of a branch of the vagus nerve through a clip worn on the ear. (Daily Mail)

Thin-Film Technology Electrode Cleared by FDA for Temporary Cortical Use

Dec. 2, 2019 - A thin-film, printed-microcircuit, cortical electrode received FDA clearance for up to 30 days of use for recording, monitoring, and stimulation. (NeuroOne)

Neurosurgeons Discuss Research Into Deep Brain Stimulation to Address Tinnitus

Nov. 24, 2019 - A University of Toronto student newspaper published an interview with researchers who had published an editorial in the Journal of Neurosurgery about a Phase 1 open-label study of caudate deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant tinnitus. (The Varsity)

Tool Piloted to Assess Trainees' Surgical Skills in Spinal Cord Stimulation

Nov. 6, 2019 - Clinicians are piloting a surgical skill assessment tool for trainees who are learning to implant spinal cord stimulation systems. (Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine)

Neurotechnology Event Includes Recognition of a Leading Neuromodulation Pioneer

November 2019 - Past president of the International Neuromodulation Society Elliot Krames, MD, received a lifetime achievement award at the 2019 Neurotech Leaders Forum. (Neurotech Reports)

Deep Brain Stimulation Effect on Tremor Studied

Nov. 20, 2019 - Physicians used accelerometers in essential tremor patients to quantify therapeutic effects of deep brain stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus across multiple parts of the body. (Clinical Neurophysiology)

Review Analyzes Potential Issues in Development of Hardware for Neuroprosthetics

Nov. 20, 2019 - A systemic review seeks to assess evidence potentially relevant to hardware-related complications in the research and development of technologies for restorative neuroengineering and neuroprosthetics. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Journal Article Reports Preclinical Work on a Microsystem Probe to Aid Neuroscience Studies Using Optogenetics and Pharmacology

Nov. 19, 2019 - Scientists report in PNAS they have reproduced optogenetic and phramacological experiments in small animals using a wireless microfluidic probe that is injectable and compatible with near-field communication technology. (Northwestern Medicine)

Data Presented About Effects of Noninvasive Neurostimulation on Eye Dryness

Nov. 18, 2019 - Treatment outcomes presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology concerned the effects of noninvasive intranasal neurostimulation on eye dryness, pain intensity, and tear volume. (Healio)

Review Analyzes Safety and Effectiveness Data for Chronic Pain Treatment with Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation

Nov. 15, 2019 - A review of one prospective, randomized comparative trial and six prospective, single‐arm, observational studies involving dorsal root ganglion stimulation for chronic pain analyzed pooled outcomes for different pain causes or locations. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Review Presents Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Techniques and Applications

Nov. 15, 2019 - A review summarizes the current state of transcranial direct current stimulation for current or emerging applications in motor rehabilitation or motor learning or neurologic or neuropsychiatric conditions. (Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation)

Study Looks at Practice Volumes for Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain in Florida

Nov. 11, 2019 - A study examined medical record CPT codes and estimated office-based procedures to evaluate practice volumes for spinal cord stimulation procedures, including revisions and explants, in Florida during 2018. The study authors discuss practice-volume considerations as an aspect of a potential "center of excellence" designation for specific medical services. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Study Explores Potential for Stimulating Deeper Structures with a Cochlear Implant

Nov. 11, 2019 - Researchers studied current spread in individuals who have cochlear implants, with an interest in potentially gaining the ability to target deeper structures with electrical stimulation, including the auditory nerve. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Study: Smoking and Pain Reduction from Neurostimulation Examined

Nov. 11, 2019 - A study of the association between tobacco smoking and neurostimulation effectiveness analyzed outcomes of 420 patients who received spinal cord stimulation for complex regional pain syndrome. The retrospective analysis compared the degree of pain reduction through 12 months in nonsmokers, smokers, and former smokers. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Pilot Study Investigates Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Nov. 9, 2019 - Safety and efficacy data were presented from a first-in-human, double-blind pilot study of once-daily vagus nerve stimulation in drug-resistant rheumatoid arthritis. (Rheumatology Advisor)

Study Examines Reasons for Spinal Cord Stimulation Removal

Nov. 8, 2019 - Researchers published a study analyzing the reasons 129 patients had spinal cord stimulation systems removed between 2005-2013. (Medical Xpress)

Publication Presents Functional Electrical Stimulation for Hand Control After Paralysis

Nov. 7, 2019 - Researchers published results of using closed-loop neurostimulation and textile-based electrodes to facilitate finger movement and regulation of grasp force in individuals with quadriplegia. (PR Newswire)

One-Year Follow-Up Reported in Amputees Using Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Nov. 6, 2019 - In a meeting abstract, investigators report 12-month follow-up in a placebo-controlled crossover trial involving a two-month course of percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic pain in amputees. (News-medical.net)

Study Analyzes Data About Opioid Use One Year After Starting Spinal Cord Stimulation

Nov. 6, 2019 - A retrospective study presented at the International Neuromodulation Society 14th World Congress examined reduction in opioid use one year after patients began spinal cord stimulation. (Pain Medicine News)

News Feature Describes Pain Relief from Spinal Cord Stimulation in British Columbia

Nov. 5, 2019 - An article about a chronic pain patient who recently found relief via spinal cord stimulation (SCS) notes that the government in British Columbia, Canada funds 28 SCS implants a year. (Vancouver Sun)

Article Surveys Interventions for Medication-Resistant Head and Face Pain

Nov. 7, 2019 - An article summarizes neurosurgical techniques, including implanted neurostimulators, for patients with medication-resistant chronic head for face pain syndromes such as trigeminal neuralgia, cluster headache, and migraine. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

MRI-Trained Algorithms Guide Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery of Movement Disorder Patients

Oct. 30, 2019 - Researchers published results in two patients who received deep brain stimulation for movement disorder guided by image-based neurosurgical planning that was developed using deep-learning algorithms from MRIs of 102 patients. (Korea Biomedical Review)

Article Presents Neuromodulation for Childhood Motility Disorders

Oct. 10, 2019 - An article about treatments for motility and gastrointestinal disorders in children discusses four neuromodulation therapies, saying neuromodulation has generated "much excitement in the field of neurogastroenterology". (Pediatrics Nationwide)

Review Summarizes Neuromodulation Therapies that Might Aid Hemorrhagic Shock

Oct. 25, 2019 - A review summarizes studies about potential interventions that could provide hemorrhage control, including trigeminal nerve stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, phrenic nerve stimulation and electroacupuncture. (BioSpace)

Neuromodulation Considered a Top Innovation

Oct. 24, 2019 - A list of top 10 medical innovations for 2020 by the Cleveland Clinic includes closed-loop spinal cord stimulation, citing an article in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface, whose authors include one from the Cleveland Clinic. (HealthLeaders)

Clinical Trial Funded for Studying Spinal Cord Stimulation as a Potential Way to Reduce Falls in Advanced Parkinson's Disease

Oct. 23, 2019 - Clinicians in London will undertake a small study of spinal cord stimulation in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, to study its effect on frequency of falls. (Mirage News)

Paper Presents Outcomes of MRI-Guided Lead Placement in Dystonia Patients

Oct. 11, 2019 - A team of co-authors published their inquiry into accuracy and clinical outcomes in dystonia patients who were implanted with deep brain stimulation systems using intraoperative MRI-guided lead placement. (Journal of Neurosurgery)

Study Assesses Neurostimulation for Alleviating ADHD Symptoms in Children

Oct. 22, 2019 - A blinded, sham-controlled trial of trigeminal nerve stimulation in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was presented at the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 66th Annual Meeting. (Medscape)

Demonstration of Brain-Machine Interface Shows Movement of Two Robotic Arms

Oct. 22, 2019 - A video shows a disabled volunteer using a brain-machine interface to control two robotic arms in a research project at Johns Hopkins University. The robotic arms were developed as modular prosthetic limbs for the U.S. Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency and include sensors that might help provide some tactile sensations. (Medgadget)

Segment Features Research into Neurostimulation to Improve Memory, Cognitive Function

Oct. 22, 2019 - A journalist produced a segment about trying out a transcranial alternating current brain stimulation system overnight in order to observe any improvement in a computer-simulated task that calls for spotting and responding to visual cues. The federally funded research is being conducted at the University of New Mexico as a project to help sharpen focus and performance of military personnel. (KCRW)

Study Explores Using Neurostimulation to Provide Sensory Precept in Amputees

Oct. 22, 2019 - Researchers studied using epidural spinal cord stimulation to evoke sensory precepts in amputees. (MedRxiv)

U.S. BRAIN Initiative Grants More Than $424 Million in Research Funds

Oct. 18, 2019 - The National Institutes of Health announced it has funded more than 180 new research investigations through the BRAIN Initiative (Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies). The 2019 budget for the program totals more than $424 million. The projects include studies of neural circuits, research into glia, tests of neuromodulation approaches to regaining dexterity after stroke, and projects to help paralyzed people communicate. (National Institutes of Health)

Research Program Will Focus on "Intelligent Bio-Interfaces"

Oct. 17, 2019 - The U.S. Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency announced a new five-year research program to develop technologies, including smart and adaptive neural interfaces, to help improve functional recovery following spine injury. (DARPA)

Study Investigates External Neurostimulation for Pain in Children with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Oct. 16, 2019 - A study investigated neurostimulation to the external ear to potentially reduce pain and improve well-being in children with irritable bowel syndrome. The auricular stimulation was delivered through percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation. (Healio)

Paper Reviews Studies of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Migraine

Oct. 15, 2019 - A systemic review and meta-analysis of nine studies summarizes evidence about whether the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks may be decreased by noninvasive brain stimulation of the motor cortex. (Neurology Advisor)

Teenager with Tourette Syndrome Turns to Deep Brain Stimulation

Oct. 15, 2019 - A 17-year-old student who has Tourette syndrome gave a public talk about his experience, which includes pursuing access to deep brain stimulation to potentially address bothersome symptoms. (Iowa State Daily)

Infectious Disease Article Focuses on Approaches to Spinal Cord Stimulator Implants

Oct. 9, 2019 - A team of doctors write about approaches to infection that may arise from implantation of spinal cord stimulation systems, including prevention, diagnosis, and management. (Clinical Infectious Diseases)

Review Considers Intrathecal Drug Choices

Oct. 7, 2019 - A review summarizes research and opinion about the choice of intrathecal drugs in the treatment of neuropathic pain. (Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology)

Paper Examines Changes in Opioid Use Following Intrathecal Drug Delivery

Oct. 11, 2019 - A study evaluated systemic opioid use before and after the start of intrathecal drug therapy in patients with chronic, noncancer pain, through a retrospective cohort analysis of administrative claims data from 2011 to 2016. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Analysis Evaluates Patient Characteristics and Opioid Consumption After Spinal Cord Stimulation

Oct. 10, 2019 - A team of authors analyzed private health insurance claims for chronic pain patients who had been treated with opioids and received spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy between 2003 and 2014, seeking characteristics that might predict reduced opioid consumption following SCS. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Report: Neurosurgical Team Resolves Apparent Stimulation Side Effect in Parkinson's Disease Patient

Oct. 10, 2019 - A neurosurgical team reports on resolving an apparent side-effect of a deep brain stimulation system that was implanted to help relieve motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. (Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery)

Authors Summarize Published Data on Neurostimulation for Chronic Pancreatitis Pain

Oct. 8, 2019 - A review of seven studies, encompassing 31 patients, summarizes published data about effectiveness and complications of spinal cord stimulation for management of pain associated with chronic pancreatitis. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Neuromodulation is Among University's Projects Receiving Over $40 Million from a U.S. Opioid-Crisis Research Funding Initiative

Oct. 10, 2019 - Ten research projects at the University of California, San Francisco that received more than $40 million in grant funding, total, from the National Institute of Health's Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative include a study into improving deep brain stimulation for chronic pain, which received $7.56 million. (University of California, San Francisco)

Review Looks at Opioid-Sparing Effects for One Type of Spinal Cord Stimulation

Oct. 2, 2019 - A review examines reduction of mean daily dose of opioids in patients treated with 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain. (Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences)

Grant Supports Neurotechnology Research to Help Restore Function Following Spinal Injury

Oct. 3, 2019 - A $6.3 million grant from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency will fund a project led out of Brown University to develop a spinal interface intended to help restore limb control and bladder control to people with spinal cord injuries. The system is being designed to record signals traveling down the spinal cord from above an injury site, and use those to drive electrical stimulation below the injury. For an artificial intelligence aspect of the project, the researchers are collaborating with Intel. (EurekAlert)

Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation Studied in Migraineurs

Oct. 8, 2019 - A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, phase 3 study assessed the efficacy and safety of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation to prevent episodic migraines. (Neurology Advisor)

Study Examines Considerations for Body-Worn Functional Electrical Stimulation Assistive Technology

Oct. 8, 2019 - Researchers published a qualitative study involving potential end-users and clinicians to optimize development of garments that might provide functional electrical stimulation for users paralyzed by stroke or spinal cord injury. (Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology)

Review: Evolution of Neurostimulation to Treat Dry Eye Disease

September 2019 - An article reviews evolution of neurostimulation for treatment of dry eye disease. (Ophthalmology Advisor)

Research Points to Role of Astrocytes in Modulating Neuronal Activity

Oct. 8, 2019 - A study of neuronal pathways and synaptic strength using focused ultrasound stimulation of the motor cortex of mice suggested the presence of a sensitive mechano-channel for calcium in astrocytes, but not neurons. (EurekAlert)

Long-Term Data Published in Study of Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Oct. 4, 2019 - The American Journal of Psychiatry published data from 4-8 years of follow-up of 28 patients who were enrolled in an open-label trial of deep brain stimulation to the subcallosal cingulate for treatment-resistant depression. (Science Daily)

Study Examines Characteristics of Parkinson's Disease Patients Receiving Deep Brain Stimulation

Oct. 4, 2019 - A study found a gender imbalance among Parkinson's disease patients who underwent deep brain stimulation for tremor. (AJMC)

Data Presented About Spinal Cord Stimulation Combined with Use of Opioids and Sedatives

Oct. 2, 2019 - Data were presented at the American Academy of Pain Medicine annual meeting about spinal cord stimulation patients and concurrent use of opioids with benzodiazepines and/or muscle relaxants. The research investigated whether the concomitant use of those drugs impacted the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation. (Pain Medicine News)

Research Project Envisions Wireless Endovascular Neurostimulators for Peripheral or Central Nervous System Targets

Oct. 1, 2019 - Collaborators at research institutions in Texas are using a grant from the National Institutes of Health Helping to End Addiction Long-term Initiative to develop wirelessly powered nerve stimulators to be delivered on stents through blood vessels adjacent to targets in the central or peripheral nervous system to treat chronic pain or other conditions. The device would be powered and controlled by an externally worn magnetic-field generator. (Baylor College of Medicine)

Paper Reports Programming Approach to Deep Brain Stimulation

Sept. 30, 2019 - Physicians in Switzerland report they anatomically and clinically characterized dyskinesias elicited by deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease patients and then tested if those contacts could be used to optimize stimulation programming and decrease bradykinesias. (Movement Disorders)

Study Combines Noninvasive Neurostimulation and Physical Therapy After Brain Injury

Sept. 27, 2019 - Researchers in Wisconsin studied both high- and low-frequency noninvasive translingual neurostimulation plus targeted physical therapy to treat chronic balance and gait deficits due to mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury. (Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation)

Neurosurgeons Investigate Deep Brain Stimulation Location and Non-Motor Parkinson's Disease Symptoms

Sept. 23, 2019 - An international group of authors used probabilistic mapping data from a prospective, open-label, multicenter study to investigate how the location of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation influenced non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. (Brain)

Analysis Details Outcomes of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sept. 26, 2019 - Researchers published a study of demographic factors that may be associated with greater improvements in outcomes of hypoglossal nerve stimulation in obstructive sleep apnea. The study pooled data from a postmarket approval study in Germany, an international registry, and a retrospective cohort study from two U.S. sites. (Medical Dialogues)

Physicians Study the Effect of a Deep Brain Stimulation Target on Cardiovascular Response

Sept. 6, 2019 - Pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) deep brain stimulation may improve gait disorders in Parkinson's disease and change autonomic performance. Since positional hypotension can be a debilitating feature of Parkinson's disease, physicians investigated the effect of PPN stimulation on blood pressure and cardiovascular response to an autonomic challenge. They reasoned the stimulation may alter neural control of baroreflex activation. (Clinical Autonomic Research)

National Institutes of Health Grant Will Support Research Into a Novel Chronic-Pain Neurostimulator Material

Sept. 26, 2019 - An investigation of a self-curing electrode for dorsal root ganglion stimulation to treat chronic pain will be led out of the University of Wisconsin with more than $2 million in grant funding from the National Institutes of Health's Helping to End Addiction Long-term Initiative. The investigation will test a composite electrode material designed to be injected in liquid form and solidify in place. (University of Wisconsin - Madison)

Preliminary Study of Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Vestibular Migraine

Sept. 25, 2019 - A preliminary study of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation evaluated the treatment's effects on dizziness during vestibular migraine attacks, and, in some patients, between attacks. (Health Day)

Brain Stimulation Study Seeks to Clarify Anxiety-Linked Performance Mechanisms

Sept. 25, 2019 - A research collaboration used suppressive effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation to investigate the link between activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and anxiety-induced degradation in physical performance. The findings distinguished between participants who learned repetitive motor skills in discrete parts or those who learned in one whole sequence - a distinction important to the self-focus theory about mental processing and performance. (Medical Xpress)

Brain Implant Provides Visual Cues for Individuals Who Were Blinded

Sept. 19, 2019 - A profile of a patient describes the vision achieved with a visual prosthesis for people who have lost their vision. The prosthesis permits perception of movement and light and dark areas in the field of vision. The device combines sunglasses with an integrated video camera that wirelessly communicates with an electrode array implanted above the brain's visual cortex. (Medical Express)

Physicians Report Phase 1 Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Tinnitus

Sept. 24, 2019 - Researchers published a Phase 1 trial of deep brain stimulation that targeted the caudate for treatment-resistant tinnitus. The prospective trial enrolled five patients who underwent several weeks of setting adjustment followed by 24 weeks of stimulation at the optimal setting. (EurekAlert)

Studies Test Intranasal Tear Stimulator for Dry Eyes

Sept. 19, 2019 - A paper reports results of two studies that investigated improvement of dry eye symptoms through intranasal tear stimulation. The studies were conducted in a controlled adverse environment meant to replicate environmental challenges. (The Ocular Surface)

Review: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Anxiety

Sept. 23, 2019 - An article surveys the scientific literature on transcranial magnetic stimulation for anxiety. (Dove Press)

News Coverage Features Neuromodulation for Pain in Capital of Saskatchewan, Canada

Sept. 20, 2019 - An article about access to spinal cord stimulation in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, encourages awareness among referrers and patients about the treatment and about the influence of wait times on outcomes. (Global News)

Presentation: Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Sept. 20, 2019 - A presentation at a European conference about applied brain research, ECNP 2019, covered data from a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of high-frequency deep transcranial magnetic stimulation for obsessive compulsive disorder. The trial's stimulation targets were the anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex. (Clinical Psychiatry News)

Deep Brain Stimulation Outpatient Service Opens in Metropolitan Region of Southern India

Sept. 19, 2019 - A Bengaluru-based hospital will establish a monthly outpatient clinic for deep brain stimulation to serve people in the area with Parkinson's disease. (Deccan Herald)

Registry Tracks Outcomes of Intrathecal Drug Delivery in Cancer Pain

Sept. 18, 2019 - An analysis presents prospective data from a multicenter product surveillance registry that began adding patient-reported outcomes of intrathecal drug delivery for cancer pain in 2013. (Anesthesia & Analgesia)

TV News Presents Treatment of Chronic Pain with Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Sept. 19, 2019 - A television segment presents treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic neuropathic pain. (CBS New York)

Retrospective Analysis Focuses on Lower Voltage Sacral Neuromodulation Test Phase for Painful Bladder Indications

Sept. 12, 2019 - A retrospective review of patients who received sacral neuromodulation for medically recalcitrant interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome explored the clinical outcomes from lower motor voltage during stage 1. (Uro Today)

Pilot Study: Simultaneous Stimulation of Two Brain Targets to Treat Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease

Sept. 19, 2019 - Physicians in Spain have published an approach to use dual targeting of deep brain stimulation to treat freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease. The approach uses normal, high frequency stimulation of around 130 Hz to the subthalamic nucleus, and a low frequency stimulation of around 60 Hz to the substantia nigra pars reticulata. (Parkinson's Life)

Authors Examine Geographic Distribution of Some Commercial Neuromodulation Implant Procedures

Sept. 17, 2019 - With data from two neuromodulation companies, neurological surgeons published in an open-access journal an analysis of neuromodulation implants by county and population that occurred near the time of the last U.S. Census. Their analysis included vagus nerve stimulators, but not deep brain stimulation systems. (Cureus)

Emerging Neuromodulation Approaches to Treat Heart Rhythm Disorders

August 2019 - A review looks at the state of art in using neuromodulation of the autonomic nervous system to treat heart rhythm disorders. (JACC: Basic to Translational Science)

Research into Creating Neuromodulatory Effects Without Direct Brain Stimulation

Sept. 18, 2019 - A physical rehabilitation specialist writes about his presentation this year to the International Neuromodulation Society 14th World Congress about the potential of different technologies to create neuromodulatory effects without direct stimulation of the brain. (NeuroNews)

Review: Emerging Deep Brain Stimulation Technologies

Sept. 2, 2019 - In a review article on emerging deep brain stimulation technologies, the authors mention development of techniques focusing on "interaction with disease circuits through complementary, spatially and temporally specific approaches." (Nature Biotechnology)

Algorithm Development for Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

Sept. 13, 2019 - Researchers used data stream mining to calculate https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0957417419301290 when to switch on on-demand, closed-loop, deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease, based on the degree of neural synchronization. (Madri+d)

Review Discusses Genetic Screening as a Potential Tool in Patient Selection for Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

Sept. 6, 2019 - A review summarizes studies of deep brain stimulation and genetic characterization in Parkinson's Disease. (npj Parkinson's Disease)

Facility in India Has Added Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Services for Psychiatric Conditions

Sept. 13, 2019 - A tertiary care medical and research institute in Northern India has begun offering repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation in its psychiatry department. (Hindustan Times)

Article Profiles Dystonia Patient Who Received Deep Brain Stimulation

Sept. 11, 2019 - A man with rare generalized dystonia received a deep brain stimulation system in the UK, which has improved his quality of life. (Yorkshire Post)

Team Publishes Findings from Incorporating Sensory Feedback into Prostheses for Leg Amputees

Sept. 9, 2019 - A research team investigated effects on walking speed, fatigue, and phantom limb pain from providing sensory feedback during use of a prosthetic leg. (Nature Medicine)

Research Evaluates Closed-Loop Neural Stimulation for Chronic Pain

Sept. 9, 2019 - An article recaps a scientific presentation from the International Neuromodulation Society 14th World Congress on the clinical utility of evoked compound action potentials in neurostimulation therapy for chronic pain. (NeuroNews)

Researchers Study Association Between Pain Scores During Neurostimulation Trial and After Permanent Implant

Sept. 6, 2019 - A team of researchers has published their investigation into the association between pain scores during trial spinal cord stimulation implantation and pain reduction following permanent implant. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Researchers Evaluate Therapy Habituation with Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation vs. Spinal Cord Stimulation

Sept. 5, 2019 - A sub-study compared therapy habituation over 12 months in patients receiving either dorsal root ganglion stimulation or spinal cord stimulation for complex regional pain syndrome. (The Journal of Pain)

A Column About Disruptive Innovation in Neuromodulation Examines the Effects of Social Media on Communication

Aug. 30, 2019 - A column on social media and neuromodulation addresses issues, concerns, and opportunities presented when sharing content about medical care. (NeuroNews)

Study Examines Role of Brain's White Matter in Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Aug. 30, 2019 - Researchers in the UK compared healthy patients with those recovering from moderate or severe traumatic brain injury to study effects of white matter connectivity on their response to noninvasive electrical brain stimulation. (Tech Explorist)

Clinical Trial Results Presented in Evaluation of Anatomical vs. Targeted Lead Placement

Aug. 28, 2019 - Results were presented from a prospective multicenter trial that compared anatomical and targeted placement of trial leads for spinal cord stimulation. (NeuroNews)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Investigated During Upper-Limb Rehabilitation Following Spinal Injury

Aug. 26, 2019 - With funding from the U.S. Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, three centers are testing the safety, feasibility and efficacy of pairing transcranial direct current stimulation with exercise therapies to improve upper limb function following cervical incomplete spinal cord injury. (EurekAlert)

Neurological Treatment Offered in Canada Using Neurostimulation and Physiotherapy

Aug. 26, 2019 - Three centers in Canada are offering neurological treatment that combines several weeks of intensive daily physiotherapy combined with neurostimulation intended to encourage neuroplastic new neural connections. The portable neurostimulator device sits on the tongue. (The Star)

Early Experience with New Generation Deep Brain Stimulation Leads

Aug. 21, 2019 - Julie Pilitsis, MD, PhD, and colleagues have published about early experience with new generation deep brain stimulation leads, sharing observations about the therapeutic window observed in a series of patients with Parkinson's disease or essential tremor. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Article Reports Memory Flashbacks in Some Alzhemier's Patients Receiving Investigational Brain Stimulation

Aug. 21, 2019 - Researchers studying deep brain stimulation targeting the fornix in patients with Alzheimer's disease reported some experienced memory flashbacks. (HealthDay)

Article Reports on Neurostimulation for Occipital Neuralgia

Aug. 21, 2019 - A case series and literature review reports on high cervical spinal cord stimulation for occipital neuralgia. (Journal of Pain Research)

Researchers Seek to Determine Effect of Deep Brain Stimulation on Dopamine Levels

Aug. 20, 2019 - Researchers used PET scanning to look for signs of changing dopamine levels in the brains of Parkinson's disease patients who were receiving deep brain stimulation therapy. (Newswise)

Physicians Track Blood Flow to Brain Tumors During Noninvasive Stimulation

Aug. 15, 2019 - Scientists investigated blood flow to brain tumors during transcranial electrical stimulation, based on research that showed reduced blood flow to bodily tumors exposed to electric stimulation. (Science Daily)

Authors Analyze Methodology and Reporting of Placebo-Controlled Neuromodulation Trials

Aug. 7, 2019 - An article says placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials in neuromodulation are on the rise but a recently published meta-analysis points out important factors to report for clear interpretation of comparative results between study arms. (NeuroNews)

Study Examines Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Appetite in Groups with Differing Dopamine Metabolism

Aug. 7, 2019 - A published study reports on an investigation of transcranial direct current stimulation to the brain's left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in women with mild obesity. Effects on appetite were evaluated, as well as genetic differences in breakdown of dopamine. (EurekAlert)

Neurological Surgeons Hear About Deep Brain Stimulation for Chronic Pain

Aug. 6, 2019 - A presentation about deep brain stimulation (DBS) for chronic pain at the 2019 annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons described the latest evidence and differences from DBS for movement disorder. (Pain Medicine News)

Research in Tehran Focuses on Brain Stimulation Devices for Cognitive or Medical Conditions

Aug. 5, 2019 - An article says that researchers working on cognitive and brain sciences in Iran plan to develop electrical brain stimulation devices to potentially treat several conditions. (Tehran Times)

Feature Discusses Research on Restoration of Movement Following Spinal Cord Injury

July 31, 2019 - A news feature describes research into using neurostimulation to restore some movement to people living with paraplegia after spinal cord injury. (Nature)

Journal's Annual Neuromodulation Research Prize Awards Work in Minimally Invasive Optical Brain Stimulation

Aug. 2, 2019 - The winner of the 2019 Science & PINS Prize for Neuromodulation describes preclinical work to stimulate neurons deep in the brain using optogenetics, tissue-penetrating near-infrared light, and nanoparticles injected into a target region. The particles convert the infrared light into visible light capable of causing membrane-bound rhodopsins to activate an ion channel. (Science)

Study Assesses Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation Impact on Autonomic Nervous System Balance

July 30, 2019 - Researchers interested in the effects of aging studied transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in healthy volunteers, including a cohort aged 55 and older, to study effects on vagal tone over a two-week period. (EurekAlert)

Literature Review Presents Periprocedural Needs of Patients with an Implanted Gastric Electrical Stimulator

July 29, 2019 - A review considers periprocedural needs of patients who have an implanted gastric electrical stimulation device. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Brain Stimulation Research

July 29, 2019 - Researchers examined memory encoding beyond the hippocampal network and found a role for the posterior cingulate cortex upon stimulating the region during memory tests in volunteer epilepsy patients who were undergoing seizure monitoring. (Medical Xpress)

Results Published in Trial of Rechargeable Sacral Neuromodulation System

July 28, 2019 - Six-month results were published in the ARTISAN-SNM pivotal trial of a rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system in patients with urinary urge incontinence. (Uro Today)

Study Investigates Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Drug-Naive Patients with Overactive Bladder

July 28, 2019 - Results were presented at the 2019 American Urological Association meeting of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in drug-naive patients with overactive bladder who were prospectively followed over 12 weekly sessions in the RESET study. (Uro Today)

Researchers Pursue Biomimetic Feedback for Control of Prosthetic Hand

July 24, 2019 - With a participant using a bidirectional neuromyoelectric prosthetic hand, researchers tested dexterity after supplying a tactile precept through nerve stimulation designed to mimic natural sensory signals. (Science Robotics)

Article Mentions Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation in Stroke Recovery

July 21, 2019 - Six patients have received deep brain stimulation in a clinical trial of the intervention to aid physical recovery from stroke, and most have regained some movement, according to a news article. (Gulf News)

Researchers Publish Findings of Study of Anatomic Lead Placement in Spinal Cord Stimulation

July 19, 2019 - An Early View article reports on the DELIVERY study of anatomic lead placement without paresthesia mapping during the evaluation period of spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Case Report Published about a Woman with Refractory Anorexia who Received Deep Brain Stimulation

July 9, 2019 - In a woman with treatment-refractory anorexia nervosa, researchers report on testing of nutritional status, eating behavior, and body-image concern following deep brain stimulation that targeted the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. (Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity)

Review Summarizes Evidence and Theory of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Chronic Pain

June 28, 2019 - A review summarizes current understanding of analgesia provided by spinal cord stimulation systems that produce paresthesias, or are paresthesia-free. (Bioelectronic Medicine)

Researchers Suggest a Modulation Effect on Seizure Network

April 15, 2019 - Researchers investigating the association of electrographic effects of responsive neurostimulation and seizure reduction in patients with epilepsy say the therapeutic outcomes appear to emerge from modulation of the seizure network over time. (JAMA Neurology)

Imaging Study Seeks Signatures of Pain Reduction in Parkinson's Disease Patients Receiving Neurostimulation

July 17, 2019 - Researchers studied brain responses through fMRI in Parkinson's disease patients for potential neural signatures of brain relief through deep brain stimulation (DBS). (Neurosurgery)

Researchers Look at Local Field Potential Activity in Patients Receiving Neurostimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression

July 17, 2019 - A study of local field potential activity in the subcallosal cingulate region explores if it might be a candidate signal for monitoring deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression, and a potential biomarker for development of adaptive treatment strategies. (Journal of Neurophysiology)

Authors Review Literature About Neurostimulation to Manage Chronic Pain

July 16, 2019 - A systematic review describes the state of the scientific literature for clinical effectiveness of neurostimulation to manage chronic pain. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Researchers Look at Noninvasive Neurostimulation in Parkinson's Disease Patients with Depression

July 1, 2019 - A prospective pilot study explored repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in patients with Parkinson's disease and treatment-resistant depression. (Neurocase)

Study Examines Functional Connectivity in Patients with Depression Receiving Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

June 21, 2019 - A preprint reports investigation into functional connectivity of brain regions involved in emotional regulation associated with a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. The authors hypothesize about augmenting top-down regulation of emotion in this condition. (BioRxvi)

News Article Recaps Research Regarding Occipital Nerve Stimulation

July 16, 2019 - An article in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface reports on burst occipital nerve stimulation in patients with chronic migraine and chronic cluster headache. (Neurology Advisor)

Review Covers Evidence and Future Design of Sham- and Placebo-Controlled Trials of Spinal Cord Stimulation

July 15, 2019 - An international team of authors reviewed randomized controlled trials of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) involving sham or placebo. They developed a checklist for the future design and reporting of SCS randomized controlled trials. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Review: Neurorestorative Implants After Spinal Cord Surgery

July 11, 2019 - An article discusses the emerging role of implanted medical devices for improving functional recovery after spinal cord injury, such as research into brain-computer interfaces to augment physical rehabilitation. The article also notes that neuromodulation therapies that target the brain or spinal cord have helped improve motor and autonomic functions. (Bioelectronic Medicine)

Review Covers Intrathecal Drug Delivery Devices

July 15, 2019 - A review covers recent advances and future developments in intrathecal drug delivery for pain management. (Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery)

Headache Society Presentations Include Neurostimulation for Cluster Headache or Episodic Migraine

July 11, 2019 - An article about advancements in therapies being presented at the American Headache Society annual meeting mentions FDA approval of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation in the past 12 months as an adjunct in prevention of cluster headache. The article also mentioned studies about a sphenopalatine ganglion microstimulator implant for terminating acute cluster attacks in patients with refractory chronic cluster headache. Data were presented at the meeting about noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation mechanisms and effectiveness in relief of episodic migraine. (Neurology Times)

Article Surveys Current and Potential Treatments Involving Vagus Nerve Stimulation

July 10, 2019 - An article discusses advances in vagus nerve stimulation for migraine prevention and research into new potential applications, such as fighting lung infection in pre-term babies. (Leaps Magazine)

Young Child With Severe Dystonia Receives Deep Brain Stimulation Implant

July 10, 2019 - A 32-month-old girl with dystonia that interfered with eating and breathing has received deep brain stimulation in London. Doctors said previously the youngest child to receive the surgery was 3 years old. (The Guardian)

Center Reports Retrospective Analysis of Spinal Cord Stimulator Explants

July 7, 2019 - Researchers at Harvard Medical School published a 15-year retrospective analysis of explantation of percutaneously placed spinal cord stimulator devices. (Pain Medicine)

Outcomes Reported in Study of Sub-Perception Spinal Cord Stimulation in Previously Implanted Subjects

July 2, 2019 - A journal article reports outcomes of the WHISPER randomized controlled trial, which evaluated sub-perception spinal cord stimulation in previously implanted subjects. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Review: Neurostimulation Among Interventions in Upper-Limb Physical Rehabilitation After Stroke

July 2, 2019 - A review looks at published research about interventions for upper-limb motor rehabilitation after stroke, including brain stimulation and brain-computer interfaces. (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News)

Review Covers Noninvasive Stimulation in Substance-Use Disorders

July 2, 2019 – In a review article, an international group of co-authors summarizes the state of noninvasive brain stimulation applied in substance-use disorders. (Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews)

Authors Focus on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression and Physical Activity

July 2, 2019 - A paper reports on the link between people who respond to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression and engagement in light physical activity. (Clinical Psychiatry News)

Study Explores Theta-Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

July 3, 2019 - An article covered new research into intermittent theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation in post-traumatic stress disorder. (Medscape)

Clinic to Offer Neurostimulation Therapy in Physicial Rehabilitation Program

July 3, 2019 - A clinic in Canada announced it will be offering a rehabilitation program to improve gait and balance deficits from mild to moderate traumatic brain injury, making use of a noninvasive neurostimulation device in addition to physical therapy. (Cision)

Study of Cardiac Neuromodulation for Hypertension Uses Varied Heart Pacing

June 4, 2019 - Orchestra BioMed Inc. announced presentation of two-year clinical data from its European study of cardiac neuromodulation for hypertension. The approach uses cardiac stimulation with a dual-chamber pacemaker and implantable pulse generator that varies atrioventricular delay in order to modulate baroreceptor activation. The study enrolled patients with medication-resistant hypertension who were also indicated for a pacemaker. The company said that in 2019 it plans to initiate a randomized, double-blind study of this BackBeat device. (Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology)

Foundation Funds Clinical Study of Neurostimulation in Rehabilitation from Spinal Cord Injury

June 26, 2019 - Helsinki University Hospital in Finland has received two years of funding from the Wings for Life Foundation to continue research into combining transcranial magnetic stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation in a clinical study of rehabilitation in patients paralyzed by spinal cord injury. (Yahoo Finance)

Authors Suggest Factors Influencing Response to Neurostimulation Treatment Following Stroke

June 26, 2019 - A paper suggests two criteria that may help predict response after stroke to noninvasive brain stimulation. (EurekAlert)

Article Details Access to Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease Patients in Ireland

June 25, 2019 - A Parkinson's disease patient in Ireland points out that implantable pulse generators for deep brain stimulation are manufactured there, but patients eligible for the surgery must travel outside of Ireland to receive the treatment. (Waterford Live)

Article Documents Delivery of Neuromodulation Services for Epilepsy at a Southern U.S. Academic Center

June 25, 2019 - The University of Alabama at Birmingham has created an epilepsy neuromodulation clinic that provides vagus nerve stimulation or responsive neurostimulation services to patients from distances of up to 250 miles away, including three other states in the region. (Newswise)

Paper Presents Data on Urinary Function in Parkinson's Disease Patients Following Deep Brain Stimulation

June 25, 2019 - Co-authors in China published findings regarding the effects of deep brain stimulation on urinary function in more than 400 patients with Parkinson's disease. (Clinical Interventions in Aging)

Paper Reports on Study of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Migraineurs

June 25, 2019 - A study evaluated daily transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation as a prophylaxis for chronic migraine. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

Study Looks at Factors Recorded on a Standard Clinical History and Change in Opioid Use After Neurostimulation for Chronic Pain

June 14, 2019 - In a chart analysis, a team of U.S. co-authors looked for factors that were statistically associated with cessation of chronic opioid use following successful spinal cord stimulation, such as the dosage used preoperatively. (Pain Practice)

PROMISE Trial Results Published

June 2019 - A prospective, open-label, parallel-group trial in Europe and the Americas, PROMISE, compared optimal medical management (OMM) alone vs. OMM plus multicolumn spinal cord stimulation in patients with predominant low back pain from failed back surgery syndrome. (Pain)

Physicians Publish Protocol for Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease Patients

June 14, 2019 - Physicians in Europe have published a protocol for testing adaptive deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease patients who will be undergoing a battery replacement. (DocWire News)

Case Series Reports on Neurostimulation for Restless Legs Syndrome

May 2019 - A team of co-authors published a case series of mechanistic hypothesis about spinal cord stimulation for restless legs syndrome. (Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery)

Researchers Study Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Rheumatoid Arthritis

June 14, 2019 - Data from a pilot study of vagus nerve stimulation in rheumatoid arthritis were presented at the annual European Congress of Rheumatology. (EurekAlert)

Researchers Publish Study of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Post-Amputation Pain

June 12, 2019 - A published study evaluated percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic neuropathic pain after leg amputation. (Pain Medicine News)

News Coverage Features INS 14th World Congress and Innovations Day Preconference

June 2019 - An overview of the International Neuromodulation Society 14th World Congress recaps the presentations from the Innovations Day preconference, as well as from the opening plenary sessions and announcements made at the meeting. In addition, the publication publisher, James Cavuoto, spoke with INS 2019 meeting chair Marc Russo, MBBS DA(UK)FANZCA, FFPMFANZCA, about what makes Australia special in this space (video). Cavuoto has posted a recording of his 30-minute Innovations Day talk on "Tips and Tricks in Determining Newsworthiness of Innovations". (Neurotech Reports)

Couple Donate $1 Million to Fund Studies of Neurostimulation in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

June 6, 2019- A former motor-vehicle accident rehabilitation patient and his wife have donated $1 million to launch the Kessler Foundation Center for Spinal Stimulation in New Jersey. The donation will fund three rehabilitation studies of epidural and transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation in people with chronic spinal cord injury. (EurekAlert)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Studied in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

June 6, 2019 - An article summarizes a published study of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation in obsessive compulsive disorder. (Healio)

Paper Evaluates Fully Implanted Wireless Spinal Cord Stimulation Devices During a 30-Day Screening Trial

June 3, 2019 - A journal article presents and discusses effects and complications seen in a 30-day trail of a wireless percutaneous spinal cord stimulation system. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Review: The Dorsal Root Ganglion as a Unique Target for Neuromodulation

June 1, 2019 - A review article describes the dorsal root ganglion as a target for neuromodulation for pain. (Pain Medicine)

News Segment Focuses on Participant of Closed-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation Clinical Trial

May 31, 2019 - A Sydney news channel featured a patient who was involved in the Evoke clinical trial of a closed-loop spinal cord stimulator, and included comments from researchers. (9 News)

Results Reported from Clinical Trial of Neurostimulation in Ischemic Stroke

May 28, 2019 - Findings from a clinical trial of sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation in acute ischemic stroke were presented at the European Stoke Organization Conference. The findings were simultaneously published in The Lancet. May 24, 2019 (Healio)

Article Features Use of Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression

May 27, 2019 - An article profiles a young woman with depression who uses deep transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression. (Inside Edition)

Sydney-Area Pain Patient Discusses Use of Neuromodulation

May 25, 2019 - A news feature profiles an ex-Army infantryman in Australia who for the past three years has used spinal cord stimulation to manage chronic pain symptoms from a back injury in the 1980s. In the coverage, International Neuromodulation Society (INS) 14th World Congress chair Dr. Marc Russo comments about the therapy. In addition, INS 14th World Congress Public Event chair Dr. Nick Christelis was interviewed on an afternoon ABC radio program in Melbourne May 22 about neuromodulation therapy and pain treatment, as well as in an article in the Melbourne-area Herald Sun. (ABC Radio)

Government Agency Announces Funding for Noninvasive Brain-Machine Interface Projects

May 21, 2019 - Six research programs have received funding in the latest round of DARPA grants under its Next-Generation Nonsurgical Neurotechnology (N3) program, which is designed to support research into high-resolution, bidirectional brain-machine interfaces intended to allow service members or mission commanders to function in dynamic machine-influenced operations that unfold at rapid speed. (Phys.org)

Collaboration Pursues Closed-Loop Brain Stimulation Approach

May 17, 2019 - At a progress report about DARPA-funded neuroscience technologies, researchers discussed their work to analyze and potentially influence mood-related brain activity, with an ultimate goal of developing a closed-loop neurostimulation system. (IEEE Spectrum)

Study Investigates Deep Brain Stimulation to the Ventral Tegmental Area in Chronic Cluster Headache

May 16, 2019 - An article reports on a study of deep brain stimulation to the ventral tegmental area in patients with refractory chronic cluster headache. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

Release Describes Chronic Pain Patient's Journey and the Role of Neuromodulation Therapy

May 15, 2019 - A preconference of the International Neuromodulation Society 14th World Congress will include presentations from experts and patients on neuromodulation for chronic pain, bladder conditions, and movement disorder. A news release previews the story of a chronic pain patient who will speak, and provides background information about neuromodulation therapy and neurostimulation for chronic pain in Australia. (Scimex)

Review: Current Perspectives on Deep Brain Stimulation in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

May 15, 2019 - A review considers current perspectives on deep brain stimulation in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. (Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment)

Study Examines Influence of Weight on Pain Relief from Spinal Cord Stimulation

May 14, 2019 - A study reports spinal cord stimulation outcomes in the context of patients' body-mass index. (Pain Medicine News)

West Virginia Neuroscience Institute Prepares for Clinical Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation in Drug Addiction

May 14, 2019 - The West Virginia University Medicine Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute received FDA approval for a clinical trial of deep brain stimulation in drug addiction. (The Exponent Telegram)

Data Presented from Heart Failure Clinical Trial

May 10, 2019 - Results of the final design of the BeAT-HF trial, a device-based neuromodulation trial in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction, were presented at the Heart Rhythm Society Annual Scientific Sessions. The device in the pivotal trial uses carotid baroreceptor stimulation. (Healio)

Researchers Investigate Noninvasive Neurostimulation for Bladder Function After Spinal Injury

May 9, 2019 - A study was presented that looked at change in measured lower urinary tract function in spinal injury patients who tried transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation. (Uro Today)

Clinical Study of Noninvasive Neurostimulation Reported in Acute Migraine

May 9, 2019 - A journal article reports results of a noninvasive neurostimulation method in acute migraine. In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, remote electrical neuromodulation was intended to "induce conditioned pain modulation – an endogenous analgesic mechanism in which conditioning stimulation inhibits pain in remote body regions". (Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Auricular Nerve Stimulation Studied in Atrial Fibrillation

May 9, 2019 - Researchers from the TREAT-AF study reported on vagus nerve stimulation and atrial fibrillation at the Heart Rhythm Society Scientific Sessions. The study concerned daily noninvasive stimulation at home, after training, using low-level transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve auricular branch, by clip at the opening of the ear, attached to the tragus. (Healio)

Profile Describes Patient's Progress After Stroke with Paired Vagus Nerve Stimulation

May 8, 2019 - A stroke patient is profiled whose hand function improved after participation in a clinical trial that pairs vagus nerve stimulation with physical rehabilitation. (BBC News)

Feature Article Describes Study of Neurostimulation for Addiction

May 8, 2019 - An article features a participant in a research study in China of deep brain stimulation for addiction. (Associated Press)

European Researchers Follow Patients for Two Years Who Received Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Epilepsy and Depression

May 7, 2019 - An article summarizes a study of vagus nerve stimulation in pharmacoresistant epilepsy with comorbid depression. (Neurology Advisor)

Newspaper in the United Kingdom Covers U.S. Teen's Neurostimulation Treatment for Tourette Syndrome

May 7, 2019 - A young man in Iowa received deep brain stimulation for his severe case of Tourette Syndrome. (Daily Mail)

Sydney Area Patient Plans to Present His Experience of Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

May 3, 2019 - A Parkinson's disease patient in the suburbs of Sydney told his local newspaper why he will be presenting about his deep brain stimulation treatment at a public event by the International Neuromodulation Society and the Neuromodulation Society of Australia and New Zealand on May 26 prior to the INS 14th World Congress in Sydney. He described his journey as going from one small shuffle to many great leaps. (St. George Leader)

Review: Novel Spinal Cord Stimulation Modes Compared to Traditional

May 2, 2019 - An article summarizes a review from Current Pain and Headache Reports that compared traditional and novel forms of spinal cord stimulation. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

Authors Publish Meta-Analysis of Medication Reduction in Spinal Cord Stimulation Patients

April 30, 2019 - A review of comparative studies of spinal cord stimulation in chronic back and/or limb pain synthesized evidence regarding opioid and pain medication reduction. (Journal of Pain Research)

Pain Medicine Talk Presents the Art of Neuromodulation

April 29, 2019 - A talk at the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) Annual Pain Medicine Symposium presented a view about the "art" of delivering neuromodulation therapy. The topic was covered in a related article by a New Zealand news site, Stuff. (Scoop)

Article Features Parkinson's Disease Patient Enrolled in Clinical Trial of Spinal Cord Stimulation to Improve Gait

April 26, 2019 - A news feature centers on a woman who participated in a clinical trial of spinal cord stimulation, an investigational approach intended to improve freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease. (National Post)

Military Publication Describes Interest in Wearable Devices to Enhance Mental Acuity

April 25, 2019 - A news feature describes the U.S. military's interest in wearable neurostimulation devices that might enhance soldiers' mental alertness. (Military.com)

Television Segment Features Man After His Deep Brain Stimulation for Dystonia from Tourette Syndrome

April 26, 2019 - A man with Tourette syndrome received deep brain stimulation to lessen his disabling dystonia. (WTIC)

Data Presented from Trial of Closed-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation

April 24, 2019 - Phase 2 results of the EVOKE study were presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. The randomized, double-blinded study compared spinal cord stimulation for pain delivered with, and without, adjustment of simulation depending on electrophysiologic response of multiple nerve fibers -- evoked compound action potentials. (Medscape)

Proof-of-Principle Study Concerns Research Into Prosthetic Voice Development

April 24, 2019 - In epilepsy patients undergoing brain monitoring, researchers studied turning brain signals generated when they silently imagined articulating something into an artificial voice. (New York Times)

International Neuromodulation Society Issues News Release About Its 14th World Congress

April 23, 2019 - The International Neuromodulation Society will present plenary lectures, and nearly 400 abstracts, by researchers from 22 countries during the INS 14th World Congress in Sydney May 25 - 30, 2019, “Neuromodulation: Leading a Global Medical Revolution.” (NeuroNews)

National Health Service Will Provide Auditory Brainstem Implants to Pediatric Patients at Two Centers

April 23, 2019 - The National Health Service in England will make auditory brainstem implants available to profoundly deaf children aged 5 and under who are unable to use hearing aids or cochler implants due to missing or damaged cochlea or auditory nerves. (PharmaTimes)

Analysis Suggests Plasticity May Play a Role in Effect of Responsive Neurostimulation in Epilepsy

April 19, 2019 - An analysis of seizure patterns in patients implanted with a responsive neurostimulation system for epilepsy suggests the therapy exerts its effects by remodulating neural networks. (Medscape)

Paper Presents Two Decades of Device and Therapy Survival Data

April 2019 - Researchers analyzed device and therapy survival data at one institution from 1994 - 2015 for three neuromodulation therapies: deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, and spinal cord stimulation. (Journal of Neurosurgery)

Australia Team Studies Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Depression

April 18, 2019 - A team in Australia has published an early investigation into home-administered transcranial direct current stimulation for depression. (ABC News)

Collaborators Research Noninvasive Nerve Stimulation in Rheumatoid Arthritis

April 17, 2019 - Collaborators published some early findings about noninvasive nerve stimulation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The research team measured production of circulating inflammatory agents. (Medical Express)

Parkinson's Disease Patients in Ireland Seek Increased Services

April 17, 2019 - A patient in Ireland with Parkinson's disease demonstrated on live television turning off, temporarily, his deep brain stimulation device, in order to draw attention to requests for more nearby services for patients with Parkinson's disease. (Irishcentral.com)

Targeted Drug Delivery and Healthcare Utilization Studied in Cancer-Related Pain

April 9, 2019 - A study has explored the association between targeted drug delivery and health-care utilization costs in cancer-related pain. (Oncozine)

Patient with Functional Deficits after Traumatic Brain Injury is Participating in a Study of Deep Brain Stimulation

April 13, 2019 - During an informal public brain-science convention, a case was mentioned in which a woman with a past traumatic brain injury has received deep brain stimulation to an area of the thalamus involved in activation of the frontal cortex and the basal ganglia. (New York Times)

The International Neuromodulation Society and the Neuromodulation Society of Australia and New Zealand will Present a Free Public Event in Sydney on Neurostimulation Therapies

April 11, 2019 - The International Neuromodulation Society and Neuromodulation Society of Australia and New Zealand are presenting a free public event , open to the public, about neurostimulation for chronic conditions such as chronic pain, overactive bladder, and Parkinson's disease. INS and chapter leaders will join national experts from Australia in presenting the therapies and the context of the opioid crisis. Three Australian patients will also describe their experiences with the therapies. (News-Medical.net)

News Profile Features the First Patient in Alabama to Receive Deep Brain Stimulation for Epilepsy

April 11, 2019 - In a profile, a young man who became the first person in his state to receive deep brain stimulation for epilepsy is interviewed, and his treatment team describes the procedure and the therapy. (UAB News)

Sacral Neuromodulation for Fecal Incontinence Covered in TV Segment

April 11, 2019 - A television piece covered the emergence of sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence. (CBS 6 TV)

Radio Interview: Woman Describes Participation in a Brain Stimulation Trial

March 29, 2019 - In an hour-long radio program, a woman who participated in a clinical trial of deep brain stimulation for obsessive compulsive disorder described her reliance on, and appreciation for, the intervention over the last six years, although she has needed increased levels of stimulation over time. (Invisibilia/NPR)

Authors: Bi-directional Brain Stimulation Electrodes May Expand Therapeutic Options

April 8, 2019 - A paper in Nature Reviews Neurology suggests that bi-directional electrodes that can stimulate brain targets and record activity could be applied to conditions beyond Parkinson's disease, such as depression, Tourette syndrome, and obsessive compulsive disorder. (Science Daily)

Research Explores Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Improving Working Memory

April 8, 2019 - A study in Nature Neuroscience explored using high-density transcranial alternating current stimulation in older adults to influence brain rhythms and working memory. The double-blind study looked at different stimulation schemes and sham stimulation in older adults and younger adults who were given working-memory tasks while their brainwave rhythms were tracked. (NPR)

Publication Reports on Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in Post-Amputation Pain

April 8, 2019 - SPR Therapeutics announced publication of a study in the journal Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine about use of peripheral nerve stimulation for residual limb pain and phantom limb pain. (Globe Newswire)

Clinical Trial to Start on Brain-Computer Interface for Communication by Paralyzed People

April 7, 2019 - An article describes a research project to implant a brain electrode without open surgery to potentially enable the paralyzed clinical trial participants to generate text using their thoughts in order to communicate. (Futurism)

Journal Article Looks at Comparative Costs of Targeted Drug Delivery for Pain in Cancer Patients

April 5, 2019 - A group of co-authors conducted a retrospective economic evaluation comparing conventional medical management alone vs. targeted drug delivery and conventional medical management for pain relief in patients with cancer. (JAMA Network Open)

Portuguese News Article Describes Deep Brain Stimulation

April 4, 2019 - An article describes the extent of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease in Portugal. (The Portugal News)

Research Team Investigates Potential to Restore the Sense of Smell through a Stimulation Implant

April 2019 - A research team is investigating creation of an implant to restore a sense of smell to people who have lost it due to irrecoverable neural damage. The envisioned implant would stimulate the brain's olfactory bulb. (Scientific American)

News Feature Profiles Famed Race Car Driver Who Is Receiving Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

April 4, 2019 - A Daytona 500-winning race-car driver is undergoing deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. (The Tennessean)

Research Explores Brain Rhythms and Cognition in Some Types of Deep Brain Stimulation

April 4, 2019 - Researchers are studying patients who have deep brain stimulation targeting the ventral internal capsule and ventral striatum to learn if the stimulation aids cognitive control of atypical emotions. They examined the power of a specific low-frequency brain rhythm in the prefrontal cortex. (Technology Networks)

Analysis Explores Control of Essential Tremor with Deep Brain Stimulation Over Time

April 4, 2019 - A follow-up analysis of 20 patients who underwent deep brain stimulation for essential tremor more than 10 years ago looked at durability of the therapy. Experts commented about age at implant, disease progression, and the possibility of habituation. (Neurology Today)

Review Assesses Published Clinical Trials of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Acute Depressive Episodes

March 28, 2019 - The BMJ has published a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials of several types of noninvasive brain stimulation from 2009 - 2018 for acute treatment of major depressive episodes in adults. The lead author provided comment about treatment effectiveness compared to sham. (UPI / HealthDay News)

Pilot Study Assessed Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation in Children with ADHD

March 26, 2019 - A blinded sham-controlled pilot study investigated trigeminal nerve stimulation in children with ADHD. The study also evaluated corresponding brain activation as seen in resting-state quantitative EEG. (Healio)

Engineers Receive a $1.8 Million Grant to Research Brain Implant Biocompatibility

March 27, 2019 - Researchers have received a $1.8 million grant to study ways to minimize tissue reaction to brain implants that may degrade their long-term effectiveness. (MSU Today)

Presentations Cover Differential Stimulation of Glial Cells

March 22, 2019 - Abstracts presented at the 2019 meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society covered an investigation into the pain relief provided by continuous differential-target multiplexed spinal cord stimulation (SCS). A basic science abstract reported effects of this approach on mechanical and thermal pain in mice. A second abstract reported on the impact of differentially targeting glia (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes) and neurones in a SCS crossover study in low-back pain. (NeuroNews)

In Roundtable, Pain-Management Experts Share Best Practices and Current Questions in Neuromodulation

March 2019 - An article summarizes observations and experiences shared in a roundtable discussion on current best practices and key questions in neuromodulation. The discussion took place during the 2019 meeting of the American Academy of Pain Medicine. (Practical Pain Management)

Unanticipated Response Noted in Cingulum Stimulation During Pre-Surgical Epilepsy Brain Mapping

March 21, 2019 - A clinician reports affective response in three epilepsy patients from brain stimulation to the dorsal anterior segment of the cingulum bundle, which was carried out during pre-surgical mapping. He purports the finding may have potential implications for surgery. (Neurology Today)

Article Covers Several Bioelectronic Therapy Developments

March 20, 2019 - An article about electroceuticals summarizes developments at six neuromodulation companies that have developed devices for a range of conditions. (Nanalyze)

Article Summarizes Deep Brain Stimulation Findings in Several Conditions Other Than Movement Disorders

March 12, 2019 - Recent findings are summarized in brain-stimulation implants in epilepsy, treatment-resistant depression, and Alzheimer's disease. Deep brain stimulation history and neuronal and vascular effects are also discussed. (PNAS)

Review Summarizes Approaches to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment in Trauma-Related Conditions

March 19, 2019 - A review looks at repetitive transcranial magentic stimulation in trauma-related conditions, and treatment frequencies and stimulation targets used in the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder. (Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment)

Researchers Examine Changes in Quality of Life for Parkinson's Disease Patients After Deep Brain Stimulation

March 19, 2019 - A study in Neurology examined the changes in quality of life of Parkinson's disease patients who participated in a deep brain stimulation study for patients younger than 61, finding a difference in improvement depending on the baseline level. (Parkinson's News Today)

Researchers In Germany Report on Deep Brain Stimulation in Major Depression

March 19, 2019 - An article in Neuropsychopharmacology reports on deep brain stimulation to part of the brain's reward system, the superoloateral medial forebrain bundle, in major depression. (EurekAlert)

Deep Brain Stimulation Implantation Performed Remotely Over 5G Mobile Network in China

March 18, 2019 - A surgeon in China used a 5G mobile network to guide remote-control robots for implantation of deep brain stimulation leads in a Parkinson's disease patient 1,800 miles away in Beijing. (Daily Mail)

Data Presented in Small Case Series about Effect of Intranasal Stimulator on Ocular Pain

March 18, 2019 - An abstract presented at the 2018 World Congress on Pain concerned a small case series in which patients with persistent post-herpetic eye pain received a dose of intranasal stimulation during an office visit, to investigate observations made in patients who used the device for dry eye and noticed an impact on their corneal pain. (Pain Medicine News)

Clinical Trial Will Evaluate Deep Brain Stimulation in Early Parkinson's Disease

March 15, 2019 - A phase three clinical trial of deep brain stimulation in early Parkinson's disease is being led by Vanderbilt University. (KSAT)

Clinical Trial Evaluated Noninvasive Nerve Stimulation in Children with ADHD

March 12, 2019 - A randomized, double-blind trial evaluated trigeminal nerve stimulation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (Medical Xpress)

Review Covers Therapeutic Developments in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

March 12, 2019 - A review article covers recent evidence of advancements in transcranial magnetic stimulation in a range of clinical applications. (MDedge)

Study Tests Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Worriers

March 7, 2019 - Researchers tested transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in chronic worriers, measuring intrusions of negative thought, and worry induction. (University of Leiden)

Journal Reports Data from Comparative Study of Deep Brain Stimulation Targets in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

March 7, 2019 - A new study in Biological Psychiatry compared which distinct symptoms were improved in obsessive compulsive disorder through deep brain stimulation of two different brain targets. (Science Daily)

Neurosurgeon Discusses Neuromodulation for Epilepsy

March 7, 2019 - An interview presents neuromodulation treatments for epilepsy, including deep brain stimulation. (Neurology Times)

Review Looks at Emergence of Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation after Spinal Cord Injury

March 6, 2019 - A review article summarizes epidural spinal cord stimulation to facilitate the function of the sensorimotor network after spinal cord injury. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Researchers in Spain Investigate Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Self-Reported Aggressiveness

March 6, 2019 - Researchers in Spain are testing the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on aggressive urges, following publication of data in Neuroscience in January. (Futurism)

Neuromodulation Company Announces First Commercial Use of Its Noninvasive Device

March 5, 2019 - Helius Medical Technologies, Inc. announced the first commercial use of its portable neuromodulation stimulator in patients in Canada with balance issues due to mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. (Nasdaq)

Study Follows Pain Patients for 18 Months After Neurostimulator Implant

March 2, 2019 - An article describes a study in which pain patients were followed for 18 months after receiving dorsal root ganglion stimulation. (Health24)

Comparative Study Looks at Impulsiveness in Parkinson's Disease Patients

March 1, 2019 - A journal article summarizes an investigation that compared impulsiveness in Parkinson's disease patients, who were treated with deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus, with two other groups - healthy control subjects, and Parkinson's patients who only received medication. (Parkinson's News Today)

Researcher Discusses Neurostimulation for Pain

Feb. 26, 2019 - A journal editor speaks about research into high frequency stimulation for pain. (Pain Medicine News)

Presentation Covers Three-Year Follow-Up Results of Neurostimulator in Overactive Bladder

March 2, 2019 - At the Winter 2019 meeting of the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction, an author presented three-year follow-up results of a prospective multi-center study of a wireless implantable tibial nerve stimulator in patients with overactive bladder. (UroToday)

Psychiatry Journal Publishes Recent Developments in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

March 2019 - An overview of transcranial magnetic stimulation in Current Psychiatry summarizes recent developments in the therapy. (MDedge)

Pain Fellows Invited to Enroll in a Neuromodulation Video Curriculum to Begin in July

March 1, 2019 -  "Pain Rounds with Dr. D" features interviews and demonstrations with established experts from academia and private practices around the country. Topics will include challenging lead placement, surgical skills, management of complications, patient selection, the evidence behind spinal cord stimulation, case-based scenarios, professional development, and more.

“Pain Rounds with Dr. D” is a video curriculum and research project on the fundamentals of neuromodulation from The Johns Hopkins Department of Anesthesiology, the Division of Pain Medicine and Dr. Shravani Durbhakula. It is a free series (password protected and by subscription only). Fellows who enroll will be expected to view the complete video series and fill out pre/post surveys for research purposes. (Johns Hopkins)

Study Evaluates Longterm Outcomes of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia

Feb. 22, 2019 - Co-authors in Russia evaluated one-year outcomes of spinal cord stimulation in patients with critical limb ischemia to see the influence of clinical determinants and factors related to systemic atherosclerosis. (Annals of Vascular Surgery)

Grant Supports Research Into Wireless Nerve Stimulation for Stroke Recovery

Feb. 20, 2019 - The Texas Biomedical Device Center announced a research grant from  of up to $3.5 million from the U.S. National Institutes of Health to support development of wireless nerve stimulation as an enhancement to stroke recovery. (Texas Biomedical Device Center)

Article Compares Amount of Paresthesia in Pain Patients from Different Modes of Neurostimulation

Feb. 25, 2019 - A sub-analysis compared paresthesia coverage of patients' pain in dorsal root ganglion stimulation versus spinal cord stimulation. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

Journal Article Details a Project to Develop a Closed-Loop, Peripheral, Neural Interface for an Amputee to Operate an Artificial Hand

Feb. 20, 2019 - A report in Science Robotics details a functional electrical stimulation project. In it, a 40-year-old woman in Rome, whose left forearm had been amputated more than two decades ago, was implanted with a peripheral neural interface designed to offer closed-loop control of bionic hands. The investigators included control algorithms intended to provide force and slippage sensations. (Science Robotics)

Presentation Concerns Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Certain Pain Patients

Feb. 19, 2019 - Researchers presented early clinical data about applying ultrasound at point-of-care to potentially address pain in two conditions. (Pain Medicine News)

Article Summarizes Device Options for Headache Disorders

Feb. 18, 2019 - An overview of neuromodulation and stimulation devices for headache disorders says that an increase in device development brought forward additional treatment options. (Neurology Live)

First Patient Implanted in a Pilot Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation in Treatment-Resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Feb. 18, 2019 - A woman with treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder in Canada has become the first person in a pilot trial in Toronto to be implanted with a deep brain stimulation system targeting the subgenual cingulate system. The trial will enroll up to five people. (The Globe and Mail)

Neurostimulator Receives CE Mark to Treat Overactive Bladder

Feb. 18, 2019 - Bioness, Inc. announced its tibial nerve stimulator was approved to treat overactive bladder in Europe. (Cision)

Researchers Observe Vagus Nerve Stimulation Effect on Pain Processing

Feb. 13, 2019 - Healthy volunteers were exposed to a painful heat stimulus while undergoing scans of brain activity in a study of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) effects, prior to an investigation of VNS in military veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder. (Pain News Network)

Researchers Investigate Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Epilepsy

Feb. 11, 2019 - A research project in the Netherlands is investigating noninvasive brain stimulation as a potential therapy for epilepsy. (Medical Xpress)

Publication Profiles North American Chapter President

Feb. 8, 2019 - The North American Neuromodulation Society president, Todd Sitzman, MD, is featured in a profile by the publication NeuroNews. (NeuroNews)

Article Features Patient who Received a Neurostimulation Implant for His Digestive Condition

Feb. 7, 2019 - An article profiles a man with gastroparesis in the U.K. who was implanted with a gastric electrical stimulator two months ago. (Daily Mail)

Observational Study Follows Recipients of Spinal Cord Stimulators

Feb. 7, 2019 - A prospective observational study that followed 402 patients for two years who had received a spinal cord stimulator was published in the European Journal of Pain. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

Neurofeedback Studied in Parkinson's Disease Patients

Feb. 6, 2019 - Osaka University researchers published clinical research in eNeuro concerning neurofeedback for Parkinson's disease patients. (News-Medical Life Sciences)

Implant Unveiled in Patient with Amputated Hand

Feb. 5, 2019 - A patient with an amputated hand in Sweden has received an implant designed to operate a prosthesis. (Industry Europe)

Canadian Province to Provide More Deep Brain Stimulation Access for Parkinson's Disease Patients

Feb. 5, 2019 - The province of British Columbia, Canada, announced plans to increase access to deep brain stimulation for patients with Parkinson's disease with recruitment of an additional neurosurgeon. The province will provide for 72 surgeries in the coming fiscal year. There are 70 patients on a wait list for the surgery. (CBC)

Neurostimulation Study Concentrates on Predominant Lower Back Pain

Feb. 1, 2019 - A study compared medical management alone and medical management with spinal cord stimulation for predominant lower back pain in failed back surgery syndrome patients. (Pain)

Article Surveys Current and Potential Opportunities for Canadian Patients with Depression to Use Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Feb. 3, 2019 - An article examines the potential to expand access to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression in Canada. (Globe and Mail)

Study Tracks Cognitive Function of Parkinson's Disease Patients after Deep Brain Stimulation

Feb. 1, 2019 - An observational study in Germany looked at Parkinson's disease patients who received deep brain stimulation, some of whom also had mild cognitive impairment, and tracked the progression to dementia in some of the patients. (Parkinsons News Today)

Researchers Investigate the Effects of Non-Invasive Nerve Stimulation on Tremor

Feb. 1, 2019 - Researchers published findings about transcutaneous alternating current stimulation of peripheral nerves and tremor. They also investigated placing the electrodes on the scalp above the motor cortex, and the effect of a topical anesthetic during that stimulation. (IEEE Spectrum)

Paper: Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation Helped Restore Movement for Two Paralyzed Patients in Their 50s - 60s

Jan. 31, 2019 - Researchers published about using epidural spinal cord stimulation to restore movement in two women who had paralysis-inducing spinal cord injury five and 10 years ago, respectively. (EurekAlert)

Study Investigates Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation to Address Negative Schizophrenia Symptoms

Jan. 30, 2019 - Researchers investigated transcranial magnetic stimulation to reduce negative symptoms in schizophrenia. (Science Daily)

Column Details Recovery and Early Stages of Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy

Jan. 29, 2019 - A woman describes her early months following deep brain stimulation surgery for Parkinson's disease. (Pendleton Times Post)

Study Evaluates Overactive Bladder Patients' Medication Use after Sacral Neuromodulation

Jan. 25, 2019 - A study found that more than 80% of overactive bladder patients who progressed to sacral neuromodulation discontinued their medications for the condition. (Journal of Urology)

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Being Studied to Augment Therapy for Stuttering

Jan. 26, 2019 - A clinical trial at the University of Oxford in the U.K. will explore transcranial direct current stimulation and training in verbal fluency as a possible therapy for stuttering. (The Guardian)

Column Considers the Future of Neuromodulation

Jan. 25, 2019 - In a column, Prof. Dirk De Ridder, MD, PhD, discusses how the future of neuromodulation should include three things: better understanding of the brain; better technology; and artificial intelligence to develop "smart" neuromodulation therapy. (NeuroNews)

Paper Analyzes Published Studies of Interventional Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Jan. 24, 2019 - A meta-analysis of published studies compared the effectiveness of neuroabaltion and deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant obsessive compulsive disorder. (British Medical Journal)

U.S. Spinal Cord Stimulation Training Survey Results Published

Jan. 22, 2019 - A survey of current and past fellows in pain management programs focused on the extent or nature of training in spinal cord stimulation implantation. (Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine)

Review Offers Updated Overview of Neurostimulation for Chronic Pain

Jan. 24, 2019 - An article on "Neurostimulation for Intractable Chronic Pain" reviews interventions, mechanisms of action, clinical indications, and suggests areas of future advancements. (Brain Sciences)

Deep Brain Stimulation Recipient in India Plans a Regional Tour to Teach About Managing Parkinson's Disease

Jan. 19, 2019 - A Parkinson's disease patient in India who has taken two road trips since 2016, after receiving a deep brain stimulation system, is planning a 40-day road trip with his wife that will cover 2,600 km from Bengaluru to Kathmandu. Along the way, he will educate people on managing the disease for a better life. (Deccan Herald)

Researchers: Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Motor Effects Can Be Caused by Non-invasive Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Jan. 17, 2019 - Researchers say they have isolated mechanisms showing the reported effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation on the motor system can be caused by transcutaneous stimulation of peripheral nerves. (Nature Communications)

Industry Association Unveils an Updated Code of Ethics

Jan. 9, 2019 - AdvaMed, the Advanced Medical Technology Association, has published an updated Code of Ethics on Interactions with U.S. Health Care Professionals that will take effect January 1, 2020. It updates guidance about a number of aspects, such as consulting arrangements, and adds guidance about factors such as conduct of company representatives and information about on- and off-label use of medical devices. (Lexology)

Column Presents Top Takeaways from an Expert Consensus Published in 2018

Jan. 11, 2019 - A column summarizes the top 10 takeaways from the 2018 publication, "The Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee on Best Practices for Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation." (NeuroNews International)

Review Summarizes Reports on Advanced Methods of Spinal Cord Stimulation

Jan. 9, 2019 - Updating a review from 2014, a newly published review summarizes reports from 2010 - 2018 on "Advanced methods of spinal stimulation in the treatment of chronic pain: pulse trains, waveforms, frequencies, targets and feedback loops." (Expert Review of Medical Devices)

Thought Leader Calls for Ottawa to Fund Better Mental Health Treatments

Jan. 9, 2019 - A medical columnist points out that more than 16 years after Health Canada approved repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression, the only provincial health authorities to cover the treatment are in Quebec and Saskatchewan. (Ottawa Citizen)

A Personal Account of Choosing Neurostimulation to Treat Peripheral Neuropathy Pain

Jan. 9, 2019 - A news feature tells the story of a man who developed peripheral neuropathy and chose neurostimulation rather than surgery to treat the chronic pain. (University of Kentucky)

Current Neuromodulation Treatments for Migraine Considered

Jan. 8, 2019 - An article summarizes the state of neuromodulation devices approved for migraine treatment. (Medscape)

Researchers Study Effect of Transcranial Stimulation on Motor Behavior

Jan. 4, 2019 - Researchers at the University of Tokyo studied the effect of transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) on motor behavior in healthy subjects. The stimulation modulates cortical excitability. The researchers compared ballistic pinch force control before, during and after tSMS and sham interventions. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Multicenter Study Reports Five-Year Experience of Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy for Urinary Voiding Dysfunction

Jan. 4, 2019 - A group of co-authors report on a five‐year, retrospective, multicenter study in China that evaluated the long‐term safety and efficiency of sacral neuromodulation in patients with urinary voiding dysfunction. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Journal Article Categorizes Intervention Complications

Jan. 3, 2019 - Co-authors categorized complications for dorsal root ganglion stimulation for pain relief, which were reported in the MAUDE (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience) database. (Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine)

Child With Respiratory Paralysis from Accident Receives Phrenic Nerve Stimulation Implant

Dec. 12, 2018 - A 7-year-old boy from Kenya who received a cervical spine injury when hit by a motor vehicle, and required mechanical ventilation, received a phrenic nerve stimulator and was weaned off the ventilator in India, allowing him to become more mobile one year after his injury. He will receive follow-up care in his own country. (Specialty Medical Dialogues)

Patient Gives Television Interview about Her Neurostimulation Device for Epilepsy

Dec. 10, 2018 - A local television news segment in Arkansas features a young woman with epilepsy who received a vagus nerve stimulation system. (KARK)

Clinical Trial Involves Targeted Drug Delivery in Pain Patients

Nov. 15, 2018 - The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University has enrolled the first patient in a phase III clinical trial to test the effectiveness of injecting a clonidine micropellet into the lower back to treat sciatica pain for up to one year. (WVU Today)

Scientists Investigate Meditation-Induced Modulation of Brain Response to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

November - December - Scientists who study coma and consciousness worked with an expert meditator to study how meditation affected response of the brain to transcranial magnetic stimulation. (Brain Stimulation)

Paper Explores Impact of Neurostimulation Treatment on Early Disability Pension

Nov. 26, 2018 - Co-authors in Finland published a case-controlled study of the effect of spinal cord stimulation on early disability pension in 198 patients who have failed back surgery syndrome. (Neurosurgery)

Research Into Stroke Lesions Suggests Potential Stimulation Targets for Arousal From Coma

Dec. 6, 2018 - A researcher suggests that stimulating structures deeper than the thalamus might be better for arousing someone from a coma, after he led a study into the location of stroke lesions and consciousness in the initial hours after a stroke. (Daily Iowan)

Researchers Publish Proof-of-Concept in Investigation of Motor Cortex Stimulation from an Electrode Array in a Blood Vessel

Dec. 4, 2018 - Collaborators in Australia published a preclinical proof-of-concept study in Nature Biomedical Engineering in which an electrode array mounted on an endovascular stent was used to stimulate cortical tissue, in sheep, from within a blood vessel. The focal motor-cortex stimulation is being investigated as a potential future treatment for conditions such as epilepsy or Parkinson's disease. (The Recorder)

Neurostimulation Aids Violinist Who Has Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in the Shoulder

Dec. 3, 2018 - A woman who developed complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) following surgery for an injury has been able to play and teach violin again after receiving a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implant. She initially received an SCS implant in her lower back for leg pain in 2014 that had confined her to a wheelchair. More recently, she received a second SCS implant in her cervical spine after CRPS symptoms appeared in her shoulder following shoulder surgery. (UAMS News)

Article Surveying Migraine Treatment Includes Neurostimulation

Dec. 1, 2018 - An article about pharmaceutical migraine treatments ends by mentioning noninvasive or minimally invasive neurostimulation approaches that have become available or are under study. (Washington Post)

Brain Stimulation Target Explored for Improving Depressed Mood

Nov. 29, 2018 - Researchers published research in which they explored the lateral orbitofrontal cortex as a stimulation target to improve mood. (Science Daily)

Interest Increases in Understanding Brain Oscillations' Role and Therapeutic Potential

Nov. 29, 2018 - An article discusses emerging interest in a possible role for gamma waves in mental processing, and mentions the development of potential neurostimulation therapies based on observations of neural oscillations. (Scientific American)

Researchers Pursue an Ultrasonic Implant to Stimulate and Record Brain Activity

Nov. 29, 2018 - With a grant of nearly $500,000 from the National Institutes of Health BRAIN Initiative, researchers have begun pursuing development of a wireless brain-monitoring implant. The envisioned device would rest on the surface of the brain and ultrasonically stimulate brain regions with the help of an external, wearable, unit. The ultimate goal is to record neural activity with high resolution, and possibly apply the technology to future deep-brain stimulation therapy for movement disorder, epilepsy, or other conditions. (Penn State)

Clinicians Explore Cerebellar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Post-Stroke Hemiparesis

Nov. 26, 2018 - An article in JAMA Neurology reports stimulating the cerebellum in post-stroke hemiparesis, using intermittent theta-burst magnetic stimulation in conjunction with physical therapy to improve gait and balance in patients who had ischemic stroke. (MedPage Today)

Paper Presents Six-Month Follow-up of Neurostimulation in Pain Patient with Brachial Plexus Injury

Nov. 27, 2018 - A team of co-authors in Italy report neurophysiological observations after switching from tonic to high-frequency spinal cord stimulation for six months in a pain patient who had brachial plexus root avulsion. 

Retrospective Analysis Evaluates 12-Month Pain Treatment Clinical Outcomes and Healthcare Utilization

Nov. 20, 2018 - In a retrospective analysis at a community-based pain facility, investigators evaluated clinical outcomes and healthcare utilization at 12 months post-spinal-cord-stimulator implant, compared with baseline and a matched sample of patients who received conventional medical management for low back and lower extremity pain. The analysis included tracking changing levels of opioid use. (Journal of Pain Research)

Feature Profiles a Brain-Machine Interface Researcher and a Paralyzed Patient

Nov. 26, 2018 - An article traces a years-long research project that led to two paralyzed patients controlling a robotic arm with their thoughts, using a brain-machine interface. (New Yorker)

Article Raises Awareness of Neurosurgery Advances in India

Nov. 17, 2018 - An article that gives examples of technological advances in neurosurgery in India mentions successful use earlier this year of deep brain stimulation to rouse a patient who had fallen into a coma due to hypoxic brain injury. (The Week)

Collaborators Present Their Approach to a Biofuel Cell for Microscale Biomedical Devices

Nov. 16, 2018 - Collaborators in the U.S. and Korea have demonstrated a potential future way of powering implanted medical devices. They created a biofuel cell that chemically converts glucose to electrical energy. The unit uses electrodes made of gold nanoparticles on cotton fiber, a substrate picked to enhance porosity, conductivity, and potential biocompatibility. (Endgadget)

Researchers Study Brain-Activity Response to Occipital Nerve Field Stimulation in Fibromyalgia

Nov. 12, 2018 - A research team published measurements from a positron emission tomography study in a few fibromyalgia patients who are being treated with occipital nerve field stimulation. They explored activation of pain pathways involved in descending inhibition, attention, and pain processing. (BMC Neurology)

Interview Traces an Evolution in Neuromodulation for Pain Relief

Nov. 8, 2018 - In an interview about the future of neuromodulation, Peter Staats, MD, a member of the International Neuromodulation Society, comments about the opportunity to avoid or minimize use of opioids for pain. (Pain Medicine News)

Review Considers Mechanisms of Action for Spinal Cord Stimulation

Nov. 8, 2018 - A review article proposes that the dorsal horn is a crucial site of action for spinal cord stimulation, and that dorsal islet cells may mediate its effects. (European Journal of Pain)

Researchers Publish Research Into Brain Activity Patterns Associated with Mood Changes

Nov. 8, 2018 - A study published in Cell provides data indicating brain network activity associated with mood change. (Scientific American)

Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Study Explores Effect on Chronic Low Back Pain

Nov. 8, 2018 - In a randomized, crossover, double-blind, sham-controlled pilot study in the Journal of Pain, presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, researchers investigated transcranial alternating current stimulation to target and enhance alpha oscillations in the somatosensory cortex of people with chronic lower back pain. (EurekAlert)

U.K. Man's Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome Improved with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Nov. 8, 2018 - A news feature describes the experience of a man who had complex post-traumatic stress syndrome for 24 years, which improved through repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. (Yorkshire Post)

Amputee's Prosthetic Hand Provides a Sense of Touch

Nov. 6, 2018 - An article describes the experience of the first hand amputee to receive a prosthesis that interfaces with sensory nerves to provide a sense of touch and grasp force. (FIU News)

Presentations Feature Neural Prosthetic and Rehabilitation Research

Nov. 6, 2018 - Presentations at the Society for Neuroscience dealt with neural stimulation systems for prosthetics and rehabilitation training to address blindness, amputation, stroke, and hand paralysis. (Science Daily)

Vestibular Electrical Stimulation is Being Explored to Restore Balance to Military Veterans

Nov. 5, 2018 - Researchers studying the effect of vestibular electrical stimulation on military veterans with balance deficits added an electrical noise pattern. They compared vets with healthy subjects to explore the potential therapeutic approach. (Science Daily)

Case Report Presents an Investigation of Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation to Arose an Unconscious Patient

Nov. 3, 2018 - Researchers in China report on trigeminal nerve stimulation to arose an unconscious patient. (Brain Stimulation)

Review Considers the State of Neuromoduation for Gastrointestinal Disorders

Nov. 2, 2018 - Australian researchers reviewed bioelectronic neuromodulation for gastrointestinal disorders, its effectiveness and mechanisms. (Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology)

Study Explores Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation to Decrease Chronic Pain from a Viral Infection

Oct. 30, 2018 - Scientists investigated the potential for transcranial direct current stimulation to reduce pain in patients with a chronic form of infection by the Chikungunya (CHIK) virus, a public health problem in Brazil. (Scientific Reports)

Non-invasive Neurostimulation Device Receives Marketing Approval in Canada

Oct. 29, 2018 - Health Canada has given marketing authorization for Helius Medical Technologies' portable neuromodulation stimulator as an adjunctive aspect of physical therapy for balance deficits following traumatic brain injury. The company also announced a partnership with the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research for investigational use of the device at three rehabiliation treatment sites in New York. (Market Watch)

Researchers in Switzerland Report on Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation after Spinal Cord Injury

Oct. 31, 2018 - Through application of precisely timed stimulation, three men with paralysis from spinal cord injury regained some ability to take steps again, mostly with support, researchers report. After months of combined rehabilitation and epidural spinal cord stimulation, they said the men also retained some voluntary muscle control when stimulation was switched off. (Nature)

Article Surveys Advances in Neurostimulation Therapy for Chronic Pain

Oct. 24, 2018 - An article provides an overview of several different options or advances among implantable or minimally invasive neurostimulation devices for chronic pain, including their potential mechanisms. (Current Anesthesiology Reports)

Case series: Early Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Children with Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy

November 2018 - In a review of 45 consecutive cases of children being implanted before the age of five (14) or after (31), with a mean follow-up of about five years, authors found early implantation led to improved cognition and quality of life. They saw no differences in seizure reduction rates or reduction of antiepileptic drugs between the two groups. (Epilepsy & Behavior)

Waiting Patients Seek Increased Access to Deep Brain Stimulation in British Columbia

Oct. 29, 2018 - Access to deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in British Columbia came up during a question period in the provincial legislature. An article about patients with Parkinson's disease describes how one who received it enjoys its benefits, while others who have been waiting up to three years worry their progressive disease will worsen until their therapeutic window of opportunity has closed. The provincial health minister said the number of scheduled interventions has increased from 23 to 36 this year. He added that the health authorities are working to set up the infrastructure for a second surgeon to start performing the procedure. (CBC)

Laboratory Project Demonstrates Converting Fiber Optics to Electrical Signal to Stimulate Neurons

Oct. 25, 2018 - In a published study, scientists demonstrated converting a light pulse delivered by an optical fiber to an electrical signal to stimulate neurons in acute hippocampal brain slices of a mouse or rat. They say a potential therapeutic advantage is that the neurons do not need genetic modification, as is required in optogenetics, to respond to the stimulus. (Photonics)

In a Small Study, Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation Reduced Lupus Pain

Oct. 20, 2018 - A sham-controlled safety and efficacy study of 12 lupus patients found that four daily sessions of vagus nerve stimulation delivered through the ear, using a proprietary external device, led to reduced pain scores after five days and 12 days. The results will be presented at the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Professionals annual meeting. (EurekAlert)

Study: Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Improved Response to Threat in Individuals with Anxiety

Oct. 17, 2018 - In a small randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 16 women with anxiety, a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation to the prefrontal cortex improved control of limbic threat reactivity, suggesting a mechanism that may underlie noninvasive brain stimulation for affective disorders. The stimulation reduced amygdala fear signaling and increased frontoparietal attentional control, thereby reducing attentional capture by threat. (JAMA Psychiatry)

U.S. Department of Defense Gives $1.3 Million Research Grant to Study Neurostimulation to Minimize Ischemic Damage after Traumatic Brain Injury

Oct. 16, 2018 - A researcher at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research has received $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Defense's "Foundational Research for Autonomous, Unmanned, and Robotics Development of Medical Technologies (FORwARD)" program for research into trigeminal nerve stimulation to increase cerebral blood flow and cerebrovasodilation to minimize "secondary injury" from ischemia and hypoxia following traumatic brain injury, as explained in a 2017 paper. (NewsDay)

Presentation: Improvements Seen After Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation

Oct. 15, 2018 - Data presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists regarding 67 patients with chronic back and leg pain noted clinical improvements after dorsal root ganglion stimulation. The patients were followed for up to 18 months. (Healio)

First UK Patient Receives Neurostimulation Implant in Clinical Trial of Heart Failure Device

Oct. 13, 2018 - An article describes the first UK patient to receive a neuromodulation implant that addresses heart failure, through an international clinical trial. The implant stimulates baroreceptors that regulate blood pressure. (Daily Mail)

Project Seeks to Develop an Adaptive Brain-Stimulation System for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Oct. 8, 2018 - Baylor College of Medicine is seeking research participants for an 18-month research study to classify symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder and other mood states to develop an adaptive deep brain stimulation to treat the condition. (Baylor College of Medicine)

Article Describes Cluster Headache Patient in the United Kingdom Receiving a Neurostimulation Device Designed for Occipital Nerve Stimulation

Oct. 8, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Ashish Gulve, MD, was quoted in an article in which his patient describes receiving occipital nerve stimulation in the UK for chronic cluster headache. He used a device that targets stimulation therapy to branches of the occipital nerve, the trigeminocervical complex. (Daily Mail)

Project Pursues an Electrical Stimulation System for Use after CNS Injury

Oct. 5, 2018 - A research project aims to develop an electrical stimulation system to use during the first two weeks or so following central nervous system injury, to enhance activity-dependent plasticity. The intent is to improve functional recovery in a relatively inexpensive fashion that could be adapted following spine injury or stroke. The project at Loyola University in Illinois is being supported by a $500,000 charitable grant. (EurekAlert)

Proposed Insurance Changes in Australia Raise Concerns about Access to Neuromodulation Therapy

Oct. 1, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Marc Russo, MD, was quoted in news coverage about a proposed change to private insurance in Australia that would limit access to medical device implants for pain to only the highest level of coverage. (The World Today)

Reviewers Publish Guidance on Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation

Sept. 24, 2018 - In a review article, the Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee issued guidance about the use of dorsal root ganglion stimulation, an evolving method, for chronic neuropathic pain. The committee's review covers indications, such as CRPS or groin pain, and unique considerations for lead placement and programming. An accompanying chart shows suggested levels for stimulation, based on the pain location. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Paralyzed Patient Stands Alone and Takes Steps after Rehabilitation with Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation

Sept. 24, 2018 - Nature Medicine reported how a spinal cord injury patient was able to stand and walk with assistance during a year-long course of rehabilitation augmented by epidural spinal cord stimulation. Mentioning this work in the U.S., an article in Australia discusses hope for similar programs to start there next year. (Science Daily)

Medical Center's New $20 Million Grant Will Help Fund Research Into Brain Stimulation to Treat Depression

Sept. 18, 2018 - The University of California, San Francisco has received a $20 million grant from the family of audio pioneer Ray Dolby. With this funding, the medical center will seek to start a brain-stimulation clinical trial in 2019. Using a network of electrodes on the surface of the brain, the study will investigate identifying and targeting dysfunctional brain circuits to treat depression. (The Mercury News)

Report: Epidural Spine Stimulation Improved Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Regulation in Spine Injury Patients

Sept. 17, 2018 - Research at the University of Louisville's Kentucky Spinal Cord injury Research Center, published in JAMA Neurology, described improvements four spine-injured patients experienced in blood pressure and heart rate regulation, after receiving spinal cord epidural stimulation. (EurekAlert)

Scientists Elucidate a Pain Circuit That Might Be a Therapeutic Target

Sept. 12, 2018 - In research that might eventually help to better target pain therapies such as spinal cord stimulation, scientists showed that particular cortical neurons in a mouse brain were responsible for amplifying painful sensations that are elicited by touch. The scientists think the feedback circuit formed by these neurons, which send projections to the dorsal horn, might be a target for treating the tactile component of neuropathic pain. (EurekAlert)

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Therapy Will Come to Zimbabwe

Sept. 12, 2018 - An article says repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy will be available at a private clinic in Zimbabwe by the end of the year. (Zimbabwe Daily)

Study Adds Evidence for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Address Drug Withdrawal

Sept. 12, 2018 - A sham-controlled study of transcranial magnetic stimulation in 48 men with methamphetamine addiction showed that 10 sessions of stimulation to the left dorsal-lateral prefrontal cortex curbed withdrawal symptoms, such as craving, anxiety, depression and sleep difficulties. (Healio)

Researchers Show Dopamine Sensors Function Over One Year in Laboratory Animals

Sept. 12, 2018 - Scientists report they have been able to use implanted electrodes to record dopamine levels for more than a year in the brains of laboratory rats. The implants, measuring 10 microns across, did not have evidence of surrounding tissue changes indicative of an immune reaction. (MIT News)

Family Shares Their Experience Treating Genetic Disorder with Deep Brain Stimulation

Sept. 12, 2018 - An article about a young woman with a genetic condition, Kleefstra syndrome, describes her experience managing some of its behavioral issues, such as tics and obsessive-compulsive behavior, with deep brain stimulation. (Spectrum)

Study Finds Improvements in Restless Leg Syndrome in Parkinson's Patients Who Have Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy

Sept. 10, 2018 - A retrospective study of 22 patients with Parkinson's disease, who received subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation surgery, showed improvements in symptoms of restless leg syndrome regardless of changes in their Parkinson's disease motor symptoms or medications. (Neurology Advisor)

Study Examines Differences in Response to Spinal Cord Stimulation in Smokers and Non-Smokers

Sept. 5, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Nagy Mekhail, MD, and colleagues published findings that among 213 pain patients, 12 months after receiving a spinal cord stimulator, smokers had higher pain scores than non-smokers or former smokers, and higher opioid pain medication use. The authors undertook the retrospective cohort study based on the hypothesis that smoking diminishes the analgesic response to spinal cord stimulation. (Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine)

Study Demonstrates Feasibility of Decoding Mood Variations from Neural Activity

Sept. 10, 2018 - Collaborators have published results of a feasibility study of mood state decoding. The researchers used data from seven patients who were undergoing brain-activity monitoring for epilepsy. They demonstrated that mood state variations can be decoded over time from neural activity. (EurekAlert)

Pilot Study Finds Evidence for Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation to Improve Female Sexual Dysfunction

Sept. 5, 2018 - Researchers published findings that nerve stimulation treatment used to treat bladder dysfunction might improve sexual function among women. After tests in rats showed increased blood flow from transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the genital region or ankle, the researchers recruited nine women with sexual dysfunction, who received 12 sessions of TENS. Eight of the women reported improvements that were as good, or better, than prior studies of different types of drugs or neuromodulation for the condition. (UPI.com)

Study Evaluates Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Over 12 Months

Aug. 31, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Frank Huygen, MD, PhD, and colleagues have published results of dorsal root ganglion stimulation in patients who were followed for 12 months. The study, which appears in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface, enrolled 66 patients at three centers in 2012 - 2013. Permanent implants were placed in 56 of the patients, who had a variety of pain diagnoses. After 12 months, 82% of the patients achieved at least a 30% reduction in pain scores, with 49% experiencing a reduction of 50% or more. The authors noted the patients had increases in functional capacity, mood, and quality of life. (NeuroNews)

Pilot Study: Development of Tremor Slowed in Parkinson's Disease Patients Who Received Early-Stage Deep Brain Stimulation

Aug. 29, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Peter Konrad, MD, PhD, was quoted in an article about an analysis of data from a pilot clinical study of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in early-stage Parkinson's disease. The analysis, published in Neurology, indicates tremor progression slowed during two years of follow-up in the patients who received DBS. A phase III clinical study, in up to 280 patients at 18 centers, has received FDA approval. (The Tennessean)

Study Finds Evidence for Intrathecal Baclofen in Patients with Severe Post-Stroke Spasticity

Aug. 27, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Michael Creamer, DO, and colleagues have published results of secondary outcome measures from the Spasticity In Stroke–Randomized Study (SISTERS) that compared patients with severe post-stroke spasticity who received either intrathecal baclofen (ITB) or conventional medical management. The phase 4 study included 60 patients at centers in Europe and the U.S. The authors concluded that the patients who received ITB therapy had comparative improvements in pain and quality of life. (Stroke)

Researchers Identify Conditions for Re-Growth of Axons in Spine-Injured Laboratory Animals

Aug. 29, 2018 - Researchers have demonstrated re-growth of axons across a complete spinal cord injury in mice and rats. The new pathways exhibited some ability to conduct electrical activity upon stimulation. The research was published in Nature magazine. (R&D Magazine)

Review Assesses Cervical Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Primary Headache Disorders

Aug. 27, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Thomas Kinfe, MD, PhD, and colleagues have published a review that evaluates invasive and noninvasive stimulation of the cervical branch of the vagal nerve for episodic or chronic migraine and cluster headache. They conclude that response to noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation seemed most favorable in episodic headache subtypes. (Dove Press)

Study: Vagus Nerve Stimulation Led to Improved Quality of Life Scores for Patients with Depression

Aug. 27, 2018 - A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry compared 328 patients with depression who had implanted vagus nerve stimulators, and 271 patients who only received treatment as usual. The patients who received vagus nerve stimulation had significant gains in quality of life, such as mood, ability to work, social relationships, family relationships and leisure activities. (China.org.cn)

Article Heightens Awareness of Spinal Cord Stimulation

Aug. 25, 2018 - An article about spinal cord stimulation says Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust is gathering new data to be presented later this year. International Neuromodulation Society member Ganesan Baranidharan, MBBS FRCA FCARCSI, was quoted as describing how life-altering the treatment can be. (Daily Mail)

Project to Reconnect Nerves following Spinal Cord Injury Receives $3.5 Million European Research Grant

Aug. 24, 2018 - The European Commission’s Horizon 2020 Future and Emerging Technologies program has granted $3.5 million over four years for a prototype ByAxon device to bridge a spinal cord injury, and reconnect nerves on either side. The ByAxon project began in 2017 in an interdisciplinary consortium of research institutions from Spain, France, Italy and Germany. (Healthcare IT)

Researchers Use Laboratory-Cultured Neural Tissue to Study Potential Electrical Stimulation Effects Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Aug. 23, 2018 - Researchers at the University of Georgia have replicated the effects of traumatic brain injury and recovery in stem-cell-derived neurons, using glutamate and electrical stimulation. In a concussion-like effect, glutamate disrupted synchronous activity of the cultured neural tissue. Then, dozens of miniature electrodes arrayed on the laboratory culture dish were used to stimulate recovery. The observations may help the researchers devise ways to guide stimulatory patterns -- at multiple levels of individual neurons, neural tissue, and the brain -- to ultimately develop wearable therapeutic stimulation devices. (Science Daily)

Review Summarizes First-line Options for Intrathecal Therapy for Chronic Pain

Aug. 22, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society members Timothy Deer, MD; Jason Pope, MD; Michael Hanes, MD; and Gladstone McDowell, II, MD have published a review of first-line medication options for intrathecal therapy for chronic pain. The article summarizes recommendations of the 2016 Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC), and draws upon more than 100 published studies regarding non-cancer pain and cancer pain. In conclusion, the authors reiterate PACC guidelines that recommend morphine and ziconotide as first-line monotherapy for cancer-related and non–cancer-related pain. (Pain Medicine)

Non-Invasive Stimulation Helped Spine-Injury Patients Improve Bladder Control

Aug. 22, 2018 - Investigators report in Scientific Reports a double-blinded, crossover study in which five spinal-cord injury patients improved bladder control after four months of weekly transcutaneous magnetic stimulation sessions to the lower spine, administered at 1 Hz using a device that is normally used for transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment. The researchers said the benefit lasted up to two weeks post-stimulation. The stimulation targeted the T12-L1 level of the spine, over the conus medullaris. (Health Day)

Study: Non-invasive Neurostimulation Improved Symptoms of Neurodegenerative Ataxias

Aug. 22, 2018 - Researchers report in Neurology a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled crossover trial of transcranial magnetic stimulation (tDCS) in 20 patients with neurodegenerative ataxias. The patients' symptoms improved for up to three months after receiving tDCS for five days a week for two weeks. (EurekAlert)

Researchers Investigate Non-invasive Stimulation in Speech Therapy for Post-Stroke Aphasia

Aug. 20, 2018 - A double-blind randomized clinical trial of transcranial direct current stimulation in stroke patients with aphasia showed that combining the treatment with speech therapy nearly doubled the number of words patients were able to name correctly, compared to sham; 13.9 words for the group that received stimulation vs. 8.3 words for the sham treatment group. The researchers plan a larger trial and plan to publish a follow-up paper about genetic differences related to tDCS response. (MedPage Today)

Article Describes Planned Study of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Gastric Disorders

Aug. 20, 2018 - A sham-controlled clinical trial at Massachusetts General Hospital will involve a single session of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation of a branch of the vagus nerve on the earlobe. The study participants will have MRI brain scans and tests of electrical activity in the gut after having eaten a meal to assess effects of the stimulation. The study will investigate effects on gastroparesis and indigestion in 50 patients. (Daily Mail)

Laboratory Project Would Demonstrate a Nervous System Implant that Combines Electrical, Chemical, Thermal, and Optical Functionalities

July 31, 2018 - A five-year, 1.5 million Euro project to develop neuroprosthetic implants for the brain with electrical, chemical, thermal and optical modes has been approved by the European Research Council at the Dresden University of Technology. The project, known as Integrated Implant Technology for Multimodal Brain Interfaces (IntegraBrain), will begin with demonstration in rats of a cortical interface to control focal seizures, and a peripheral nerve interface to control visceral function. (TU Dresden)

Manitoba Clinic Seeks Participants for Study of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Depression

Aug. 8, 2018 - A Manitoba, Canada clinic will participate in a clinical trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treatment-resistant depression. The article states that although the provinces of Quebec and Saskatchewan cover rTMS for mood disorders, Manitoba Health decided against covering it in 2016. The clinic opened in 2012 and has a six-month waiting list. Its management has been fundraising and applying for grants to help cover costs for patients who cannot afford to pay for the treatment. (CBC)

Paper Presents Data on the Use of Deep Brain Stimulation in Meige Syndrome

Aug. 7, 2018 - In a two-patient case study of deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus interna to address disabling muscle contractions of Meige syndrome, the authors in the U.K. and Portugal included a literature review of 82 cases, with pooled data showing a 60% improvement at a mean follow-up of about five years. The two patients in the case study were followed for two years, and improved motor symptoms of their craniocervical dystonia. (Neurology Advisor)

Large Dataset Analysis: From 57 - 72% Success for Sacral Nerve Stimulation Trials

Aug. 5, 2018 - An analysis of 1,396 patients who were trialed for a sacral nerve stimulation system from 2005 - 2011 in California found trial success rates of 72% for overactive bladder, 69% for urgency/frequency, 68% for interstitial cystitis, 67% for neurogenic bladder, and 57% for urinary retention. The analysis used non-public data from the California Office of Statewide Planning and Development's ambulatory surgery database. The article noted that although the rates were less than at some academic centers, they were better than previously reported tor Medicare beneficiaries. (Uro Today)

Percutaneous Neurostimulation Model for Overactive Bladder Investigates Activation of Saphenous Nerve  

Aug. 4, 2018 - Researchers explored the extent to which percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation co-activates the adjacent saphenous nerve, which animal studies indicate can evoke a bladder-inhibitory reflex. In their finite element model, they determined the electrode location and stimulation amplitude were important variables. (Uro Today)

Panel Evaluates Appropriateness of Treatment Options for Persistent Pain After Surgery

July 25, 2018 - Eight members of the International Neuromodulation Society are among the 19 neurosurgeons, pain specialists, and orthopedic surgeons who assessed appropriateness of four treatment options for 210 clinical scenarios of persistent pain after back surgery. The four treatment options were conservative, minimally invasive, neurostimulation, and re-operation. Neurostimulation was considered appropriate for predominant neuropathic leg pain in the absence of conditions that may require surgical intervention. (European Spine Journal)

Retrospective Analysis Evaluates Factors Affecting Success of Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Trials

Aug. 7, 2018 - In a physician-initiated analysis, 14 members of the International Neuromodulation Society looked for factors affecting the success of trialing dorsal root ganglion stimulation in 217 chronic pain patients in the U.S. Roughly half the patients (104) had a diagnosis other than complex regional pain syndrome. The authors found the treatment is most effective in focal neuropathic pain, especially in the distribution of a specific peripheral nerve. The most significant determinant of response was paresthesia coverage. For that reason, the authors recommend using at least two leads for the area being treated. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Study: Three-dimensional Target Mapping Aided Brain Stimulation Efficacy

Aug. 3, 2018 - Three-dimensional subthalamic nucleus mapping led to better 12-month outcomes in Parkinson's disease patients who underwent deep brain stimulation surgery, according to a randomized controlled study of 76 patients in Oslo. The cohort who had multiple microelectrode recordings to optimize lead placement did better than the control group whose target stimulation was guided by single sequential microelectrodes. (Neurology Advisor)

Case Series: Pelvic Pain Patients Responded to Novel Neurostimulation Configuration

Aug. 1, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society members Corey Hunter, MD, and Ajax Yang, MD, published a case series in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface concerning seven patients with chronic pelvic pain who were successfully trialed with neurostimulation leads placed over the bilateral L1 and S2 dorsal root ganglia. The patients' conditions had been resistant to conventional treatment, the the lead configuration was intended to cover the upper and lower part of the painful pelvic area. The report says that so far, four of the patients received implants between 3 - 12 months ago, and continue to experience pain relief, treatment satisfaction, and functional improvement. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Paper Presents Hypothesis for Pathophysiology of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Suggests Investigating Immunomodulatory Interventions

July 27, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society members Marc Russo, MBBS DA(UK)FANZCA, FFPMFANZCA, and Peter Georgius, MBBS, FFPMANZCA, FAFRM, have published an open-access paper in Medical Hypotheses with Danielle Santarelli, PhD, with a hypothesis for the pathophysiology of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). They say CRPS might best be considered a dynamic, multi-component disease with immune-neurological elements. They suspect an underlying factor could be activation and subsequent overactivity of dendritic cells, which are responsible for immunosurveillance. They present four components whose extent and impact likely varies from patient to patient: tissue trauma, abnormal pain processing, autonomic dysregulation, and immune system alteration. They conclude that a new research area to explore could be inhibition of inflammatory dendritic cell activation, such as through administering immunomodulatory drugs, or possibly, vagus nerve stimulation. (Medical Hypotheses)

Winner Announced for 2018 Science & PINS Prize for Neuromodulation

Aug. 2, 2018 - The winner and finalist for the Science & PINS Prize for Neuromodulation have been announced. The winner receives $25,000. Both the winner and finalist have the essays they submitted for the competition published in Science magazine. Nir Grossman, PhD, of the Imperial College London, is the 2018 winner. His essay described research into non-invasively stimulating subcortical brain structures through applying multiple electric fields at slightly different frequencies within the kHz range. This creates temporal interference that allows a stimulating field to penetrate more deeply. The stimulation location can be guided by altering the relative amplitude and orientation of the applied field. Having demonstrated the work in mice, he said deep brain stimulation is more narrowly localized, and suggested that a subdural version of the new approach might be considered. The finalist, Aryn Gittis, PhD, of Carnegie Mellon University, wrote an essay about potentially being able to repair neural circuit dysfunction, as suggested by optogenetic experiments in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease, through stimulation of a subset of neurons in the external globus pallidus. (EurekAlert)

Stimulation Method Aims to Modify Underlying Disease

July 25, 2018 - A news feature says bioelectronic medicine is intended to modify underlying disease through brief daily stimulation of a few minutes or less. The article explains the emerging field is being initially explored to address inflammatory, metabolic, and endocrine disorders. (MD+DI)

Parkinson's Disease Patient with Neuropathy Reduces Reliance on Pain Medication After Spinal Cord Stimulation, Improves Mobility

July 26, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Frank McDonnell, MD was quoted in a news segment about a Parkinson's disease patient with peripheral neuropathy who reduced his need for opioids and pain medication through use of a spinal cord stimulator that also improved the tremor from his movement disorder. The patient said he could resume activities he used to enjoy and get around again without relying on a walker. (www.14news.com)

Project Endeavors to Create a Brain-Stimulation Helmet

July 24, 2018 - The Xinhua news agency reported that scientists and engineers in Shenzhen are working on a brain-stimulation helmet to enhance brain function, emotional regulation, and memory through brain stimulation. The device monitors brainwaves and provides cortical stimulation, and eventually, may provide deeper stimulation. The article says a prototype device that incorporates artificial intelligence technology has been demonstrated to enhance performance on a memory task by volunteers. (Health Thoroughfare)

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Aided Memory Performance

July 23, 2018 - In a sham-controlled study,16 people trained to detect targets in complex visual scenes performed better on a related task the next day after receiving brain stimulation during sleep that matched slow-wave oscillations dominant at that time. The stimulation was delivered through a closed-loop transcranial alternating current system. Results of the study appeared in the Journal of Neuroscience. (EurekAlert)

Wireless Stimulation Used for Laboratory Nerve-Regrowth Project

July 23, 2018 - In research with potential implications for application in people, scientists report on an approach to use stimulation for regrowth of an injured peripheral nerve. They demonstrated regrowth of a severed sciatic nerve in rats that had received a bioadhesive cuff over the injury containing a gold band. The band acted as an antenna when the rats were exposed weekly, for three months, to a magnetic field from a transcranial magnetic stimulator. The combination of a regrowth scaffold and the wireless stimulation were credited with contributing to the recovery. Typically, axon regeneration is minimal following peripheral nerve injury. (Technology Review)

Scientists Explore Modulation of Brain's Reward Circuitry and Anti-Tumor Immune Response in Mice

July 18, 2018 - Nature Communications reported stimulation of the ventral tegmental area, part of the brain's reward system, in mice led to reduction in the size and weight of tumors. The authors point out the brain circuit activated by the stimulation affects immunity, saying the stimulation apparently modulated an anti-tumor immune response. The stimulation was carried out using modified cell-surface receptors and a targeted stimulatory ligand. The researchers have begun a collaboration in Tel Aviv to see if immune effects can be triggered in humans by directly stimulating the reward circuit, according to Scientific American. (Newsweek)

Review Examines Five Decades of Research on Supraspinal Mechanisms in Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain

July 17, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society members Eellan Sivanesan, MD; Bent Linderoth, MD, PhD; Yup Guan, MD, PhD; and colleagues have published a review of supra spinal mechanisms in spinal cord stimulation based on clinical and preclinical studies concerning chronic pain treatment. (Anesthesiology)

Analysis: Equivalent Outcomes for Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation With, or Without, Paresthesia

July 18, 2018 - A subgroup analysis of 61 patients with complex regional pain syndrome who received dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation demonstrated that the patients with no paresthesia generally reported equivalent or better outcomes compared to the 41 who experienced paresthesia. The data were gathered during the multicenter controlled randomized ACCURATE study that compared DRG stimulation with spinal cord stimulation. The results were presented in a poster at the 2017 annual meeting of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. (Pain Medicine News)

Research Program Would Broaden Application of Neural Interfaces to Able-Bodied Service Members

July 17, 2018 - The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency will be selecting teams for its Next-Generation Non-Surgical Neurotechnology, or N3, program to develop neural interfaces for members of the military to enable neural recording and stimulation for applications meant for able-bodied war fighters. (Nextgov)

Article: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation of the Vagus Nerve May Address Memory, Behavior Issues in Dementia

July 17, 2018 - An article summarizes research into the possibility that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of the vagus nerve may help improve memory or behavior in dementia. (Newsmedical.net)

Anorexia Nervosa Patients in Spain Offered Deep Brain Stimulation

July 12, 2018 - An article says that doctors in Spain are believed to be the first in Europe to use brain stimulation implants to treat anorexia nervosa. According to news reports, three of the four patients who were treated saw improvements in their symptoms. (Newsweek)

Sacral Nerve Stimulation Helps Spine-Injured Woman Regain Some Mobility and Function

July 11, 2018 - A young woman from Colombia whose lower back was broken 10 years ago is regaining some function in her legs and bladder after receiving a bilateral sacral nerve stimulation implant last year. Her Los Angeles-based surgeon first encountered her as a visiting professor in Bogotá. He believes she will make further progress beyond her current new ability to now stand and walk for 10 minutes at a time, with the help of leg braces. (UCLA)

Autism Study Compares Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Targets

July 10, 2018 - Australian researchers have begun a clinical trial of theta-burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in 14-30 year-olds with autism spectrum disorder. The study compares stimulation at the right temporoparietal junction and the bilateral dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, which the research team previously showed improved social relating. Up to 20 participants will be followed for 12 months. (Deakin University)

Collaborators Demonstrate Recording Brain's Response to Electrical Simulation

July 6, 2018  - Researchers demonstrated a proof-of-concept system that was created through a collaboration to record the brain's response to electrical stimulation.(IEEE Spectrum)

Woman is Reportedly the First in Her State in India to Receive a Spinal Cord Stimulator for Chronic Pain

July 4, 2018 - A 59-year-old woman with postherpetic neuralgia affecting her chest is said to be the first patient in the Indian state of Kerala to be implanted with a spinal cord stimulator to manage her chronic pain. (New Indian Express)

Compound Might Enable Therapeutic Neuromodulation Through Magnetomechanical Stimulation

June 27, 2018 - Researchers have reported in Advanced Materials creation and neural testing of a 3D magnetic hyaluronic hydrogel they say can be developed as a biomaterial to provide remote neuromodulation via magnetomechanical stimulation. (Science Translational Medicine)

Retrospective Study: Evidence for Spinal Cord Stimulation to Relieve Low Back Pain from Degenerative Disk Disease

July 6, 2018 - An article summarizes a retrospective study by International Neuromodulation Society member Stephen Pyles, MD, and colleagues. In it, 45 patients with horizontal low back pain and lumbar degenerative disk disease were followed for one year after receiving spinal cord stimulator implants. A significant fraction of the patients experienced pain reduction. The researchers reported that stimulation at T7 worked well 87% of the time, and leads were moved up or down if that location was ineffective. For the first 24 hours, the patients received conventional stimulation that evoked paresthesias. For the second 24 hours, they received subthreshold stimulation. On the third day, they were allowed to select which stimulation program they preferred. (Pain Medicine News)

Study: Brain Stimulation Study Showed Change in Aggressive Intent

July 2, 2018 - Researchers published a double-blind, randomized controlled study in the Journal of Neuroscience in which volunteers who received active transcranial direct current stimulation to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were less likely to express aggressive intent than volunteers who received a sham treatment. (Washington Post)

Study: Early Deep Brain Stimulation May Slow Progression of Tremor in Parkinson's Disease

June 30, 2018 - Deep brain stimulation (DBS) may slow development of tremor, according to a post-hoc analysis in a study that compared optimal medical therapy alone with optimal medical therapy plus DBS in patients with early Parkinson's disease. The study began at Vanderbilt University in 2006 with a total of 28 patients. The analysis appeared in early view in the journal Neurology. Following these findings, starting in 2019, Vanderbilt will lead an FDA-approved, Phase III multicenter study that will enroll up to 280 people with very early Parkinson's disease. (News-Medical.net)

Review Considers Investigations of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Treat Chronic Pain

June 26, 2018 - A literature review summarizes evidence of the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation for treating chronic pain. The authors consider stimulation parameters, combination therapies, and selection of research participants. (The Journal of ECT)

Study: Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial May Be Unnecessary for Certain Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Patients

August 2018 - Clinicians in Brazil published data about 33 spinal cord stimulation recipients who had unequivocal diagnoses of complex regional pain syndrome type 1. They say the data from this group, who were among 160 patients implanted with spinal cord stimulators from 2011 - mid 2017, suggest that a trial phase may be unnecessary in this subgroup of patients. They add that the patients received a constant current implant and that intraoperative testing was used to determine the precise location of the implant. (Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery)

10-Year Followup Found Lower Risk of Psychosis or Falls in Parkinson's Disease Patients Who Received Deep Brain Stimulation

June 21, 2018 - Deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the subthalamic nucleus was associated with fewer falls and less psychosis during 10 years of followup, compared to controls, according to results presented at the Congress of the European Academy of Neurology 2018 meeting. The results were based on 53 patients who received DBS and 52 patients who did not. Over time, 25% of the DBS patients and 52% of patients in the control group developed hallucinations or delusions. In both groups, nearly three-fourths had recurrent falls, but the DBS group had fewer falls overall. (Medscape)

Television Segment Portrays Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for Chronic Extremity Pain

June 20, 2018 - A television segment features a woman with chronic foot pain who received a dorsal root ganglion stimulator through the UK National Health Service. In the segment, she is shown just before and during the procedure, and then walking unaided soon after recovery. (BBC)

Newspaper Reports First Colorectal Patients to Receive Sacral Nerve Stimulators in Dubai

June 21, 2018 - Two patients in Dubai received sacral nerve stimulation systems for colorectal problems. An article says their hospital is the first in the emirate to perform these implants for fecal incontinence and chronic constipation. (Gulf Today)

Scholarship Winner Works on Flexible Spinal Cord Stimulation Arrays

June 21, 2018 - An undergraduate university student in Texas who is working on neuromodulation projects was featured in an article about scholarship recipients. One project is for a spinal cord stimulator array that is stiff at room temperature, but softens and becomes more flexible after implantation. She will spend the summer at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne on a project to to augment recovery after spinal cord injury. (University of Texas at Dallas)

Engineers Use Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation to Add Sensations to Prosthetic Hand

June 20, 2018 - An article in Science Robotics describes how a research team added a sense of touch to a prosthetic hand by electrically stimulating peripheral nerves in a volunteer amputee's arm in a pattern that replicated behavior of mechanoreceptors and nociceptors, in response to tactile qualities detected by the surface of the prosthesis, such as sharp edges. The volunteer said the sensations felt like they were coming from a phantom hand. (Gizmodo)

Doctoral Student Develops New Targeting System for Deep Brain Stimulation

June 20, 2018 - A PhD candidate in the Netherlands has created an apparatus for targeting deep brain stimulation that is anticipated to be faster to use, and to aid surgical accuracy. (Medical Xpress)

Researchers: Brain-Computer Interface Aided Motor Recovery from Stroke

June 20, 2018 - Researchers in Switzerland report in Nature Communications that stroke survivors with partial arm paralysis made more progress when functional electrical stimulation of their affected hand was timed to coincide with their intent to move as detected by a brain-computer interface (BCI), compared to a control group that received hand-muscle stimulation that was not timed to coincide with the detectable brain activity. Overall 27 patients participated. Significant improvement was seen in the group that had BCI-directed stimulation after 10 hour-long sessions. The authors report that in the BCI-directed group, EEGs showed increased connections in the motor cortex of the damaged brain hemisphere, noting that at a six-month followup, the functional improvement continued. (EurekAlert)

Researchers: Brain-Computer Interface Aided Motor Recovery from Stroke

June 20, 2018 - Researchers in Switzerland report in Nature Communications that stroke survivors with partial arm paralysis made more progress when functional electrical stimulation of their affected hand was timed to coincide with their intent to move as detected by a brain-computer interface (BCI), compared to a control group that received hand-muscle stimulation that was not timed to coincide with the detectable brain activity. Overall 27 patients participated. Significant improvement was seen in the group that had BCI-directed stimulation after 10 hour-long sessions. The authors report that in the BCI-directed group, EEGs showed increased connections in the motor cortex of the damaged brain hemisphere, noting that at a six-month followup, the functional improvement continued. (EurekAlert)

Study: Deep Brain Stimulation to the Fornix Appears to Slow Progression of Mild Alzheimer's Disease in Older Patients

June 19, 2018 - In a Phase II clinical trial of deep brain stimulation to the fornix for mild Alzheimer's disease, an analysis shows that patients over age 65 benefited the most by appearing to have a slower progression of the disease. In the study, 42 patients were implanted, and after a 12-month randomization period in which half the patients did not receive simulation, all the patients had their electrodes turned on and were followed for another 12 months. (Medical Xpress)

Findings Suggest Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation May Help Improve Disorders of Consciousness

June 18, 2018 - Disorders of consciousness might be improved by non-invasive brain stimulation, suggests an expert who spoke at the 4th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology in Lisbon. In a study, his research group found the extent of impairment fluctuated when they scored coma ratings four times a day. They saw improvements after a session of transcranial direct current stimulation, with improvement lasting up to a week after five consecutive daily stimulation sessions. (News-Medical.net)

Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Study Aims to Improve Stroke Recovery

June 18, 2018 - A research team at Murdoch University are looking for 10 stroke survivors for a study of non-invasive brain stimulation to help improve balance, reaching and grasping. (Melville Times)

UK Boy with Epilepsy Receives a Newly Approved Vagus Nerve Stimulation System that Detects Seizure Onset

June 17, 2018 - A 9-year-old boy in England became the first patient in Europe to receive a vagus nerve stimulation system that detects the onset of epileptic seizures. The National Health Service provided the device after CE mark was granted in April. The patient was born with a rare brain malformation, lissencephaly, which causes his seizures and made him ineligible for brain surgery. (Daily Mail)

Engineers Work on Potential Ultrasound Neurostimulation Device

June 15, 2018 - Researchers at Stanford University are working on an implanted stimulator that would be powered and programmed with ultrasound. The concept consists of a body-worn ultrasound transmitter to power a deeply implanted piezoelectric receiver, which converts ultrasound energy to electricity. The design has a capacitor for storing electricity, two stimulating electrodes, an LED, and custom circuitry. The implant would not only be powered by converting ultrasound energy, but also programmable through amplitude modulation of the ultrasound waveform. (PC Magazine)

Patient Describes Participating in Vagus Nerve Stimulation Study for Crohn's Disease

June 14, 2018 - An article about SetPoint Medical's small clinical trial of vagus nerve stimulation for Crohn's disease features an interview with a patient who has seen a reduction in symptoms. The patient from New Jersey spoke at a bioelectronic medicine conference in Stockholm, hosted by the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and the Karolinska Institutet. Preliminary results of the 16-person study were presented in a poster at the Digestive Disease Week meeting in Washington, D.C. earlier in the week. (IEEE Spectrum)

Article Describes Percutaneous Direct Current Treatment of Injuries and Severe Cluster Headache

June 14, 2018 - A case series of cluster headache, a torn quadriceps muscle, and stained ankle with ruptured ligament were reported in a journal article about translating the electrical signals that stimulate wound healing into a direct current stimulation applied to percutaneous metal probes, which the authors claim provided an effective treatment. (Medical Devices: Evidence and Research)

Wait Times Questioned for Deep Brain Stimulation in British Columbia

June 13, 2018 - An article about a Parkinson's disease patient in the Vancouver area who may have a roughly two-year wait for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery describes her efforts to encourage the provincial government to fund an additional operating room to cut waiting times. While she fears missing her therapeutic window, she would like to see access improved for all the patients in her province. International Neuromodulation Society member Christopher Honey, MD, PhD comments in the article that he has trained another neurosurgeon but they need a second operating room so more procedures can be scheduled. The article says that while the average for DBS surgery is one surgeon per two million people, in their province of British Columbia, the rate is one surgeon per 4.5 million people. The journalist has also written a column encouraging others to join the letter-writing campaign. (Abbotsford News)

Column Envisions Continued Development of Closed-Loop Neurostimulation to Treat Additional Conditions

June 11, 2018 - A guest column from research leaders at Battelle describes required elements of closed-loop neurostimulation systems, and acknowledges existing commercial closed-loop devices by Saluda and Neuropace. The authors anticipate that "as more is learned about how the nervous system regulates body systems, the potential applications for bioelectronic treatments will continue to grow." They said additional chronic conditions might be addressed by closed-loop systems through identifying biomarkers; further development of biocompatible materials; and creation of better algorithms. (Medical Device Online)

Article Describes Growing Interest in India in Neuromodulation Treatments for Psychiatric Conditions

June 10, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Paresh Doshi, MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Neurosurgery), was quoted in an article about access to neuromodulation for depression in India. According to the article, Dr. Doshi said the Mental Health Act of 2017 allows psychiatric surgery to be performed if overseen by an ethics committee or hospital review board. At his hospital in Mumbai, there have been 14 deep brain stimulation surgeries on patients for obsessive compulsive disorder and depression, including three from Australia and two from the U.S. There also are plans to offer repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation for depression. (Daily News and Analysis India)

Television Segment Presents Neurostimulation as an Alternative to Reliance on Pain Medication

June 6, 2018 - A news segment about a woman who was confined to her recliner and depended on a walker for a decade after her car accident says she learned about spinal cord stimulation from a Facebook group for chronic pain sufferers. Since receiving her device, she has been able to reduce her pain medications and become more active. Her physician pointed out the drug-free advantages of neurostimulation. (WSBT)

Overview of Pain Therapy Development Acknowledges Growth in Neuromodulation

June 6, 2018 - A column about the evolution of pain therapies mentions the rise in opioid-based treatments as well as two decades of growth in neuromodulation therapies as neurostimulation devices have become more advanced. (Neurology Reviews)

Auditory Brainstem Implants Now Available in New Zealand

June 5, 2018 - Six patients, aged 4 to 57 years, received the first auditory brainstem implants available in New Zealand, over the course of five days. The implant provides some sense of hearing for people whose auditory nerve is missing or damaged. (Scoop Sci-Tech)

Researchers Envision Prototype Wireless Implant Might Provide Brain Stimulation

June 4, 2018 - Researchers from MIT and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston plan to present their preclinical work at a meeting in August on prototype miniaturized implants that can receive power and communicate wirelessly, potentially being able to provide brain stimulation. (UPI)

A Medical Device Registry is Being Launched by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

June 1, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hosted a daylong summit on the launch of a registry among its insured populace to track medical implant devices, which might include cardiac pacemakers, joint replacements, and neurosurgical implants. (U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs)

Column Discusses Potential for Neurostimulation and Other Technologies to Address the Opioid Epidemic

June 1, 2018 - A column about a recent FDA call for medical technology to address the opioid epidemic points out that spinal cord and nerve stimulation systems are pain management solutions that could curb opioid use. The article notes that the FDA is "open to developers of currently marketed devices who are interested in demonstrating that their device has an improved benefit-risk profile as compared to opioids in the management of pain." In addition, the article notes that a nerve stimulator by the company Innovative Health Solutions received FDA approval last year to be used for opioid withdrawal. (MD+DI)

Clinicians Publish Article About Introducing a Sense of Position to a Prosthetic Limb

May 30, 2018 - Researchers published an article in Science Translational Medicine about implantation of a below-the-knee prosthetic leg  that was designed to give a sense of leg position (proprioception) by interfacing with the peripheral nervous system. (MIT News)

Non-Invasive Brain-Stimulation Device Maker Files for $86 Million Initial Public Offering

June 1, 2018 - Neuronetics, Inc. filed for an initial public offering valued at more than $86 million. The company, which plans to trade on the NASDAQ exchange, said it intends to expand commercialization of its transcranial magnetic stimulation device for treating depression. (Mass Device)

Patient Receives Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Upstate New York

May 31, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Julie Pilitsis, MD, PhD was interviewed in a news story about a young woman who received deep brain stimulation (DBS) to address medication-resistant symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder. In the segment, Dr. Pilitsis explained the general theory is that DBS creates a "white noise" that allows the brain to fire normally. The television segment said the Albany facility is the only center between New York City and Boston that offers DBS. (WNYT)

Collaborators Receive $9 Million, Four-Year Grant to Study Infrared Neuromodulation

May 30, 2018 - The National Institutes of Health is granting researchers at three universities $9 million over four years to study infrared neuromodulation for therapeutic purposes. The research is being led by Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. A blog post there describes the interest in potentially treating conditions that may involve the autonomic nervous system, such as cardiac arrhythmias, high and low blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, and severe diarrhea. Collaborating institutions are Vanderbilt University and the University of Pittsburgh. (Crain's Cleveland Business)

Feasibility Study Monitors Motor Cortex Activity to Adjust Deep Brain Stimulation

May 29, 2018 - A feasibility study demonstrated using a recording electrode on the motor cortex to adjust deep brain stimulation based on the apparent presence of dyskinesias. The study in two patients showed no differences in improvement in movement between traditional constant stimulation or the adaptive stimulation. However, the researchers say the adaptive approach saved about 40% of the battery power. (NIH)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Investigates Brain Circuits, Non-Invasive Stimulation

May 29, 2018 - An article describes research into understanding different brain circuits involved in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or other methods, as part of the treatment. One researcher has identified four distinct patterns of brain activity after analyzing scans of 106 people with PTSD. Another has designed a clinical trial to offer veterans exposure therapy using virtual reality, combined with brain stimulation using transcranial direct current brain stimulation. (The Daily Beast)

Geneva Hospital Recruits Neuromodulation Practitioners to Staff a New Pain Clinic

May 30, 2018 - An article (in French) describes how International Neuromodulation Society members Blaise Rutschmann, MD and Christophe Perruchoud, MD were recruited to open a new pain clinic in Geneva at l’Hôpital de La Tour. (Tribune de Genève)

Article Summarizes Research Interest in Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

May 29, 2018 - An article describes potential clinical applications of transcranial direct current stimulation in various mental and cognitive disorders, explaining that interest stems from its ease of use and apparently few adverse effects, although clinical utility has not been established and long-term effects are unknown. (News-Medical.net)

Article Features Young Woman Who Received a Vagus Nerve Stimulator Implant for Epilepsy

May 28, 2018 - A news feature about a 21-year-old woman diagnosed with epilepsy 10 years ago presents vagus nerve stimulation, describing the therapeutic device she had implanted last year by providers with the U.K. National Health Service. (Daily Mail)

Findings from One Deep Brain Stimulation Target Reveal a Role for Dopamine in Insulin Sensitivity

May 28, 2018 - A report in Science Translational Medicine details research into the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus accumbens on insulin sensitivity. The study followed the observation that a man with a DBS system for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) noticed his need for insulin to control his Type 2 diabetes had decreased 80%. The researchers looked at the effects of brain stimulation on insulin sensitivity in 12 patients who had OCD. They also examined how drugs to reduce dopamine levels in healthy people affected insulin sensitivity. Finally, they used optogenetics in mice and saw that boosting dopamine production improved glucose tolerance. (Greely Tribune)

Neurologists and Physicists Publish a Neuroscience Paper that Suggests Slowing the Rate of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

May 27, 2018 - Researchers who analyzed clinical studies and stimulation of cultured cortical neurons say the maximal firing rate of neurons may be lower than presumed, and suggest that a slower rate of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation may be more effective. (Times of Israel)

Neuromodulation Discussed at Urology Meeting

May 21, 2018 - A number of presentations at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association concerned neuromodulation. A presenter who discussed third-line therapies for overactive bladder said she considers percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) between second- and third-line treatment, or "level 2.5". She said it is easy to use, minimally invasive, has minimal adverse events, and has level 1 evidence. Meanwhile, she added that advantages of sacral nerve stimulation as a third-line therapy include its efficacy in also treating urinary retention and fecal incontinence.

Another presenter discussed an observational pilot study of 11 patients with sacral nerve stimulators for urinary urge incontinence who did not have their devices explanted before receiving 1.5T MRIs of the lumbar or pelvic area. The authors noted no more than minimal discomfort, and no change in therapeutic efficacy.

Finally, data were presented from 116 drug-naive patients who underwent 12 sessions with a percutaneous tibial neuromodulation system for overactive bladder. The RESET study was a multi-center, single arm, prospective study. (UroToday.com)

Hospital in India Focuses on Chronic Pain Management

May 21, 2018 - A press release announces the availability of neuromodulation and other interventional pain procedures at a 50-bed hospital dedicated to the management of chronic pain in Calcutta, India. The announcement says the facility also provides training for specialists and pain management fellowships. (PR.com)

Study: Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Increased Beta-Endorphins in Obese Participants

May 20, 2018 - A controlled study of 40 people with obesity found that a 30-minute session of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation at high frequency led to an increase in beta-endorphins in the bloodstream of obese participants. Beta-endorphins are potentially associated with heightened feelings of reward after eating. The study, which examined both low- and high-frequency stimulation, was presented at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting in Barcelona. (EurekAlert)

Television Segment Features Neuromodulation as an Alternative to Opioids

May 17, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Joshua Prager, MD, was interviewed along with a pain patient about how neuromodulation can be a "non-addictive" approach to managing some pain conditions. (Fox 2 Now)

Researchers Create Prototype Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Headgear for Home Use

May 15, 2018 -  Researchers report they have created a prototype headgear for transcranial direct current stimulation in home or clinical settings that can be postponed over the motor cortex and opposite-side supraorbital region without requiring measurements. In a clinic, positioning typically involves taking recordings using electroencephalography (EEG). (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Results Presented in Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation System

May 15, 2018 - According to results presented at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons' annual meeting, the Boston Scientific Corporation's Vercise deep brain stimulation (DBS) system, approved by the U.S. FDA in December 2017, met its primary and many secondary endpoints in the INTREPID trial. The trial of the multiple-source, constant-current system in 160 patients with Parkinson's disease was blinded and sham-controlled during the 12-week randomization period. The primary outcome was the difference between groups in the mean number of waking hours per day with good symptom control in the absence of troublesome dyskinesias or medication increases. The mean difference in these "on" periods was 3.03 ± 4.5 hours for active treatment compared to sham. (Medscape)

Study: Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Lowered Reactivity to Addiction Cues

May 15, 2018 - Researchers report in Biological Psychiatry they were able to reduce reactivity to addiction cues in study subjects who had cocaine-use disorder or alcohol-use disorder. The reactivity was seen as elevated brain activity in response to cues, such as seeing an image of a liquor bottle. Such responses predict relapse in addiction. In this study, the subjects did not report reduced cravings. Forty-nine subjects participated in the sham-controlled study, which involved a single session of continuous theta burst stimulation to the left ventromedial prefrontal cortex. (R&D Magazine)

Paper Describes Neurostimulation Technique in a Case of Pelvic Pain

May 12, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Richard Marvel, MD, published a case report about chronic, opioid-dependent pelvic pain that was relieved by placement of a neurostimulator, using laparoscopic techniques, to provide therapeutic stimulation to the obdurator. (The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology)

Researchers Analyze Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Effects on Fine Motor Control

May 11, 2018 - In a meta-analysis of published studies about non-invasive brain stimulation on fine motor control, researchers found that transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation may have beneficial effects on fine motor movement in healthy participants and patients undergoing rehabilitation after stroke. (EurekAlert)

Company Begins Clinical Evaluation of Its Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Device for Migraine Pain

May 9, 2018 - Israel-based Neurolief's non-invasive brain stimulation device has begun clinical trials as a potential method to reduce migraine pain. The device provides transcutaneous electrical stimulation to the occipital and supraorbital nerves. The company expects a study in 56 patients to be completed this year. (Globes)

Meta-Analysis: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Improved Walking Speed After Stroke

May 9, 2018 - An international team of authors published an analysis of six studies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) following stroke. The studies with 139 patients total showed there was significant improvement in walking speed in patients who received rTMS, especially when stimulation was applied to the same side as the stroke. (Medical Xpress)

Clinicians Use Deep Brain Stimulation Electrodes to Detect a Potential Therapeutic Biomarker

May 2018 - Clinical researchers in Australia studied neural activity in response to deep brain stimulation in 19 patients who have movement disorder. They identified a large‐amplitude resonant neural response to stimulation of the dorsal region of the subthalamic nucleus, a clinically optimal stimulation target for Parkinson's disease. The study authors say the response might serve as a biomarker to facilitate improved targeting of therapeutic stimulation. (Annals of Neurology)

FDA Clears Company's Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Component

May 6, 2018 - BrainsWay Ltd. announced it has received FDA clearance for a stimulator to be integrated into its deep transcranial magnetic stimulation system for treatment of major depressive disorder. (Globe Newswire)

Clinicians to Assess Vagus Nerve Stimulation During Stroke Rehabilitation

May 2, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Marcia Bockbrader, MD, PhD was interviewed in an article about a clinical trial that will evaluate implanted vagus nerve stimulation during rehabilitation from stroke. The trial will include a control arm of patients who do not receive an implanted device. The study follows an earlier pilot study that showed about 85% of stroke patients who received the stimulation during physical rehabilitation benefited. (Medical Xpress)

Study Results Presented About External Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation to Halt Migraine Attacks

May 1, 2018 - At the 18th Congress of the International Headache Society, results of a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial were presented that demonstrated that external trigeminal nerve stimulation -- already approved for prevention of migraines -- was effective in treating acute migraine episodes. (Newswire.net)

Presentation Suggests Unilateral Deep Brain Stimulation May Suffice for Axial Symptoms of Essential Tremor

April 27, 2018 - In a subsidy of 119 patients with essential tremor, 80 of whom had unilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS), the other who had had bilateral, the group with unilateral DBS was shown to have more than 50% improvement in axial symptoms up to 12 months. The study, presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting, concludes that unilateral DBS may allow patients with axial symptoms avoid some side effects of bilateral DBS to the ventral intermediate nucleus. (Medscape)

Study Intended to Raise Awareness of Spinal Cord Stimulation as an Option

April 26, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Tim Lamer, MD, presented a poster at the American Academy of Pain Medicine annual meeting that summarizes a systemic review of 30 years of randomized controlled trials of spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Among its findings were that newer stimulation modes led to increased odds of pain relief, and that SCS significantly reduced pain compared to medical therapy. (Vision)

Market Study Indicates Shifts in Market Shares for Neuromodulation Device Makers

April 23, 2018 - The Neurotech Reports newsletter predicts that the global market for neurotechnology products will be $8.4 billion in 2018 and grow to $13.3 billion by 2022, a 12-percent compound annual growth rate. It also traces changing market share among the main providers of spinal cord stimulation and deep brain stimulation devices. (Globe Newswire)

Comparative Study: Short Brain Stimulation Sessions Effective in Depression

April 26, 2018 - A comparative study of 414 patients with treatment-resistant depression, published in The Lancet, found that three minutes of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) was as effective as the standard treatment of high frequency (10 Hz) stimulation for 37.5 minutes. The authors reported that 49 percent of patients who received iTBS had significant reduction in symptoms, with 32% reporting remission, compared to a remission rate of 27% in the group that received standard high-frequency stimulation. The study was carried out in Canada, where public health authorities in the provinces of Quebec and Saskatchewan will cover the cost of treatment. Use of rTMS was approved for treating depression by Health Canada in 2002, and by the U.S. FDA in 2008. (EurekAlert)

Control Module Helps Retain Sensation in Prosthetic Arms

April 26, 2018 - Researchers in Illinois demonstrated a way of processing nerve stimulation when providing a sense of touch to a prosthetic limb so that the sensation is durable under real-world usage conditions, for instance, when the electrodes begin to peel off or sweat builds up. The lead author of a published report about the sensory control module has begun a company that develops bionic arms meant to be affordable in developing parts of the world. (Science Daily)

Researchers Report a Novel Approach to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

April 25, 2018 - An open-label study published in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface of 21 patients who had upper and lower extremity pain from complex regional syndrome showed promise from a novel form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. The patients received intermittent theta-burst stimulation over the motor cortex corresponding to their pain location. This was followed by 10 Hz high-frequency stimulation using a deep targeting coil. The patients received either a single session or five consecutive sessions. The first group had 60% responders at week 1, and the second group had 58% and 50% responders at weeks 1 and 2, respectively. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

Non-Invasive Spine Stimulation Aided Functional Rehabilitation of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

April 25, 2018 - Researchers report that eight sessions of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation combined with neurorehabilitation training allowed six people with spinal cord injuries to recover some functional use of their hands and fingers, allowing them to perform more tasks independently. Also, some physiologic functions, such as blood pressure, improved, as did the ability to sit upright without support. (UCLA)

U.K. Publication Features Phantom Limb Syndrome and Neuromodulation Treatments

April 25, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Nigel Kellow, MBBS, was interviewed in a detailed overview of phantom limb syndrome and treatments, including spinal cord stimulation and deep brain stimulation. (BT Insider)

Analysis Examines Outcomes of Parkinson's Patients with Depression Who Received Deep Brain Stimulation

April 25, 2018 - An analysis of 1,037 patients with Parkinson's disease admitted to the hospital from 2010 - 2014 with an additional diagnosis of major depressive disorder showed that the 70 who underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS), despite increased hospitalization costs, had shorter hospitalizations and lower rates of transfer to acute-care hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology. Based on the positive outcomes, the investigators recommend consideration of such patients for DBS in a multidisciplinary team setting that includes psychiatric evaluation and input. (Neurology Advisor)

Study: Chronic Pain Symptoms, Opioid Use, Decreased at One Year

April 24, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Peter Staats, MD, commented on a subanalysis of the SUNBURST burst-mode spinal cord stimulation study presented at the January 2018 annual meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society. The analysis of the study, of which he was a co-investigator, showed a link between good pain control among the 69 patients who were followed for one year and reduced opioid use -- even though reducing opioid use was not an explicit goal of the study. (Pain Medicine News)

Memory Enhancement Through Neurostimulation Draws Potential Commercial Interest

April 23, 2018 - A magazine article mentions two recently reported studies that demonstrated the effects of brain stimulation on memory encoding and recall in volunteers who were being monitored for epilepsy. The article mentions commercial interest from a startup and the prospect of potentially conducting clinical trials with a fully implantable device in the future. (Mach)

Review Summarizes Spinal Cord Stimulation Clinical Trial Findings

May 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society members Nagy Mekhail, MD; Priya Agrawal, DO; and colleagues have published a review of 21 randomized controlled trials of spinal cord stimulation, providing outcome-specific evidence scores on aspects such as pain relief, quality of life, functional status, psychological impact, patient satisfaction and healthcare costs. (Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine)

Authors Observe Spinal Cord Stimulation Benefits Over Time on Function, Pain, and Quality of Life

April 19, 2018 - Clinicians in Italy, including International Neuromodulation Society members Angelo Lavano, MD; Furio Zucco, MD; Paolo Poli, MD; and Laura Demartini, MD, published longitudinal observations from the PRECISE study of 80 consecutive pain patients who received spinal cord stimulation for failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). The patients were assessed and followed from 2005 to 2007, with 55 patients completing the 24-month assessment. The authors conclude that their results suggest patients whose FBSS is refractory to conventional medical management can obtain improvement in pain perception, functional ability and heath-related quality of life through spinal cord stimulation plus conventional medical management. (Health and Quality of Life Outcomes)

Data to Be Presented on Wrist-Worn Transcutaneous Neurostimulator for Essential Tremor Patients

April 19, 2018 - The American Academy of Neurology released two meeting abstracts in advance of its annual meeting about non-invasive devices, worn on the wrist, that stimulate the median and radial nerves to reduce involuntary hand motion in essential tremor patients. The findings will be reported at the meeting on April 25. (MedPage Today)

Studies Strive to Improve Hand Function After Paralyzing Spine Injury

March 30, 2018 -A profile of a researcher describes research at the University of California, Los Angeles into using epidural spinal cord stimulation to help spine-injured patients regain some use of their limbs and hands. The researchers recently published a pilot study about their research into improving hand function. (Los Angeles Magazine)

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Improved Talk Therapy Results for Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

April 19, 2018 - In a sham-controlled trial, 103 combat veterans with PTSD were randomized to receive either active, or sham, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation prior to sessions of cognitive processing therapy, a cognitive behavioral therapy used for treating PTSD. The group that received active stimulation had significantly greater improvement for up to six months, according to the research team's findings, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. (UT Dallas)

Article Examines Nuances of Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression

April 17, 2018 - An article examines research into deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression, explaining an evolving perspective on patient and target selection and clinical trial timelines and turning points. (The Atlantic)

Neurostimulation Provider Says This Alternative to Opioids is Underutilized

April 17, 2018 - A local television segment about a back-pain patient and her doctor presents spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain as an underutilized option that can be an alternative to opioids. The segment focuses on sub-threshold stimulation as a relatively new treatment choice. (NBC 5 Dallas)

Neurosurgeon in Dallas Describes Establishment of Deep Brain Stimulation

April 2018 - A news feature profiles a local neurosurgeon who provides deep stimulation in the Dallas, Texas area. The article describes the evolution of the technology and how it is becoming more commonplace. (D Magazine)

Interview with German Neurosurgeon Summarizes the State of Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment

April 15, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Veerle Visser-Vandevalle, MD, PhD, was quoted in an article about deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease and other conditions. She said she hoped to make people less afraid of such an intervention by informing a wider audience about this work. (DW.com)

Column Advocates Patient-Centered Approach to Neuromodulation for Chronic Pain

April 13, 2018 - An article that mentions the importance of neuromodulation in the context of the growing opioid epidemic calls for physicians to respond to rapid evolution in the field by tailoring the therapy to individual patients. (NeuroNews)

A New Brain Stimulation Approach Created Natural Sensations in Paralyzed Hands

April 10, 2018 - A paper in eLife reports the use of intracortical microstimulation to produce naturalistic sensations in the hands of a paralyzed patient. The researchers say they would like to next connect the implanted electrode arrays to prosthetics to potentially create better feedback control for the user. (Neuroscience News)

Clinicians Investigating Deep Brain Stimulator for Motor Recovery from Stroke Receive $2.5 Million Grant

April 9, 2018 - The National Institutes of Health has given a $2.5 million grant to a team at Cleveland Clinic co-led by International Neuromodulation Society member Andre Machado, MD, PhD, to advance work using deep brain stimulation to improve post-stroke motor rehabilitation. (Crain's Cleveland Business)

Researchers Document Improvement in Primary Headache from Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation

April 9, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Satoshi Ayuzawa, MD, PhD, and colleagues published an article https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ner.12772 about a study in which 54 patients with primary headache had improved pain and disability scores following three months of electroacupuncture peripheral nerve field stimulation of the C2 dermatome. (Neurology Advisor)

Newly Approved Spinal Cord Stimulator Implanted in Australia

April 9, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Marc Russo, MD was interviewed in an article about the first chronic pain patient in Australia to receive a rechargeable spinal cord stimulator that was recently approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. (Nine.com.au)

Published Interview with Parkinson's Disease Patient Provides Overview of the Condition and Treatment

April 9, 2018 - A profile about a Parkinson's disease patient describes early signs of the condition that he and others have experienced, and recounts research findings about its prognosis and treatment, and the benefits he received from using deep brain stimulation to manage symptoms. (Citrus County Chronicle)

News Article Summarizes Three Studies of Brain Stimulation for Alzheimer's Disease

April 8, 2018 - An article summarizing research into deep brain stimulation for Alzheimer's disease describes three completed or current clinical trials involving stimulation to the fornix, or to either the fornix or the the basal nucleus of Meynert. (Alzheimer's News Today)

Crossover Study Compares Spinal Cord Stimulation Frequencies in Relieving Low Back Pain

April 2, 2018 - A prospective, randomized crossover study of 24 patients with lower back pain concluded that 5882 Hz spinal cord stimulation can produce significant pain relief for axial low back pain, compared to lower frequencies and sham stimulation. Furthermore, sham stimulation produced similar analgesic effects to 1200 Hz and 3030 Hz. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Retrospective Study Investigated the Effectiveness of Vagus Nerve Stimulation Plus Medication for Epilepsy

April 2, 2018 - Examining the effects of anti-epilepsy medication and vagus nerve stimulation over five years, researchers in Sweden analyzed 130 consecutive patients who were implanted between 2000 and 2013 with a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device for epilepsy. They said their data supports the idea that VNS effectiveness increases over time, and suggest that it should be evaluated for at least two years after implantation, with medication changes kept to a minimum during this evaluation period. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Clinicians Publish Data on Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation for Low Back Pain

April 2, 2018 - A 12-month follow-up on 50 patients with back and leg pain showed the addition of peripheral nerve field stimulation continued to provide statistically significant, clinically relevant relief of low back pain in patients for whom spinal cord stimulation relieved leg pain only. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Article Summarizes Considerations Concerning Non-Invasive Devices to Address Migraine Pain

April 5, 2018 - An article briefly compares three non-invasive devices, approved relatively recently by the FDA, which are available by prescription for treatment of acute migraine pain. The article notes that insurance coverage differs by device and individual plan. Two of the devices are only available on a rental basis. The article adds that the FDA considers the devices low-risk. Experts commented that clinical experience is growing, and the devices expand options for patients, for instance, if their condition is not adequately controlled by medication, or medication causes intolerable side effects. (Neurology Today)

Prosthetic Hands Gain Tactile Feedback and Refined Control

April 3, 2018 - A news feature profiles emerging work by several companies to bridge prosthetic hands to the nervous system and use systems that refine control, such as machine learning, to provide more precise motor control as well as sensory feedback. (CNET)

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Studies Use Closed-Loop Approaches

April 4, 2018 - A news article describes three new investigations of non-invasive brain stimulation that may ultimately address depression or memory disorders. The methods combine either transcranial alternating current stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation with electroencephalography to monitor any changes in brain activity in response to the stimulation. (Nature)

Child Receives Deep Brain Stimulation for Rare Movement Disorder

April 3, 2018 - A 9-year-old boy, with a movement disorder arising from a mutation to the GNAO1 gene, is one of less than 10 patients to receive deep brain stimulation for his condition. The robotic-assisted surgery was partially funded by a children's hospital charity. (Daily Mail)

Summary Recounts Evidence Concerning Neurostimulation in Cluster Headache

April 2, 2018 - A overview of cluster headache treatments summarizes emerging evidence about the potential for stimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion to abort attacks. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

Guidelines Address Bleeding Control in Interventional Pain Procedures

April 2018 - Updated guidelines, on anticoagulation management for interventional pain procedures, have been published by an international team of authors. They update a 2015 version endorsed by the European Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Therapy, American Academy of Pain Medicine, the International Neuromodulation Society, North American Neuromodulation Society, and the World Institute of Pain. (Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine)

Video Shows Patient Playing Flute During Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery

March 31, 2018 - A medical center in Texas released a video of a 63-year-old dystonia patient playing her flute during deep brain stimulation surgery. Her use of her instrument helped to assess the effect of the stimulation. (Tech Times)

Article: Spinal Cord Stimulation Offers Hope for Chronic Pain Patients

March 29, 2018 - An article about recent spinal cord stimulation (SCS) describes recent offerings by four device companies, and says the therapy "sounds a lot scarier than it really is". The article adds that doctors are wary of prescribing opioids for chronic pain, which increases interest in SCS. (CNBC)

Researchers Observe Subcortical Voltage Changes from Transcutaneous Direct Current Brain Stimulation

March 27, 2018 - Data from patients who have deep brain stimulation systems (DBS) indicate transcranial direct current stimulation produces electric fields at subcortical levels. The research was carried out after the initial implantation of the DBS leads, before they were connected to an implantable pulse generator. (Science Daily)

Article Recognizes Patient Care Team's Role in Intrathecal Drug Delivery

March 26, 2018 - An article that mentions the Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference treatment algorithm highlights findings from a literature search about the role of physician assistants, nurse practitioners and registered nurses in working with physicians to provide intrathecal drug delivery. (Pain Medicine News)

Analysis Associates Brainwave Patterns with Neurological Diseases

March 16, 2018 - In a study they say supports the validity of thalamocortical dysrhythmia as an underlying aspect of several neurological disorders, researchers analyzed resting-state electroencephalography oscillatory patterns in patients with Parkinson’s disease, neuropathic pain, tinnitus, and depression. They identified brain areas that were common to those conditions and also saw spatially distinct forms of dysthymia that were dependent on the specific disorder. The study used machine learning to detect these oscillatory patterns. (Nature Communications)

Transcutaneous Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation Study Presented at Urology Meeting

March 2018 - At the 33rd Annual Congress of the European Association of Urology, clinicians from Turkey presented a placebo-controlled study of transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (TPTNS) in 60 subjects who have premature ejaculation. Treatment consisted of 30 minutes of TPTNS daily for 12 weeks. The study showed a statistically significant improvements in both groups, with the treatment group having a higher percentage change in one scale measured, compared to placebo. (European Urology Supplement)

Study Explores Possibility of Nerve-Based Approach to Treat Obesity

March 22, 2018 - A presentation at the Society for Interventional Radiology conference described a safety study of a possible nerve-based approach to weight loss. During an office visit, 10 moderately to severely obese people had their posterior vagal trunk "frozen" by a probe for two minutes. They were followed for 90 days. The group averaged an overall weight loss of 3.6%. A larger, controlled clinical trial is planned. (ABC News)

Paper Documents a New Research Tool for Studying Brain Function

March 21, 2018 - Researchers studying a new class of temperature-sensitive cation-channel proteins have shown the so-called "thermogenetic tools" can be used to regulate activity of individual neurons in the brain through changes in temperature. The researchers think their laboratory findings, demonstrated in fruit flies, may help inform advances in deep brain stimulation. The findings were published in Scientific Reports. (Science Daily)

Preclinical Study Shows Improvements from Neurostimulation and Rehabilitation Following Spinal Cord Injury

March 19, 2018 - In a video interview, researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Switzerland demonstrate how spine-injured rats that received electrical stimulation and physiotherapy regained some ability to walk independently. An article explains the capability was regained through growth of new neural connections from their cerebral cortex -- as determined in three-dimensional microscopy. (Reuters)

Researchers Publish Findings About Neurostimulation in Spine-Injured Patients and Plan an Expanded Study

March 19, 2018 - Researchers have published findings of the effects of epidural spinal cord stimulation on blood pressure regulation in patients with spinal cord injury. They plan to expand the research and are recruiting 36 patients for a six-year study. The study will assess cardiovascular effects as well as motor rehabilitation. (Medical Express)

Agency Announces Research Program Into Non-Invasive Brain Devices

March 16, 2018 - The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, DARPA, announced a new four-year program, Next-Generation Nonsurgical Neurotechnology (N3), to demonstrate a bidirectional system for human-machine interactions in defense-related tasks. They are also looking into regulatory issues. (DARPA)

In Study, Patients Compare Spinal Cord Stimulation Waveform Options

March 14, 2018 - An article summarizes results of the WHISPER study presented at the 2018 annual meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society. In it, 70 spinal cord stimulation patients, with pain scores of at least 6 out of 10, tried subperception stimulation and superperception stimulation randomly for three months each. Given a choice after that, 55 patients chose subperception stimulation. These patients were followed for 12 months. (Pain Medicine News)

Case Study Reports Improved Blood Pressure Control from Spinal Cord Stimulation in a Spine-Injured Patient

March 13, 2018 - A case study reports effects of neuromodulation on a spine-injured patient with motor paralysis and autonomic symptoms, such as vertigo related to positional changes in blood pressure. With spinal cord stimulation in the lower back, the patient maintained stable blood pressure when moved to an upright position on a tilt table. The study appeared as a research letter online in February in JAMA Neurology. (Ubyssey)

Researchers Compare Awake vs. Asleep Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

March 13, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society members Lars Wojtecki, MD; Philipp Slotty, MD; Jan Vesper, MD; and colleagues have published a retrospective comparison of outcomes at three and 12 months in 96 patients with Parkinson's disease who received deep brain stimulation targeting the subthalamic nucleus. Half (48) of the patients were awake during the surgery and half were asleep. The comparison showed overall motor function improved faster in the awake group with the difference disappearing at one year. Freezing and speech symptoms, meanwhile, were worse after asleep surgery at three months and one year, respectively. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Neurosurgeons Publish a Study Protocol for Deep Brain Stimulation to Address Morbid Obesity

March 12, 2018 - Clinicians in Brazil have published a feasibility study protocol for deep brain stimulation of the ventromedial hypothalamus in up to six patients with morbid obesity. According to the published information, weight loss of at least 3% will be considered adequate after three months of stimulation. (Neurosurgery)

Stroke Survivor Describes Her Neurostimulation Treatment During Rehabilitation

March 11, 2018 - An article features an interview with a stroke survivor in Scotland who has been using vagus nerve stimulation in conjunction with rehabilitation exercises to restore upper limb function. (The Sun)

Researchers Demonstrate a Stimulation Treatment for Tinnitus

March 11, 2018 - A double-blinded, sham-controlled, crossover study in 20 people with tinnitus showed that 28 days of bimodal stimulation reduced the loudness and intrusiveness of the disorder. Research in an animal model of tinnitus had shown that a pattern of combined auditory and somatosensory stimulation reduced activity of the cochlea nucleus, where fusiform cells integrate auditory and somatosensory inputs. The research was published in Science Translational Medicine. (Bel Marra Health)

New Clinical Trial Attempts to Restore Movement After Paralysis

March 8, 2018 - A spinal cord injury patient who became paralyzed in a fall while sleepwalking 11 years ago is one of the first participants in a Minnesota clinical trial of epidural spinal cord stimulation to restore volitional motor control. She said already she has regained some movement in her toes, and she hopes to continue using the device beyond the initial study period. (Jamestown Sun)

Pilot Study Assessed Novel Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Protocol in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

March 4, 2018 - A pilot study of a novel transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment in 21 patients with CRPS I or CRPS II showed at least 30% reduction in pain in more than half the participants, with four participants experiencing more than 50% pain relief beyond six to eight weeks. The authors found no difference in pain reduction between a single session or five consecutive sessions. Treatment consisted of intermittent theta-burst stimulation to the motor cortex, followed by 10 Hz high-frequency stimulation to deeper regions. The placement of the stimulating coil above the motor cortex was individualized based on the patient's pain location. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Article Features Neural Interface Research in Paralysis

March 4, 2018 - A news feature about the BrainGate research program, to restore some motion or function to paralyzed people with neural implants, highlights the project as being considered to be named one of 50 ideas with the potential to change the world. (Financial Times)

Past International Neuromodulation Society President Reflects on Progress of Field

March 2, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society Emeritus Director-at-Large Simon Thomson, MBBS, FRCA, FIPP, a past president of INS, was interviewed about how he has seen the field of neuromodulation grow and change. He describes his interest in seeing neuromodulation be a standard of care for neuropathic pain, which "is associated with severe deficits of health-related quality of life and responds poorly to opioids," saying, "Neuromodulation must be positioned ahead of opioids. To do that it has to be much more accessible with shorter times from diagnosis of refractory pain to neuromodulation." (NeuroNews)

Study: Memory Improvement from Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Seen in Younger, But Not Older, Adults

March 1, 2018 - A 96-person study of transcranial magnetic stimulation in two age groups -- adults over age 60 or under age 35 -- showed it improved the ability of study subjects to recall names associated with faces only in the younger group. The younger adults showed an average 50% improvement in memory, both immediately after the stimulation, and one day later. (Daily Mail)

Column: How Neurostimulation Treatment Can Gain Uptake

Feb. 27, 2018 - Writing as president of the International Neuromodulation Society, Timothy Deer, MD, published a column about neurostimulation as part of the solution to the opioid crisis. He lists ways to make the next decade the time of electrical medicine. Dr Deer says, "we now are ready to launch the modern world into a time when neurostimulation is thought of as a normal part of medical care." (NeuroNews)

Review Assesses Preclinical and Clinical Data on Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Feb. 27, 2018 - A review of preclinical and clinical findings from studies of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment-resistant depression concludes that, of six brain targets that have been investigated, more consistent anti-depressant effects were observed in the subcallosal cingulate gyrus, nucleus accumbens, anterior limb of internal capsule, and medial forebrain bundle. (Molecular Psychiatry)

Pain Patient Describes Back Pain Relief From Spinal Cord Stimulation in a Syndicated U.S. Television Talk Show

Feb. 20, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Kasra Amirdelfan, MD, was interviewed with a pain patient on a five-minute television segment about medical treatments, discussing how she found relief for back pain from degenerative disc disease -- after having become more debilitated over 15 years despite escalating pain medication -- through trying a newer spinal cord stimulation system. (The Doctors via YouTube)

Pilot Clinical Trial Suggests Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation May Aid Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

Feb. 22, 2018 - A randomized, sham-controlled, blinded pilot clinical trial of rehabilitation for cerebral palsy in 20 patients aged 7 - 21 compared physical therapy alone to physical therapy plus transcranial direct current stimulation. Both groups improved hand strength over six months. The researchers noted that children whose brains retained connections to their weaker hand showed greater improvement specifically from the brain stimulation. (University of Minnesota)

Clinicians Publish Data From Short Study of Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

Feb. 21, 2018 - A study of 11 patients with symptoms of rigidity from advanced Parkinson's disease  showed motor symptoms improved almost 30% during an 8-hour course of adaptive deep brain stimulation (DBS). The two-day study explored the tolerability and safety of unilateral adaptive stimulation after patients were implanted with bilateral DBS systems that target the subthalamic nucleus. Adaptive DBS varies stimulation based on beta band brainwave activity, which is associated with movement. (MedPage Today)

New Neuromodulation Center in Toronto Will Focus on Clinical Research into Brain Stimulation

Feb. 21, 2018 - Donations totaling $10 million will establish the Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation at Sunnybrook in Toronto. An announcement says the center plans to focus on recruitment for clinical trials "of focused ultrasound and other highly sophisticated neuromodulation technologies". (Sunny brook Health Sciences Centre)

Study of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation in Stroke Rehabilitation Suggests a Role for the Motor Cortex in Semantic Processing

Feb. 13, 2018 - A sham-controlled, double-blind study of transcranial direct current stimulation to the motor cortex in 16 patients who were undergoing language therapy for post-stroke aphasia showed a differential effect on processing of action words or object words. (Journal of Neurophysiology)

Case Series Describes Non-Invasive Tinnitus Treatment

Jan. - Feb. 2018 - A published case series says transcranial direct current stimulation is "an effective intervention for tinnitus while inhibiting the dominant temporoparietal cortex and simultaneous stimulating the non-dominant dorsolateral prefrontal cortex." (Noise Health)

Epidural Stimulation Helped Modulate Blood Pressure in Spinal Cord Injury Patient

Feb. 19, 2018 - A case report in JAMA Neurology describes effects of acute epidural stimulation to improve cardiovascular dysfunction in a man with spinal cord injury. The authors say the stimulation "can excite sympathetic circuitry and instantaneously modulate cardiovascular function." (Science Daily)

Podcast Interview Features a Participant in a Study of a Neural Implant for Paralysis

Feb. 19, 2018 - A 30-minute interview during a meeting of the Society for Neuroscience presents the perspective of study volunteer Ian Burkhart, who has worked with researchers to regain some motor control of his hand and arm through the use of a cuff on his forearm connected to a neural array implanted above his motor cortex. Burkhart describes his motivations and activities he was able to achieve through the study. The initial study was extended and has continued nearly four years. (Neural Implant Podcast)

Pilot Study: Spinal Cord Stimulation Improved Gait in Patients With Advanced Parkinson's Disease

Feb. 14, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Andrew Parent, MD, and colleagues have published a pilot study in which five patients with advanced Parkinson's disease received spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to improve gait, including freezing of gait. The patients were followed for six months. During that time, SCS settings were optimized using measurements of walking. The authors say they believe a longer and larger clinical study is warranted, due to an unmet need concerning these movement issues in this patient population. (Movement Disorders)

Proposed Algorithm Might Expedite Initial Programming of Deep Brain Stimulation Leads

Jan. 24, 2018 -  Researchers have published their work to develop a proposed algorithm to automate the first steps of programming cylindrical or directional leads for deep brain stimulation. They based the algorithm on a model derived from imaging, and demonstrated an example programming case for three lead designs to target the subthalamic nucleus for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In their example case, the directional leads activated a greater volume of the stimulation target, in both central and off-target placements. They said a generic model might offer quick results for most patients, with more complex models for challenging scenarios. (Journal of Neural Engineering)

International Research Team Receives Multi-Year Grant for Neural Interface Technology

Feb. 15, 2018 - A $19 million grant over four years is allowing an international research team to develop so-called neurograins which are meant to be able to sense and stimulate wirelessly within the brain. The grant from the U.S. Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency's Neural Engineering System Design program will support work at  Brown University;  the University of California, San Diego; the University of California, Berkeley; Massachusetts General Hospital; Stanford University; Qualcomm; the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering; and the Belgium-based research group IMEC. (Brown University)

Proof-of-Principle Preclinical Study Shows Nanoparticles Allow Light-Mediated Brain Stimulation Without Implanted Optical Fibers

Feb. 14, 2018 - A research report in Science describes studies in mice showing that nanoparticles within the brain allow externally applied infrared light to up-convert to visible light, activating optogenetic cell channels in the neural tissue. The development is considered a potential future way to carry out optogenetic therapy without the need for implanted optical fibers. In the studies, the luminescent nanoparticles, which are injected and move within the brain, are energized by deeply penetrating near-infrared light that is shone outside the skull. The light-mediated cell activation in the experiments triggered memory recall and dopamine release. (Science Daily)

Article Highlights Potential Future U.S. Pilot Study of Deep Brain Stimulation for Addiction

Feb. 13, 2018 - A news feature surveys studies of deep brain stimulation for addiction, including interest at the new West Virginia University Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute. The institute director, International Neuromodulation Society member Ali Rezai, MD, described an intent to study brain implants for the most disabling and treatment-resistant cases of addiction, and less-invasive methods to help overcome addictive behavior -- saying the ultimate goal "is to not need implants." (STAT via Student Doctor Network)

Authors Review Randomized Trials of Cranial Electrical Stimulation

Feb. 13, 2018 - A review of 26 randomized trials of cranial electrical stimulation (CES) that reported pain, depression, anxiety or sleep outcomes in the Annals of Internal Medicine found "low-strength" evidence that CES can help people with depression and anxiety. The small, short-term, or otherwise limited studies did not provide sufficient evidence that the devices are effective in depression alone, insomnia, joint pain, or chronic headaches. (U.S. News & World Report)

Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Studies Address Stuttering

Feb. 12, 2018 - A sham-controlled study of neurostimulation in 30 stutterers showed some promise lessening the severity. The study involved transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the left frontal cortex, which plays a role in speech planning and production. Another study is investigating high-definition tDCS to the supplementary motor area, an area involved in speech timing. (IEEE Spectrum)

Article Suggests Neuromodulation May Help Inflammatory Skin Disease

Feb. 9, 2018 - A commentary says that vagus nerve stimulation, due to its long-term safety profile and promising results in rheumatoid arthritis and irritable bowel disease, "could offer an optimal treatment approach for patients with recalcitrant inflammatory skin disease." (Dermatology and Therapy)

Review Discusses Effects of Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation to Treat Pain

Feb. 12, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society members Krishna Chakravarthy, MD, PhD; Fang Xing, MD; and Thomas Kinfe, MD, PhD have published a review regarding spinal cord stimulation for pain that uses a burst mode. In it, they discuss possible modes of action and comment on clinical outcomes. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Device Maker Enters Into $5 Million Cooperative Agreement to Develop Neurostimulation for Post-Stroke Spasticity

Feb. 7, 2018 - PathMaker Neurosystems Inc. entered into a four-year cooperative agreement, valued at nearly $5 million, with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to continue developing a non-invasive neurostimulation system to treat spasticity after stroke. The MyoRegulator device simultaneously stimulates spinal and peripheral locations. The company, based in Boston and Paris, said it will pursue multi-center clinical trials with coordination by Northwell Health and The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research. (Mass Device)

Study: Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Appears to Improve Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis

Feb. 7, 2018 - A news release announces a sham-controlled preliminary study in 33 patients showed that fatigue symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients were improved through six weeks of non-invasive brain stimulation. Active stimulation was carried out three times a week with a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device that is designed to reach deeper brain structures than standard TMS. The stimulation targeted the prefrontal cortex and primary motor cortex, according to the study that was published in Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation. (EurekAlert)

Researchers Evaluate Effects of Brain Stimulation on Processing of Negative Emotion

Feb. 6, 2018 - A study in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging showed that modulating the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with either inhibitory or excitatory transcranial magnetic stimulation strengthened or weakened the processing of negative emotion, respectively, in healthy volunteers. The 41 volunteers were either shown images of fearful faces or neutral faces while receiving a single session of the stimulation. (News-Medical.Net)

Author: Funding Initiatives Aim to Advance Neuromodulation Effectiveness

Feb. 6, 2018 - An article describes federal funding in the U.S. of research to continue to further develop and refine neuromodulation technologies to make them more precise and tailored, which may lead to wider clinical adoption. (Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry)

Study: Closed-Loop Brain Stimulation Improved Memory Recall

Feb. 6, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Ashwini Sharan, MD, and co-authors published results of a study showing that closed-loop stimulation to the lateral temporal cortex in 25 patients with epilepsy enhanced memory encoding and later recall. The closed-loop system monitored neural activity and applied stimulation when periods of poor recall were predicted. The patients were recruited at six centers where they were undergoing clinical evaluation of their epilepsy. In the study, funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the subjects' verbal recall improved by 15%, the researchers said. (Nature Communications)

Clinical Trial Explores On-Demand Deep Brain Stimulation in Essential Tremor

Feb. 6, 2018 - A clinical trial at the University of Washington is evaluating demand-driven deep brain stimulation in essential tremor, according to a news feature about different types of brain stimulation research taking place at the university's Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering. (Seattle Times)

Neurosurgeons Elaborate on Their Publication Comparing Asleep vs. Awake Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

Feb. 5, 2018 - Neurosurgeons at Oregon Health & Science University discuss a comparison https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28986415 of clinical outcomes of asleep vs. awake deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. (Medscape)

Study Evaluates Changing Spinal Cord Stimulation Frequency with Patient Position

Feb. 5, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society members Roy Hwang, MD, and Julie Pilitis, MD, PhD, and colleagues published a pilot study in 12 pain patients that evaluated alternating conventional spinal cord stimulation, when patients were upright, with high-frequency spinal cord stimulation when patients were lying down. In the 13-week crossover study, the patients were randomized to receive this so-called "shuffle" stimulation in four-week blocks. Mean pain scores were lower in the shuffle stimulation, and seven of 11 patients preferred it. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Study Indicates Sensory Response in Patients With Clinically Complete Spinal Cord Injury

Jan. 31, 2018 - Australian researchers found through fMRI imaging of 23 people with clinically complete spinal cord injury that in 48%, despite a lack of feeling, their brains were registering touch in response to having a paralyzed extremity brushed. The findings could be a basis for developing treatments such as brain computer interfaces or spinal cord stimulation. (Radio Australia)

Study Shows Memory Enhancement from Brain Stimulation of the Lateral Temporal Cortex

Jan. 31, 2018 - A research team reports in Brain on the effect of low-intensity electrical brain stimulation on memory in 22 patients who were undergoing epilepsy monitoring. The subjects were divided into four groups to receive the stimulation in four areas of the brain known to support recall. The four patients who received stimulation to the lateral temporal cortex showed enhanced performance on a memory recall test. (Reliawire)

Review Compares Brain Stimulation Targets in Parkinson's Disease

Jan. 31, 2018 - A review in JAMA Neurology compares deep brain stimulation to the globus pallidus interna and the subthalamic nucleus in patients with Parkinson's disease. The review indicates considerations when one target may be selected over another to take into account specific symptoms and anticipated effects. (MD Magazine)

Article Describes the Role of Neuromodulation With Respect to Chronic Pain and the Opioid Epidemic

Jan. 30, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society members Jon Hagedorn, MD, and Timothy Deer, MD, published an article for an audience of medical trainees about neuromodulation therapy in the management of chronic pain in the context of the current opioid epidemic. (Student Doctor Network)

Study: Neurostimulation Improved Dysphagia Issues in Stroke Patients

Jan. 30, 2018 - A randomized study of 70 stoke patients showed that in 58% of the treated patients, 3 - 6 courses of daily electrical stimulation to the back of their throat enabled removal of their tracheotomy tube sooner, which had been placed due to swallowing difficulties causing pooling of saliva or aspiration pneumonia. A follow-on trial, PHEED, will study the device (Phagenyx by Phagenesis Ltd.) in stroke patients who have not been admitted to intensive care and are in a general rehabilitation ward. (Medscape)

Neurostimulation Feasibility Study Addresses Bladder Control in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Jan. 29, 2018 - A pilot neurostimulation feasibility study in five male patients who have spinal cord injury and neurogenic detrusor overactivity was conducted to inform design of a long-term clinical trial to evaluate sustained use of the approach. Electrical stimulation of the genital nerve, the terminal branch of the pudendal nerve, can acutely inhibit reflex bladder contractions, which are associated with these subjects' continence disorder, and increase bladder capacity. The feasibility study involved one month of at-home treatment with a portable, non-invasive device. (Uro Today)

Article Recounts a Case of a Parkinson's Disease Patient Who Recently Received Deep Brain Stimulation in India

Jan. 28, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Paresh Doshi, MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Neurosurgery), was quoted in an article about a patient who received deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. Prof. Doshi was quoted as saying that it was the first time he has seen a patient immediately regain coherent speech after the surgery. (Hindustan Times)

Study Finds Benefit for Spinal Cord Stimulation in Critical Limb Ischemia

Jan. 26, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society member Jung-Tung Liu, MD, PhD and colleagues have published a retrospective case-controlled 12-month study in 78 patients to identify the benefits and efficacy of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) as a therapeutic strategy for patients with perfusion problems from critical limb ischemia. After one year, the patients who had received SCS improved and had increased microcirculation in the lower limb, while the patients who did not receive it had worsened. The authors concluded SCS should be considered an effective treatment toward limb salvage in critical limb ischemia. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Study Will Evaluate Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Early Alzheimer's Disease

Jan. 26, 2018 - A research center in Montreal is one of three worldwide to conduct an ongoing study into transcranial magnetic stimulation in early to mid-stage Alzheimer's disease. The treatment is intended to aid thinking and memory. (CTV News Montreal)

Researchers Pursue an Implantable Drug-Delivery System for the Brain

Jan. 24, 2018 - Researchers at MIT are working on an implantable system to deliver medications to brain structures through hollow leads, detecting how electrical activity of targeted neurons change as the medication is delivered. The device includes an implantable reservoir, and has been demonstrated in small animal models of Parkinson's disease. (Washington Post)

Researchers Demonstrate Quick, Intuitive Calibration for Brain Computer Interface

Jan.24, 2018 - Three people with tetraplegia were able to use the BrainGate brain machine interface (BCI) to control a cursor with their thoughts in three minutes or less after one simple calibration step, according to newly published research in the Journal of Neural Engineering. International Neuromodulation Society member Jaimie Henderson, MD, commented in news coverage of the work that a new participant, who was able to move a cursor around a screen within 37 seconds, performed as well as others who had been using the system for months or years. The calibration used statistical learning algorithms to decode the patients' intent as they imagined physically moving the cursor. The article said this development holds promise for future users and caregivers to more easily use a BCI, removing the need for technician oversight of calibration. (Science Daily)

U.S. Department of Defense Grant to Support Research Into Brain Stimulation for Functional Recovery

Jan. 24, 2018 - A researcher who has tracked brain activity during recovery of a patient who received a hand transplant after an accident has received a $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to study whether non-invasive brain stimulation can enhance nerve recovery during rehabilitation. (Health Imaging)

March Deadline Announced for Neuromodulation Research Prize for Early Career Investigators

January 2018 - The deadline for the 2018 Science & PINS Prize for Neuromodulation is March 15, 2018. Entrants must be a junior investigator, with an advanced degree received in the last 10 years, who are 45 years old or younger and who submit research they performed or directed in the last three years. The application requires an essay that describes the work's implication for the field of neuromodulation. (Science)

University Team Works to Add Sensory Feedback to Prosthetic Limbs

Jan. 14, 2018 - Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are working on adding sensory feedback to existing prosthetic limbs through functional electrical stimulation. A processor module calibrates and scales information from six sensors, and translates the information into a stimulation pattern that can be relayed to existing stimulator systems to provide somatosensory feedback. The project, uHaptic, aims to standardize attachment of peripherals and streamline communication between sensors and feedback delivery systems. (Medstro)

Collaboration Announced on Closed-Loop Brain Stimulation System

January 2018 - The Wyss Center and CorTec GmbH announced a collaboration to develop a brain monitoring and stimulation device for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. An implanted component consists of neural electrodes along with an electronic unit that communicates wirelessly with an external power/telemetry system, which in turn communicates with a computer. The computer records data and autonomously controls the application. (CorTec)

Study Evaluates 12-Month Data on Deep Brain Stimulation in Patients with Tourette Syndrome

Jan. 16, 2018 - A study of 171 patients with Tourette syndrome in a prospective international registry found that one year after undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS), their average tic severity improved by 45%. The overall registry includes 185 patients from 10 countries who underwent DBS from 2012 through 2016. A paper in JAMA Neurology concludes the intervention was associated with symptomatic improvement in patients who have medically refractory Tourette syndrome, but also with stimulation-related adverse events that were likely reversible. (MD Magazine)

Interview Focuses on Recent Evolution of Neurostimulation in Trigeminal Neuralgia

Jan. 16, 2017 - In an interview about the prospects for peripheral nerve stimulation in trigeminal neuralgia, a physician says new data that are beginning to show optimizing settings of spinal cord stimulators may lead to better outcomes and quality of life for many pain patients may be applicable to peripheral nerve stimulation as well. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

Non-invasive Brain Machine Interface Study Suggests Potential for Post-Stroke Rehabilitation of Hand Paralysis

Jan. 15, 2018 - Research in the Journal of Neuroscience describes a demonstration in healthy subjects of a non-invasive brain machine interface that could potentially aid in physical rehabilitation of hand paralysis in stroke patients. The interface combines a robotic device controlling hand movement with transcranial magnetic stimulation to the motor cortex. The research demonstrated increased output of neural pathways connecting the brain and spinal cord. (Medical Xpress)

Case Report: Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Migraine Associated with Reduction in Epileptic Seizures

January 2018 - A case report describes how an epileptic patient who receive occipital nerve stimulation for intractable migraine experienced unexpected seizure reduction, with seizure-free periods between two episodes of lead migration requiring revision. (Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine)

Responsive Neurostimulator Data Reveal Seizure-Prone Monthly Cycles in Patients with Epilepsy

Jan. 8, 2018 - Data gathered from responsive neurostimulator implants in 37 epilepsy patients, for a median of 2.25 years, show that the patients have both daily cycles in seizure risk, but also longer cycles of rising and falling brain irritability that lasts weeks or months. The researchers published in Nature Communications an analysis that indicates seizure risk is almost seven times greater when the most seizure-prone periods of those cycles overlap. (Science Daily)

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Studied in Bipolar Depression

Jan. 4, 2017 - An investigator in Brazil published in JAMA Psychiatry results of a controlled clinical trial of transcranial direct current stimulation in bipolar patients. The study of 52 patients showed that a series of active stimulation sessions during a major depressive episode resulted in 67.6% becoming responders, and 37.4% experiencing remission. In contrast, sham treatment led to a 30.4% responder rate and 19.1% entering remission. (Psych Congress Network)

Magazine Highlights Brain Computer Interface Research

Jan. 4, 2018 - A comprehensive technology feature summarizes recent research into brain computer interfaces. The article says 13 people have been implanted since 2004 with the BrainGate system, designed to provide a degree of intentional movement to people who have been paralyzed, allowing them to complete simple tasks, such as moving a cursor or controlling a limb. (The Economist)

Prototype Portable Prosthetic Hand Provides a Sense of Touch

Jan. 3, 2018 - Scientists in Italy unveiled a prototype prosthetic hand that provides a sense of touch using electronics that are compact enough to fit in a backpack. A patient who used the device for six months was able to distinguish between hard and soft objects while blindfolded, and to use the prosthetic for tasks in which having the tactical feedback is helpful, such as dressing, she said. (BBC News)

Study: Occipital Nerve Stimulation is Potentially Safe and Effective in Refractory Cervicogenic Headache

Jan. 3, 2018 - An article that appeared online Nov. 27, 2017 in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface reported a retrospective chart review of 16 patients who were treated with occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) for their daily, moderate-to-severe, refractory cervicogenic headaches. The patients were followed for three years; at one year, 69% were considered responders, and at three years, 37.5% were. (Neurology Advisor)

Translational Study Shows Potential Promise to Address Tinnitus Through Bimodal Stimulation

Jan. 3, 2018 - A double-blinded, sham-controlled, crossover clinical study of bimodal stimulation in adults with tinnitus provided evidence to support a larger clinical trial, according to an interview with the researcher. The approach combines sound and skin stimulation in an intent to target nerve activity in the brain. Animal studies established that phantom sounds are signaled to the brain through fusiform cells. (U.S. News and World Report)

Article: U.K. Experts Call for Neuromodulation to Be More Widely Available through the National Health Service

Jan. 1, 2018 - International Neuromodulation Society members Serge Nikolic, MD and Simon Thomson, MBBS, FRCA, FIPP were quoted in an article about a chronic pain patient who received spinal cord stimulation after 40 years of trying other methods. The article quoted Dr. Nikolic as saying he believes the therapy is cost-effective. Dr. Thomson described wait times under the current National Health Service referral scheme, saying more patients would benefit than are receiving the devices. (Daily Mail)

Article Highlights Neuromodulation as an Option That Is an Alternative to Opioids

Dec. 26, 2017 - In an article that calls neurostimulation a once-overlooked option for people with debilitating nerve pain, International Neuromodulation Society member Timothy Deer, MD, was quoted about spinal cord stimulation as an alternative to opioids. He said neuromodulation reduces the need to go on opioids and the risk of opioid dependence. (Bloomberg)

Journal Publishes Updated Guidelines About Bleeding Risk From Regional Anesthesia Procedures

Dec. 22, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society members David Provenzano, MD; José De Andres, MD; Timothy Deer, MD; Richard Rauck, MD; Marc A. Huntoon, MD; and colleagues published joint anticoagulation guidelines from the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy, the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the International Neuromodulation Society, the North American Neuromodulation Society, and the World Institute of Pain that stratify the risk of bleeding during regional anesthesia procedures, such as neurostimulator implantation. (Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine)

Researchers Investigate Possible Brain "Switch" for Impulsive Behavior

Dec. 19, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Casey Halpern, MD and colleagues published deep brain stimulation research in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that suggests responsive stimulation might be developed to avert risky impulsive behavior. They report they identified a "high-delta" electrical signature in the nucleus accumbens that precedes impulsive behavior, such as mice binge-eating fatty food, or a patient performing computerized tasks that yielded a cash reward. The human subject consented to participate in the study while undergoing implantation of the deep brain stimulation system for obsessive compulsive disorder. The authors demonstrated that pulsed stimulation to the mice's nucleus accumbens when an electrode array sensed an increase in delta intensity reduced the binge-feeding behavior. (Medical Xpress)

Study: Amygdala Stimulation Enhanced Memory Recall 24 Hours Later

Dec. 18, 2017 - A memory study in 14 patients with epilepsy showed that stimulation of the amygdala helped convert short-term memories to long-term ones. (IEEE Spectrum)

Clinical Trial: Brain Stimulation Target Showed Promise in Reducing Hallucinations in Parkinson's Disease Dementia

Dec. 18, 2017 - A short interview summarizes a recent double-blind, crossover trial in which six patients with Parkinson's disease dementia received low frequency stimulation of the nucleus basalis of Meynert. In the trial, there was little evidence of benefit in global cognition, but visual hallucinations reduced. The study was published in JAMA Neurology. (MedicalResearch.com)

U.S.University Participates in Neuromodulation Forum in Central China

Dec. 18, 2017 - The University of Kentucky announced that a group from its Brain Restoration center concluded a conference series at a number of Chinese university hospitals by performing the first deep brain stimulation surgery for a Parkinson's disease patient that was carried out at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in Henan, China. (University of Kentucky)

Article Highlights Devices as Potentially Helping Combat the Opioid Crisis

Dec. 18, 2017 - Three of seven devices in an article about combating the opioid crisis are implanted neurostimulation systems. (Medical Design and Outsourcing)

Article Calls for Moving Non-Opioid Treatments Earlier in the Pain Therapy Continuum

Dec. 18, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Peter Staats, MD, offers a perspective on factors leading to overprescribing of opioids in the United States. He stresses the importance of including interventional strategies in a pain treatment algorithm before problems develop. (Pain Medicine News)

A Bioelectric Medicine Approach Will Be Explored for Reducing Pain from Lupus

Dec. 17, 2017 - Researchers announced a pilot study to treat the pain of lupus by administering five minutes of electrical stimulation through the ear daily for four days. The stimulation is intended to inhibit the inflammatory reflex. (Patch.com)

One-Year Results Published in the Use of Neurostimulation to Address Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain

Dec. 15, 2017 - Investigators conducted an international, prospective, single-arm trial of a new neurostimulation approach for chronic mechanical low back pain, designed to periodically contract the lumbar multifidus that helps to stabilize the lower spine. The authors reported one-year results on 53 subjects in the study. They conclude the data showed "clinically important, statistically significant, and lasting improvement" in pain, disability, and quality of life. Meanwhile, a new review presents evidence for the role of the lumbar multifidus muscle in chronic low back pain. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Researchers Give Interviews about Presentations Concerning High Frequency Stimulation for Abdominal and Other Pain

Dec. 14, 2017 -  International Neuromodulation Society member Leonardo Kapural, MD, PhD, was interviewed by an industry publication about his presentation of a feasibility study about high frequency spinal cord stimulation for treating chronic abdominal pain. He presented the study at the annual meeting of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. At the same meeting, INS member Kasha Amirdelfan, MD, was interviewed about presenting preliminary 12-month results of a single-arm study of high frequency stimulation in upper limb and axial neck pain. (SmartTRAK)

Researchers Compare Neural Deficits in Autism and a Mouse Model, and Show Brain Stimulation Partially Reverses Behavioral Symptoms in the Mice

Dec. 13, 2017 - Researchers used neuromodulation to show that people and mice have similar connections between the Right Crus I domain of the cerebellum and the inferior parietal lobule of the cortex. In brain imaging, they said, those connections are disrupted in a mouse model of autism and in a cohort of autistic children. Brain stimulation in the mice reversed aspects of the abnormal behavior that arose when the connection was disrupted. The work was published in Nature Neuroscience. (NewsMedical.net)

Pain Management Experts Provide Perspectives on Neuromodulation

Dec. 14, 2017 - In a health awareness article that appears in the Guardian, International Neuromodulation Society President Timothy Deer, MD, describes growing excitement about neuromodulation therapy for managing symptoms of long-term disease, and new and more tailored forms of neuromodulation therapy. Due to the potential of neuromodulation to improve quality of life, he said, awareness should grow among patients and their clinicians. In the same news supplement, INS member Tacson Fernandez, MBBS, FRCA, FIPP, described a case in which spinal cord stimulation provided pain relief to a patient who had suffered brachial plexus injury in a motorcycle accident years before. (Media Planet)

Man with a Metabolic Condition that Impaired Motor Function Undergoes Deep Brain Stimulation

Dec. 11, 2017 - A television segment describes the gradual improvement of a young man with a rare genetic condition, Pank 2, that causes iron accumulation in the brain, disrupting motor function. Nine months ago, about five years after his symptoms began, he became one of about two dozen people with the disorder to try deep brain stimulation. (Fox 5 Atlanta)

Researchers Study the Effect of Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Dec. 11, 2017 - An article describes a feasibility study at the University of Louisville School of Medicine to "measure the extent to which epidural stimulation will improve cardiovascular function as well as facilitate the ability to stand and voluntarily control leg movements" in people with spinal cord injury. (SurfKY)

A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Compared Pulse Rate Outcomes in Spinal Cord Stimulation for Back Pain

Dec. 8, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society members Simon Thomson, MBBS; Moein Tavakkolizadeh, MD; Sarah Love-Jones, MBBS; and colleagues published results of a randomized, crossover study of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for back pain, Evaluation of Spinal Cord Stimulation Pulse Rate On Clinical Outcomes (PROCO). They found that, with appropriate titration of pulse width and amplitude, there is Level I evidence of equivalent pain relief from SCS at frequencies from 1 to 10 kHz. Stimulation at 1kHz required 60-70% less charge than higher frequencies. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

 Article Considers Non-Invasive Neurostimulation to Potentially Address Organ Function

Dec. 7, 2017 - An article touches upon preclinical studies that may lead to treating diabetes through stimulating the pancreas via the vagus nerve. The article cites a review in Trends in Molecular Medicine about transdermal nerve stimulation to potentially control immune and organ functions. (Healthline)

In a Sham-Controlled Study, Neurostimulation Reduced Abdominal Pain in Adolescents and Teens

Dec. 6, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Timothy Deer, MD, commented in Pain Medicine News on a study of percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation to treat pain from functional gastrointestinal disorders in children aged 11 - 18. The sham-controlled study of 115 children, reported in The Lancet, found that the treatment group sustained improvement in pain scores, compared to sham, during four weeks of treatment. Dr. Deer said basic science work may help elucidate underlying mechanisms, while identifying subsets of responders could increase therapeutic efficiency. (Pain Medicine News)

Brain-Stimulation Study Implicates Bromann Area 25 in Blood Pressure Control

Dec. 6, 2017 - A case series of 12 patients undergoing epilepsy and blood-pressure monitoring at the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found decreased systolic blood pressure associated with electrical stimulation of Brodmann area 25, the rostral subcallosal neocortex. Researchers would like to identify the brain site involved in maintaining blood pressure since it may be inhibited during seizures. Hypotension from peri-octal autonomic dysregulation is thought to be a factor in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. (2 Minute Medicine)

Long-Term Data Presented About Responsive Neurostimulation in Epilepsy

Dec. 5, 2017 - Adjunctive neurostimulation with a device that monitors and responds to brain activity led to sustained seizure reduction at eight years in three-fourths of the epilepsy patients who use it, according to data presented at the American Epilepsy Society annual meeting. The device was approved by the FDA for adults with refractory partial-onset seizures who have one or two epileptogenic foci. In addition, almost one-third of the recipients had one or more 6-month-long seizure-free periods. (Medscape)

Feature Article Details Experiences of Woman With Epilepsy Who Is Treated With Neurostimulation

Dec. 5, 2017 - In a news feature, a young woman describes how she has been affected by epilepsy, and her experiences with neurostimulation, including receiving a cortical implant that monitors and responds to brain activity. (News Enterprise-Record)

Television Segment Presents Spinal Cord Stimulation as an Alternative to Pain Medication

Dec. 6, 2017 - A news segment features a woman in chronic pain from a leg injury, who describes how spinal cord stimulation improved her function and quality of life. She says she would like people to know that prescription medication is not the only answer. In the segment, an explanation of the system was provided by International Neuromodulation Society member Youssef Josephson, DO. (CBS News)

Article Summarizes Study of Neuromodulation for Painful Neuropathy from Leprosy

Dec. 5, 2017 - An article summarizes a report in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface, in which International Neuromodulation Society member Tiago Freitas and colleagues provide 12-month follow-up data on 10 patients in a prospective case series who received spinal cord stimulation to treat painful mononeuropathy, secondary to leprosy, which was refractive to conservative treatment. In addition to experiencing reductions in baseline pain scores, the patients reduced their pain medication by 40% from preoperative levels. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

Researchers to Explore Infrared Stimulation to Potentially Modulate Autonomic Nervous System Conditions

Dec. 5, 2017 - Researchers from Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Pittsburgh received a $9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop enhanced infrared neuromodulation to potentially treat conditions of the autonomic nervous system. The researchers will study the effects of this stimulation on such nerve structures as the nodose ganglion, which connects through the vagus nerve to a number of organs to manage their physiological function. (Photonics Media)

Publisher Provides INS Members Access to an Enhanced Database of Neuromodulation Products

November 2017 - Neurotech Reports announced it is enhancing its Database of Neuromodulation Products, which is available to members of the International Neuromodulation Society through their website member portal. The database contains information on existing and emerging products in a number of product categories, including spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation, leads, power supplies, and many others. Users can search by product category, company name, or medical condition. The database reports details such as approval status, reimbursement, and product description. (Neurotech Reports)

Team Plans a Study to Potentially Restore Some Movement After Spinal Cord Injury

Dec. 4, 2017 - An anticipated study in Australia will to try to restore hand function in patients with quadriplegia. The new project begins in January. A researcher who led similar research in the U.S., Prof. Reggie Edgerton of the University of California, Los Angeles, will join the effort part-time. Upon receiving ethics approval, the team anticipates enrolling spinal cord injury patients in July. (Sydney Morning Herald)

Development of a Sub-Millimeter Scale Wireless Neural Stimulator

Nov. 27, 2017 - A team has published data about a proof-of-concept, sub-millimeter-scale stimulator that might enable nerve-cuff peripheral nerve stimulation or wireless deep brain stimulation. The paper covers analytical and computational modeling, and use of a working prototype to elicit a motor response in the sciatic nerve of a rat. The authors say their device, with a compact polymer-based encapsulation, "consists only of an antenna to receive inductive power, a diode for rectification, and two electrodes" to deliver current to neurons. (Frontiers in Neuroscience)

Data in Animals Showed Heart Rate Variability Reversibly Suppressed by Optogenetic Means

December 2017 - An optogenetic study in beagles showed that illumination with a laser-emitting diode led to decreased indices of heart rate variability weeks after an inhibitory light-sensitive opsin was delivered to neurons in the left stellate ganglion, whose suppression protects against ventricular arrhyhimias. A 14-minute audio file describes the study. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

Small Study Demonstrates Pain Relief From Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

Nov. 29, 2017 - In an open-label study of patients with peripheral neuropathic pain from polyneuropathy, posterior tibial nerve stimulation was evaluated for pain relief. Eight patients had six stimulation sessions spaced about three or four days apart. Their pain was reduced by 85.5% at the end of the period. Six of the patients had more than 50% decrease after the first stimulation session and 99.2% after the final session. (Journal of Pain Research)

Analysis: Suspending Anticoagulant Use Did Not Increase Risk of Adverse Events from Spinal Cord Stimulation Implantation or Revision

Nov. 27, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society members Julie Pilitis, MD, PhD, Vishad Sukul, MD, and colleagues published a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of 225 spinal cord stimulation patients. The analysis included 43 patients who had been on at least one anticoagulant, and assessed the safety of implanting or revising spinal cord stimulators after anticoagulant medication was suspended. Suspension had been recommended by the 2017 guidelines of the Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee. The analysis found that anticoagulant use "as a whole" had no significant relationship to 13 adverse events recorded within 90 days of surgery. The authors conclude suspension did not comparatively increase risk of bleeding or blood clots. (Pain Medicine)

Study: Low-Frequency Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease May Improve Cognitive Deficit

Nov. 28, 2017 - Simple cognitive tests performed during deep brain stimulation surgery, and after recovery, indicate that cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease may be lessened with low frequency stimulation to the subthalamic nucleus at 4 Hz, which researchers say restores delta wave activity in the medial prefrontal cortex. A published study that involved evoked responses and functional mapping indicates there may be a single, direct synaptic connection between these regions. (Medical Express)

New Neuroscience Institute May Explore Neurostimulation as a Potential Treatment for Addiction

Nov. 25, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Ali Rezai, MD, gave an interview as director of the new West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. He said researchers there would like to start trials next year for deep brain stimulation in addicts who have failed other treatments. Initially, they would like to potentially address severe alcoholism. (News-Register)

Researchers Describe Early Stage Studies to Potentially Use Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation for Mood Disorders

Nov. 22, 2017 - An article describes current research exploring if intermittent stimulation might be a therapeutic approach for mood disorders, in work with emerging closed-loop deep brain stimulation systems that might address depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. The research is funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. (Nature)

Bioelectronic Medicine Researchers Investigate Delaying Preterm Labor

Nov. 21, 2017 - A research team won $500,000 to investigate potentially delaying preterm delivery by delivering electrical stimulation through a belt-like device. The concept also calls for administering antenatal steroids to enhance the infant's lung maturity. (Innovate Long Island)

Study Evaluates Outcomes of Combining Psychotherapy and Brain Stimulation

Nov. 17, 2017 - A study in the Netherlands of 196 patients with major depressive disorder found that combining cognitive behavioral therapy and 10 sessions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation resulted in a 66% response rate and a 56% remission rate at the end of treatment, with 60% sustained remission at follow-up. (Vision)

Presentation: Neurostimulation for Dry Eye Disease Improved All Tear Layers Over Time

Nov. 14, 2017 - Electrical stimulation of the intranasal tear reflex for dry eye disease was studied in two large pivotal multicenter clinical studies. The studies of the hand-held prototype showed gradual production of all three layers of tear film that results in healing of the eye surface, according to a presenter at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting. (Medpage Today)

Brain Stimulation Study Reveals Brain-Inhibition Imbalance in Genetic Condition

Nov. 14, 2017 - Brain-stimulation research showing an imbalance in inhibition and excitation in people with fragile X syndrome, which often has some features of autism, lends support to the idea that autism and related conditions may be associated with decreased inhibition in the brain. (Spectrum)

Study: Stimulation Via Capsaicin Swab of Ear Canal Improved Dysphagia in Elderly

Nov. 13, 2017 - In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, comparative study of 20 elderly patients with difficulty swallowing, swallowing scores improved in the10 who received 0.025% capsaicin ointment swabbed on the external auditory canal. The authors say capsaicin is an agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, and that improvement in glottal closure and cough reflexes especially may be due to that receptor mediating aural stimulation of the vagal Arnold's nerve. (Clinical Interventions in Aging)

Researchers Present Work to Address Dyskinesia Using Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation With Motor Cortex Electrocorticography

Nov. 12, 2017 - In two Parkinson's disease patients, the feasibility of closed-loop adjustment of deep brain stimulation to address dyskinesia, using motor cortex electrocorticography, was demonstrated during adjustment sessions of 10-60 minutes. The study was mentioned in a news release that summarized several presentations at the Society for Neuroscience meeting concerning brain stimulation treatment and research. (Society for Neuroscience)

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Improved Gait and Balance in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Nov. 7, 2017 - A randomized, single-blind pilot study in 43 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis showed improvements in gait and balance, compared to sham, in patients who received 12 sessions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over four weeks along with intensive rehabilitation. (Medscape)

Academic Medical Center in West Virginia Plans to Add Brain Stimulation to Addiction Treatment

Nov. 13, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Ali Rezai, MD, was featured in a news item from the Associated Press that says addictions treatment will be expanded next year to include brain stimulation techniques at West Virginia University Medicine. He is the new director of the university's Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute. (U.S. News & World Report)

Neuroscience Meeting Sees a Rise in Research Presentations About Mental Health Applications  

Nov. 12, 2017 - A radio interview from the Society for Neuroscience discusses how the fields of brain science and mental health are merging through new insights and capabilities to understand circuit disorders and the underlying science. (NPR)

Study Confirms Usefulness of Telemedicine for Remote Deep Brain Stimulation Patients

Nov. 9, 2017 - A retrospective study of deep brain stimulation patients and candidates who used the Ontario Telemedicine Network due to living far from services confirmed it is a feasible and useful approach for assessing patients. The authors suggest combining it with in-person visits, such as for battery replacement and surgery. (Movement Disorders)

Research Project Involves Using Optogenetics for a Visual Prosthesis

Nov. 9, 2017 - A program of the U.S. Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency, DARPA, involves the French research laboratory Leti, which is developing a wireless, implantable system called CorticalSight to stimulate ontogenetically modified neurons in the visual cortex using light. (Electronics Weekly)

Clinicians Report Use of a 3D Printed Guiding Device to Facilitate Sacral Neuromodulation Implantation

Nov. 7, 2017 - Clinicians in China report on creation of a customized novel 3D printed guiding device for electrode implantation of sacral neuromodulation. They say it allowed placing the test needle successfully on the first attempt, and that implanting a tined electrode took less than 20 minutes with no complications. The two patients, who had intractable constipation, experienced symptom improvement of more than 50% during the screening phase, and received a permanent implant. (Colorectal Disease)

Comparative Study in Back-Pain Patients Finds Conventional or High-Frequency Stimulation Yielded Similar Scores at One Year Followup

Nov. 4, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Jose De Andres, MD, PhD, and colleagues published a comparative prospective, randomized, blind effect-on-outcome study comparing conventional and high-frequency spinal cord stimulation. After one year, assessments in 55 patients showed similar, significant global average reduction in scores. (Pain Medicine)

Lifetime Analysis of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression Finds It Cost-Effective After One Medication Failure

Oct. 26, 2017 - An analysis concludes that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation provides lower costs with better outcomes, with direct costs and quality adjusted life years ranging from $2,952/0.32 to $11,140/0.43 for younger patients. The authors say their results support the use of the therapy after a single failed antidepressant medication trial. (PLoS ONE)

Opinion Piece Says It's Time to Embrace New Pain Treatments

Nov. 4, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Peter Staats, MD, wrote an opinion article that says interventional pain therapies, by targeting the parts of the body that generate chronic pain, could help to eliminate patients' desire for opioids. (Newsweek)

Authors Conclude Sacral Neuromodulation in Teen-Agers and Adolescents May Be Cost-Effective for Chronic, Refractory Constipation

Nov. 1, 2017 - A modeling study based on data from 27 patients followed for a median of 22 months concluded that in children and adolescents aged 10 18 years old who have chronic refractory constipation, sacral neuromodulation can be a cost-effective option compared to continued conservative management. (Colorectal Disease)

Study Explores Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Address Chronic Pain

Nov. 5, 2017 - An article describes a clinical trial of transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic pain at the Medical University of South Carolina. (Post and Courier)

Australian Clinical Trial Will Explore Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation in Patients Who Have Daily Epilepsy Attacks

Nov. 5, 2017 - A double-blinded clinical trial at the University of Melbourne will explore deep brain stimulation to the thalamus in up to 20 patients who have a type of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The childhood-onset condition causes daily attacks, and interferes with learning. The study is supported through a $1 million grant from Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council. (Herald Sun)

Article Describes Possible Advantages of Asleep Deep Brain Stimulation

Nov. 3, 2017 - A clinical trial of 69 deep brain stimulation (DBS) patients at Oregon Health & Science University compared awake vs. asleep DBS was reported to show better outcomes in communication, cognition and speech -- possibly because the asleep approach relies on imaging and so does not require using multiple probes to map the trajectory and target location through microelectrode recordings. (Portland Business Journal)

Pediatric Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Receive Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator

Nov. 2, 2017 - A case series of six adolescents who have Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea showed implantation of hypoglossal nerve stimulators was well tolerated and effective. The article says the pediatric patients, aged 12 - 18, were the first children to have the implant. (The JAMA Network)

Research Collaboration Will Explore Nerve Block Technology for Autonomic Nervous System

Nov. 2, 2017 - An article says that a stimulation method currently being used by Neuros Medical Inc. to block pain, which relies on a combined waveform of AC/DC currents across different time frames, may also help treat asthma and heart failure through research at Case Western Reserve University, with collaborators from the University of California at Los Angeles and Johns Hopkins University. A news release says the project received a four-year, $2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. (Medical Design & Outsourcing)

In Clinical Trial, Spinal Cord Stimulation at Different Frequencies Delivered Equivalent Pain Relief

Nov. 2, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society members Simon Thomson, MBBS, and Timothy Deer, MD, were quoted in an article about the presentation of research results from Dr. Thomson's PROCO (Evaluation of Spinal Cord Stimulation Pulse Rate On Clinical Outcomes) clinical trial at the INS 13th World Congress in June 2017. Results of the double-blind, crossover study in 20 pain patients showed equivalent pain relief using spinal cord stimulation frequencies from 1 kHz to 10 kHz. Commentators called for additional, expanded study, and Dr. Deer pointed out neurostimulation can lower the need for opioid medication. (Pain Medicine News)

Research into Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression Discussed at National Institutes of Health Workshop

Oct. 31, 2017 - At a meeting on ethical dilemmas of brain stimulation research, experts discussed issues such as the 44 patients from a clinical trial of deep brain stimulation for depression who opted to leave their implants in place, but must cover the costs of maintaining the device or surgery to replace the pulse generator. (Science)

Australian Healthcare System Will Add Coverage for Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Epilepsy

Oct. 31, 2017 - The Australian government approved recommendations from the independent Medical Services Advisory Committee which include access to six vagus nerve stimulation items for epilepsy patients. (Brisbane Times)

Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation Aided Physical Rehabilitation After Paralysis

Oct. 30, 2017 - A paraplegic man who combined epidural spinal cord stimulation with intensive rehabilitation therapy twice a day regained his ability to stand independently for periods of time, despite the loss of motor function in his legs following his injury. (Daily Mail)

Review Summarizes Evidence for Sacral Nerve Stimulation Following Surgery for Colon Disorders

Oct. 30, 2017 - A systematic review covers three papers about sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence in patients who have had ileal pouch anal anastomosis for inflammatory bowel disease or other disorders. (Updates in Surgery)

Study Examines Factors That May Aid Patient Selection for Spinal Cord Stimulation

Oct. 24, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Julie Pilitis, MD, PhD, and colleagues report in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface on 86 patients who were followed for 12 months after spinal cord stimulation. The team found correlations in the 22% of patients whose pain was reduced at least 80% at one year. These remitters had greater reductions in the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and Oswestry Disability Index. On the other hand, patients who had pre-operative disability and opioid use were less likely to show remission. (MDLinx)

Article Summarizes Brain-Computer Interface Development

Oct. 24, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Jaimie Henderson, MD, is mentioned in an article about the potential therapeutic promise of brain-machine interfaces that can essentially listen to, and "speak," the brain's language. (Parkinson's News Today)

Neurostimulation is Featured in Articles on Neuropsychiatry

Oct. 24, 2017 - A special report on neuropsychiatry includes an article on informed consent process for transcranial direct current stimulation, as well as others on deep brain stimulation for memory deficits and on transcranial magnetic stimulation and schizophrenia. (Psychiatric Times)

Grant Enables Research Into Neuroethics of Closed-Loop Brain Stimulation Therapies

Oct. 24, 2017 - A four-year, $1.9 million grant from the NIH BRAIN Initiative will support research into neuroethical implications of adaptive deep brain stimulation technologies, which use signals from the brain to adjust stimulation in real time. The researchers will follow 10 patients from five collaborating research studies. (Baylor College of Medicine)

Stimulation Study Pinpoints Area Linked to Recall of Distinct Memory

Oct. 24, 2017 - Memory tests on 13 people who were undergoing epilepsy monitoring showed that stimulating the right side of the brain’s entorhinal area, but not the left, improved subjects' ability to recognize specific faces and ignore similar ones. (UCLA)

Man With Rare Disease Has Reduced Dystonia Symptoms After Deep Brain Stimulation

Oct. 24, 2017 - Following deep brain stimulation, severe dystonia symptoms improved in a young man whose rare genetic degenerative brain disease led to iron build-up and dystonia that interfered with his ability to speak. (WXIA)

Vestibular Nerve Stimulation Targets Balance Impairment

Oct. 20, 2017 - A safety and efficacy clinical trial of a vestibular nerve stimulator to restore balance has shown good preliminary results, according to an investigator at Johns Hopkins. Results are available from the first three of five eventual enrollees. Their balance issues stem from inner ear damage that developed during a course of life-saving antibiotics. In the trial, stimulation is delivered in one ear through a modified cochlear implant that responds to data from an externally worn gyroscope. The developers anticipate potentially commercializing the device later through the spinoff company Labyrinth Devices. (IEEE Spectrum)

Interagency Working Group Produces U.S. Federal Pain Research Strategy

Oct. 20, 2017 - The NIH Office of Pain Policy has released a Federal Pain Research Strategy. The strategy prioritizes research recommendations concerning both acute and chronic pain. (NIH)

Article Advises Emergency Medicine Providers About Issues That Deep Brain Stimulation Patients May Present

October 2017 - An article alerts emergency medicine providers to be alert to potential complications involving deep brain stimulation implants. (Emergency Medicine News)

Article Covers Recent Push Toward Alternatives to Opioids for Chronic Pain

Oct. 21, 2017 - An article presents neuromodulation as an alternative to opioids to treat chronic pain. It quotes International Neuromodulation Society members Timothy Deer, MD; Richard Vaglienti, MD; and Allen Burton, MD about the long-term cost efficacy of neuromodulation. The article cites the 2016 INS fact sheet on spinal cord stimulation and quotes a U.S. health insurance industry representative, who said reimbursement is considered on a case-by-case basis. (Business Insider)

Team Studies Effect of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation on Appetite

Oct. 18, 2017 - A study of 21 people with obesity found that longer periods of transcranial direct current stimulation reduced hunger and snack food intake, but shorter term stimulation, such as 3 sessions, had no effect relative to sham. In the study, active-treatment subjects received anodal stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for a maximum of 15 sessions. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)

Start-Up Surpasses Fundraising Goal for Neurostimulator Device Intended to Aid Weight Loss

Oct. 17, 2017 - The start-up Neurovalens has raised $1.5 million, which was reportedly more than 3,000% of its goal, for research and development of its non-invasive vestibular nerve stimulator that the company aims to apply to weight loss. (MobiHealthNews)

Article Profiles Research Into Brain-Computer Interfaces

Oct. 17, 2017 - An article about brain-computer interfaces discusses research into applications for prosthetics, vision, gait, and potentially epilepsy or stroke. Among the people interviewed is International Neuromodulation Society member Jaimie Henderson, MD, a professor of neurosurgery at Stanford University who is collaborating on neural prosthetics. (Stanford)

Study in Australia Examines Impact of Non-Invasive Stimulation on Balance of Stroke Survivors

Oct. 15, 2017 - A two-week controlled pilot study in Australia in 10 stroke survivors showed that non-invasive stimulation through a device placed on the tongue improved balance when combined with physical rehabilitation therapy. (Herald Sun)

Clinical Research Abstract Raises Possibility of Mitigating Stimulation Tolerance Through Closed-Loop Paradigm

Oct. 3, 2017 - A scientific abstract by International Neuromodulation Society member Marc Russo, MD presents six-month data on 36 patients who were implanted with a closed-loop spinal cord stimulation system. The system uses evoked compound action potentials to measure the response to stimulus. Through longer term follow-up, the abstract concludes, it may be determined whether this stimulation paradigm helps mitigate the development of stimulation tolerance. (NeuroNews)

Review Analyzes Spinal Cord Stimulation in Refractory Angina

October 2017 - An analysis of nine randomized controlled trials comprising 364 patients with refractory angina concluded that compared to groups that did not receive spinal cord stimulation (SCS), SCS decreased use of nitrate drugs and increased several indicators of health-related quality of life. The analysis found SCS outcomes compared to those of bypass surgery or revascularization. (Translational Perioperative and Pain Medicine)

Researchers Seek to Predict Response to Occipital Nerve Stimulation

Oct. 10, 2017 -  An article summarizes research published in Cephalalgia in which investigators studied response to occipital nerve stimulation in 100 patients who had migraine and/or headache attacks. They found a greater chance for therapy response among patients with short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks, as well as among patients who had responded previously to a greater occipital nerve block. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

After Initial Case, Observations Find No Link From Deep Brain Stimulation to Weight Loss

October 2017 - Clinicians who had published a deep brain stimulation (DBS) case in 2010 of a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who subsequently lost substantial weight have now observed data on 46 patients who had DBS that targeted the ventral anterior limb of the internal capsule for OCD or depression. The average body-mass index (BMI) of 15 patients who were morbidly obese decreased from 36.8 to 34.6, which was not significant. The average BMI of patients whose weight was normal or overweight increased from 23.8 to 25, which also was not significant. (Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery)

Project Will Use Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation to Explore the Basis of Inner Speech

October 2017 - A project at the University of Manchester will use non-invasive brain stimulation to study relationships between the right superior temporal sulcus and the experience of inner speech (which is described as "an audible speech-like experience without hearing actual sounds"). The principal investigator anticipates potential therapeutic applications. (FindAPhD)

Researcher Shows Effects on Adaptive Decision-Making

Oct. 9, 2017 - A study among 90 test subjects, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showed the influence of functional connectivity between the medial frontal cortex and lateral prefrontal cortex on executive function. Study subjects improved their adaptive behavior when they received in-phase, theta-frequency, high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation. With anti-phase stimulation, the performance temporarily worsened. The author said there may be applications in conditions that are associated with less than, or more than, normal connectivity. (Inverse)

Study Compares Awake and Asleep Deep Brain Stimulation Implantation in Parkinson's Disease

Oct. 6, 2017 - A single-center comparative six-month study compared outcomes in 30 Parkinson's disease patients who received asleep deep brain stimulation with outcomes of 39 patients who previously underwent awake deep brain stimulation (DBS) by the same surgeon. The authors conclude that motor outcomes of asleep DBS were on par or better than awake DBS and that asleep DBS was associated with superior fluency and quality of life. (Neurology)

In Study, Non-Invasive Stimulation Showed Promise for Migraine

Oct. 6, 2017 - A comparative study of 110 migraineurs who received transcutaneous occipital nerve stimulation, or medication, or sham stimulation, found that the treatment groups had a significantly higher 50% responder rate and lower headache intensity. (Medical News Bulletin)

Group in Finland Examines Incidence of Spinal Cord Stimulation Among Back-Surgery Patients

Oct. 5, 2017 - A team of authors from Finland who sought to estimate the incidence and predictive factors concerning spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the lower-back surgery cohort at their facility surveyed 814 patients who had received non-traumatic back surgery between 2005 and 2008. Of that group, 21 had received SCS by 2015. The mean waiting time to receive SCS was 65 months (26-93 months). They conclude, "In our region, the SCS treatment is used only for very serious pain conditions. Waiting time is too long and it may be the reason why this treatment option is not offered to all candidates." (Journal of Pain Research)

Newspaper Article Describes Woman's Success Relieving Pain Through Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation

Oct. 5, 2017 - An article describes how a chronic pain patient injured in a horseback riding fall found relief through a burst mode of spinal cord stimulation. Her care was delivered by International Neuromodulation Society member Ganesan Baranidharan, MBBS FRCA FCARCSI, at the Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust in the UK. (Yorkshire Post)

Clinical Trial Compares Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Anti-Depressant Medication

Oct. 5, 2017 - A single-center, double-blind noninferiority trial in 245 adults with unipolar depression compared transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) plus oral placebo to tDCS alone, sham tDCS plus the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor escitalopram, or sham tDCS and oral placebo. In this trial tDCS did not show noninferiority compared to the antidepressant medication over a 10-week period, and was associated with more adverse events, such as skin redness or tinnitus. (Clinical Pharmacist)

Experts Publish Standardized Procedure for Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Oct. 4, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Charles Knowles, PhD was among an international multidisciplinary working party of 10 highly experienced practitioners of sacral neuromodulation (sacral nerve stimulation) who convened two meetings, including a live operating one, to prepare a publication about standardization of the implant procedure to optimize outcomes. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Researchers Report Promising Results of Augmentative Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation During Rehabilitation for Treatment-Resistant Hemispatial Neglect

Oct. 4, 2017 - Researchers plan a larger study after seeing that transcranial direct current stimulation augmented rehabilitation of treatment-resistant stroke patients undergoing therapy for hemispatial neglect. (Medical Xpress)

Researchers Investigating Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression Publish an Analysis of Study Results

Oct. 4, 2017 - Data from 90 participants in a six-month double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial confirmed the safety and feasibility of subcallosal cingulate deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a treatment for treatment-resistant depression. Although a futility analysis found no statistically significant antidepressant efficacy, the study authors provide contextual evidence they say "strongly supports further investigation of DBS of the subcallosal cingulate white matter as a potential therapy for treatment-resistant depression, a highly prevalent and disabling medical condition." (The Lancet Psychiatry)

In Study, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Linked to Lower Fatigue in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Oct. 2, 2017 - A controlled study of transcranial direct current stimulation indicates that treatments reduced fatigue experienced by people with multiple sclerosis. The study had 27 subjects who received up to 20 sessions of stimulation over four weeks, for 20 minutes a day, five days a week. (Medical Xpress)

Authors Review Evidence for "Asleep" Deep Brain Stimulation in Movement Disorder

September 2017 - A review of nine studies of 237 patients who have Parkinson's disease or essential tremor and received "asleep" deep brain stimulation without microelectrode recording or intraoperative test stimulation suggests this approach can be performed safely with good outcomes although the authors say the initial findings should be further validated. (World Neurosurgery)

Clinical Team Devises Responsive Deep Brain Stimulation for an Individual with Medically Refractory Tourette Syndrome

Sept. 29, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Aysegul Gunduz, PhD and colleagues report on designing and implanting a responsive deep brain stimulation system in a patient with medically refractory Tourette syndrome. The stimulating leads were implanted in the centromedian-parafascicular region of the thalamus. After 12 months, the patient's symptoms improved in two scales by 64% and 48%, while the projected mean battery life improved 63.3%. For the device's control signal, the team used a spectral feature in the 5- to 15-Hz band. (Journal of Neurosurgery)

Review Examines Experimental Approach for Axial Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Sept. 28, 2017 - Pedunculopontine nucleus deep brain stimulation (PPN DBS)  in Parkinson's disease has emerged as an experimental therapy for addressing axial motor deficits of Parkinson's disease that contribute to quality of life and safety issues, such as gait freezing and postural instability. A review by the Movement Disorders Society PPN DBS Working Group, in collaboration with the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, found that less than 100 cases of this intervention have been published. Due to variable and unpredictable results, the authors recommend a multicenter database to track agreed-upon measures, clinical application, and outcomes. (Movement Disorders)

UK News Article Describes Research Into and Access to Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Depression

Oct. 2, 2017 - An article about vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for depression cites five-year findings in the American Journal of Psychiatry from a registry that showed adjunctive VNS had enhanced antidepressant effects compared with treatment as usual. The article adds that VNS is difficult to get in the UK since funding can only be arranged if the specialist appeals to a panel that funds individual requests. (The Guardian)

Neuromodulation Practitioners Join Conversation About Opioid Epidemic

Oct. 1, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Rudy Malayil, MD is quoted in an article about pain treatment beyond opioids. The article says officials have written to insurers to ask for greater access to non-opioid pain management alternatives. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin wrote an open letter to two of the largest U.S. health insurers, and a coalition of 37 U.S. attorneys general also wrote to the head of a U.S. health insurance trade association, citing an article that quotes INS President Timothy Deer, MD about long-term cost savings from more advanced, non-opioid, therapies. (Herald Dispatch)

Parkinson's Disease Patient Gives First-Hand Account of His Deep Brain Stimulation in National News Outlet

Oct. 1, 2017 - A Parkinson's disease patient writes about his decade-long satisfaction with using deep brain stimulation to limit motor symptoms of the disease, as well as challenges from battery depletion, and brings up his earlier appeal for major spending in seeking disease cures. (Washington Post)

Study: Multi-Modal Neurostimulation Is Safe, Effective

Sept. 29, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Timothy Deer, MD and colleagues have published the results of a multicenter, randomized, unblinded, crossover study that followed 100 chronic pain patients for one year to assess the safety and efficacy of a spinal cord stimulation device that offers a choice of tonic or burst stimulation modes. Patients received one or the other mode for 12 weeks, and then crossed over to the other mode for another 12 weeks. For the remainder of the study period they continued on the mode of their choice. At one year, 68.2% of patients preferred burst stimulation, 23.9% preferred tonic, and 8% had no preference. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

News Coverage Highlights Patient's Increased Function Following Neurostimulation to Manage Chronic Pain

Sept. 28, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Giancarlo Barolat, MD, is quoted in an article about a patient who received neurostimulation for chronic pelvic pain and regained her ability to participate in daily activities, having been homebound and bedridden earlier when she was taking a range of painkillers to try to cope. (KUSA) 

Study Explores Using Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation for Recovery From Traumatic Brain Injury

Sept. 28, 2017 - A pilot study of low-intensity transcranial electrical stimulation in six patients with mild traumatic brain injury used magnetoencephalography to investigate neuronal changes after the participants received a passive neurofeedback-based treatment program. The authors say the patients' persistent post-concussive symptoms, and abnormal slow-waves, reduced significantly from the pre-treatment baseline. (Medical Xpress)

Analysis Assesses Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation in Essential Tremor

Sept. 28, 2017 - Authors of a systematic review and meta-analysis of non-invasive brain stimulation in essential tremor say the technique yielded positive treatment effects. (PLoS ONE)

Authors Assess Long-Term Benefits of Deep Brain Stimulation in Dystonia

Sept. 28, 2017 - Clinicians in Europe published data on deep brain stimulation to the globus pallidus internus (GPi DBS) for disabling isolated idiopathic, inherited, or acquired dystonia. In their report, 61 patients were followed for a median of about 8 years (from one year to more than 20). The authors conclude that GPi DBS is safe and effective for most patients with dystonia. (Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry)

Article Surveys Respiratory System Restoration After Spine Injury, and Potential Role of Spinal Cord Stimulation

September 2017 - An article discusses electrical neuromodulation of the respiratory system after spinal cord injury and concludes that spinal cord stimulation may have relatively broad potential for augmenting and restoring respiratory function, such as breathing or cough, in spine-injured individuals, beyond the capabilities of phrenic nerve stimulation or mechanical ventilation. (Mayo Clinic Proceedings)

Video Interview Summarizes Stroke Research

Sept. 26, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Jesse Dawson, MD, was interviewed during the INS 13th World Congress about a double-blind pilot study of vagus nerve stimulation paired with physical rehabilitation for arm weakness following stroke. (SmartTRAK)

Woman's Deafness is Reversed Through Neurostimulation

Sept. 27, 2017 - A woman in Kentucky received an auditory brainstem implant, first recommended in 2009 when type 2 neurofibromatosis tumors damaged her auditory nerves. With treatment now covered by insurance, she received a cochlear implant on her right ear, followed by the auditory brainstem implant, which addresses the auditory nerve damage affecting her left ear. (Winchester Sun)

Patient Recounts Her Satisfaction With a Sacral Nerve Stimulation Implant

Sept. 25, 2017 - A woman in the UK describes receiving sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinance. (Daily Mail)

Study Looks at Longitudinal Costs of Spinal Cord Stimulation

Sept. 20, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society members Nandan Lad, MD, PhD, and Aladine Elsamadicy, MD and colleagues published a retrospective health economics analysis of 5,328 U.S. patients who received spinal cord stimulation for failed back surgery syndrome. The recipients represented 4.34% of the 122,827 patients who were identified with this indication from 2000 to 2012. Their longitudinal analysis showed that although costs climbed the year of implantation, they fell 68% compared to conventional medical management the next year, and an average of 40% annually after that, at 1, 3, 6 and 9 years. (Pain Physician)

Article Says Vagus Nerve Stimulation Helped Patient Gain Minimally Conscious State

Sept. 25, 2017 - A patient in France was brought to a minimally conscious state by use of vagus nerve stimulation after entering a vegetative state following an accident. (New Scientist)

Primer on Opioids Mentions Spinal Cord Stimulation as a Treatment Alternative

Sept. 18, 2017 - An article on "the top five things to know about opioids" mentions spinal cord stimulation as an advanced pain treatment alternative that can provide sustained pain relief. (Mountain Grove News-Journal)

Study: Non-Invasive Stimulation Reduced Pain After Migraines Began

Sept. 18, 2017 - A presentation at the 18th Congress of the International Headache Society on 57 patients who have participated in a randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial for acute migraine suggests that external trigeminal nerve stimulation can reduce pain of the attacks even three or more hours after an attack began. (Medscape)

Non-Invasive Stimulation Augmented Anxiety Disorder Therapy in Study

Sept. 18, 2017 - A placebo-controlled study showed that 20 minutes of transcranial magnetic stimulation prior to a desensitization exercise, using virtual reality, for study subjects who were afraid of heights had an effect that lasted three months. The active stimulation to the frontal lobe was described as accelerating the therapy to help overcome the anxiety. (Deccan Chronicle)

Initial Data Published on Closed-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation

Sept. 18, 2017 - An Early View article presents data from six months of study of closed-loop spinal cord stimulation for chronic back and/or leg pain. Of 36 patients who received implants, the proportion experiencing more than 50% relief at three and six months was more than 90% and 80% respectively. For more than half of the recipients, pain relief surpassed 80% at three and six months (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Clinicians: Twenty Sessions of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Reduced Youths' Autism Symptoms

Sept. 17, 2017 - Clinicians from Cuba report that in a partial cross-over trial of 24 children (mean age 12), 20 sessions of non-invasive brain stimulation to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improved autistic symptoms for six months. Children 10 and younger received transcranial direct current stimulation, while children aged 10 years, 11 months and older received repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, which requires more collaboration for targeting. (Behavioral Science)

Article Summarizes Electrical Stimulation Methods to Address Paralysis

Sept. 15, 2017 - The journal Physiology has published an overview of electrical stimulation to improve function after spinal cord injury. (Medical Xpress)

Research Review Explores Publications on the Clinical Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Sept. 14, 2017 - An article reviews nearly 17 years of published research into transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to augment cognitive or physical therapy. The authors comment, "Although tDCS is a safe and easy technique, it is only safe and easy in the hands of trained persons." Still, they conclude that remotely controlled and supervised tDCS for home has promise as a potentially widespread clinical use of noninvasive brain stimulation. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Review Surveys Evidence Regarding Neuromodulation for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Sept. 14, 2017 - Commenting that neuromodulation represents "some of the most exciting new technologies in neurology today," a neurologist reviews several less-invasive and more-invasive forms of neuromodulation that have been explored to relieve trigeminal neuralgia that is not effectively treated with conventional surgery and/or medication. (Headache Currents)

Interview About International Neuromodulation Society 13th World Congress Recaps Progress in the Field

Sept. 7, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Timothy Deer, MD, gave an 8-minute videotaped interview at the start of the INS 13th World Congress about exciting presentations, emerging trends and impacts, and research results and potential market growth that are on the horizon. The interview touched upon growing access based on reimbursement, patient demand for alternatives, the need to avoid or minimize opioid use, and advancing technology. Technology advances include smaller, smarter devices with new waveforms, frequencies, pulse trains and targets, and closed-loop adjustment of stimulation for devices addressing pain or interventions targeting brain centers or bladder function. He also mentioned impressive research permitting paralyzed persons to move or use a cursor. (SmartTRAK)

Abstract Presents 12-Month Results in Post-Market Study of Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation

Sept. 14, 2017 - An article covers an abstract presented at the International Neuromodulation Society 13th World Congress by INS member Sam Eldabe, MBBS, FRCA on a prospective, observational, post-market study of dorsal root ganglion stimulation for chronic intractable pain, PREDICT. The study followed 100 implanted patients for up to 12 months. The data suggest patients with complex regional pain syndrome or peripheral nerve injury respond particularly well, especially in the lower extremities, according to the abstract. (NeuroNews)

Long-term Data Presented About Neuromodulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sept. 13, 2017 - Hypoglossal nerve stimulation led to significant improvements in moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea at one and five years, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. (Business Wire)

Meta-Analysis Provides Evidence for Sacral Neuromodulation to Relieve Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis

Sept. 8, 2017 - Urology researchers in Guangzhou, China write that a meta-analysis of 17 studies with 583 subjects provides strong evidence for sacral neuromodulation relieving bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis. They believe theirs is the first meta-analysis in this indication, and added that the long-term success rate was found to be 76%, similar to the short-term success rate of 88%. (Scientific Reports)

Article Discusses Bioelectronic Medicine Challenges and Potential

Sept. 8, 2017 - An article about early research into bioelectronic medicine says that it may not be necessary to develop smaller electrodes to target individual nerve fibers to treat inflammatory disease. That's because a low current from a cuff electrode around the vagus nerve should preferentially stimulate low-threshold fibers that link to the spleen. In principle, this stimulation would in turn down-regulate release of inflammatory factors. (The Guardian)

Article Details Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Kilohertz Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation

Sept. 5, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Simon Thomson, MBBS, FRCA, FIPP, FFPMRCA, was interviewed about the PROCO (Effects of Pulse Rate On Clinical Outcomes in Kilohertz Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation) randomized controlled trial, whose results he presented at the INS 13th World Congress. The results showed no clinical difference in pain relief using frequencies from 1–10kHz. In the study, targeting was optimized at 10kHz. During randomization, both amplitude and pulse width were optimized at each of four frequencies tested -- 1kHz, 4kHz, 7kHz and 10kHz. In the interview, Dr. Thomson discussed using a minimal electrical neural dose, adding that automation might facilitate targeting and neural dose optimization. (NeuroNews)

Article Calls Neurostimulation a Technology-Based Alternative to Opioids

Aug. 31, 2017 - An article that asks "are we doing all we can to stop the opioid crisis?" calls spinal cord stimulation "an underutilized pain management alternative for patients struggling with chronic pain." (U.S. News)

Study Examined Frequency-Specific Neuromodulation of Local and Distant Connectivity in Memory

Aug. 28, 2017 - In a pre-print, Duke University researchers say that in 15 healthy volunteers, they gathered evidence of network interactions that are associated with successful memory encoding in older adults. The investigation combined transcranial magnetic stimulation to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, fMRI, and diffusion weighted imaging. (BioRxiv)

Clinicians Report on Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Address Pain of Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgia

Aug. 28, 2017 - A research letter describes using noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation in the headache disorders paroxysmal hemicranial and hemicranial continua in which medical treatment with indomethacin is not tolerated. (JAMA Neurology)

Article Forecasts Aspects of Future Bioelectronic Medicine Devices

Aug. 28, 2017 - An article says bioelectronic medicine devices to stimulate peripheral nerves for chronic conditions may appear by the mid-2020s and at first may be the size of a pill or pen. The article said the treatments would modulate organ function, such as hormone production or airway constriction. (Guardian)

Magazine Presents the Science of Neural Circuits and Addiction

September 2017 - A cover story about addiction and neural reward circuitry describes, in part, using transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat the disorder. (National Geographic)

Neurosurgeons in China Report Deep Brain Stimulation Reduced Symptoms of Tardive Dystonia

Aug. 23, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Bomin Sun, MD and colleagues reported in Parkinsonism and Related Disorders about long-term followup in 10 patients who received deep brain stimulation for refractory tardive dystonia. The patients' movement and disability scores improved 87% and 84% respectively by six months, and continued, after plateauing. Follow-up lasted as long as 8.75 years. (MD Magazine)

Clinical Trial: Abdominal Pain in Adolescents Reduced Through Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation

Aug. 18, 2017 - A research team reports on a randomized controlled clinical trial in which percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation was applied to the external ear to relieve pain in 115 adolescents who had abdominal pain from functional gastrointestinal disorders. Patients in the treatment group had greater pain reduction after three weeks, compared to sham. (Gastroenterology & Hematology)

Clinical Trial Participant Helps Advance Research into Functional Electrical Stimulation for Paralysis

Aug. 22, 2017 - An article profiles a spine-injured patient who was the first participant in a clinical trial of a cortical implant that bypasses his injured spine and allows him to move his paralyzed hand and arm. International Neuromodulation Society member Ali Rezai, MD, is a medical director of the project. The research team published a paper about their work in Scientific Reports. (Columbus Monthly)

State Hospital Brings Deep Brain Stimulation for Adults to a New Area of South Africa

Aug. 22, 2017 - A man with tardive dystonia became the first adult to receive deep brain stimulation at a state hospital in the Western Cape in South Africa. (Bizcommunity)

Case Report: Wireless Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Reduced Pain of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

Aug. 18, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Bart Billet, MD, and colleagues report in PAIN Practice on a case of a 78-year-old man with postherpetic neuralgia whose pain was relieved by a wireless peripheral nerve stimulator. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

Article Recounts Progress in Spinal Cord Stimulation

Aug. 18, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society President Timothy Deer, MD, is quoted in an article about spinal cord stimulation (SCS). The article notes drawbacks of longterm opioid treatment, and says that with its technical advancements, SCS is poised to become a mainstay in chronic pain treatment. (Pain Medicine News)

Study of Deep Brain Stimulation in Post-Stroke Pain Showed Some Modulation of Mood

Aug. 16, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Andre Machado, MD, PhD, presented results of a 10-patient prospective study of deep brain stimulation for post-stroke pain at the 2017 annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Stimulation that targeted the affective, emotional aspect of pain led to a change in perception and emotion but disability associated with pain remained unchanged. (Pain Medicine News)

First Enrollee Shows Continued Progress in Clinical Study of Deep Brain Stimulation in Stroke Recovery

Aug. 10, 2017 - An article describes progress made by the first enrollee in a clinical study of deep brain stimulation to augment stroke recovery. International Neuromodulation Society member Andre Machado, MD, PhD, the investigator, will work with the FDA to change the study protocol so the patient can continue to receive stimulation after four months because she has continued to make progress, without a plateau as had initially been anticipated by the original study design. (Time)

Neuromodulation Research Winner to be Honored at Chinese Neuromodulation Society Meeting

Aug. 4, 2017 - The International Neuromodulation Society Chinese chapter will honor the first winner of the Science & PINS Prize for Neuromodulation on Sept. 2 at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Chinese Neuromodulation Society & The 8th Neuromodulation Congress of China in Jinan, Shandong Province, China. The winner of the $25,000 prize, University of Maryland Assistant Professor Meaghan Creed, PhD, submitted an essay for publication in the journal about her work showing a reversal of addictive symptoms in mice exposed to cocaine through deep brain stimulation (DBS) plus a drug to inhibit dopamine D1 receptors. In the mouse model of cocaine addiction, combining neurostimulation and a receptor antagonist showed an effect similar to the reversal seen in mice treated with optogenetics. Ontogenetic tools initially provided insight into how the plasticity of the brain's reward system is altered by exposure to addictive drugs. DBS alone was ineffective in addressing the symptoms in the mice. She explained in her essay that using a precise circuit-based intervention was key: "One acute, 10-min session of optogenetically inspired DBS . . . reversed cocaine-evoked plasticity and abolished drug-adaptive behavior for more than a week after its application." (AAAS)

Study: Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Improved Cognitive Task Scores for Schizophrenic Patients After 24 Hours

Aug. 1, 2017 - A study of 49 people with schizophrenia in the journal Brain explored whether transcranial direct current stimulation might address problems with working memory and executive function that impair daily function for people with the condition. The double-blind, sham-controlled study found significant improvement in working memory 24 hours after stimulation. Twenty-eight subjects also had a functional MRI exam, and the study tracked improvements in an executive function task with changes in activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, task-related brain regions, and more distal nodes. (Psychiatric Times)

Article Presents Neuromodulation Alternatives to Opioids for Managing Chronic Pain

July 31, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Michael Leong, MD, is quoted in a news feature that describes how neurostimulation for chronic pain presents an alternative to reliance on opioid medication. (Technology Review)

Authors Review Mechanisms of Deep Brain Stimulation

July 26, 2017 - A review of clinical and experimental data notes that deep brain stimulation shows immediate effects and effects over several weeks, suggesting large networks are involved, and that direct involvement of axonal fibers rather than grey matter has been seen. The authors say the mode of action, therefore, is not just limited to stimulation of basal ganglia brain centers. They suggest that when deep brain structures are not the primary target, therapeutic terms such as "electrical neuro-network modulation" may be useful. (Nature Reviews)

Data Show Increased Adoption of Sacral Neuromodulation for Overactive Bladder

June 27, 2017 - Case logs from the American Board of Urology show that from 2003 to 2012, the number of sacral neuromodulation procedures for overactive bladder increased from 48 to 2068. By contrast, the number of augmentation cystoplasty procedures remained stable, with 14 to 38 cases reported annually. Proportionally, the augmentation procedure dropped from 25% to less than 1% of cases. (Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery)

Study Reports Five-Year Follow-up Results of Sacral Neuromodulation in Overactive Bladder

July 17, 2017 - A five -year follow-up study in the Journal of Urology concludes that sacral neuromodulation has sustained efficacy and quality-of-life improvements, and an acceptable safety profile. The prospective multi-center study enrolled 340 patients with overactive bladder. In the study, 68 patients received standard drug therapy, and the remainder received a sacral nerve stimulation implant. (Mass Device)

International Neuromodulation Society Member Studies Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation for Pain Relief

July 17, 2017 - A retrospective study presented by International Neuromodulation Society member Sylvine Cottin, PhD, showed that peripheral nerve field stimulation improved chronic pain by more than 50% in 30 patients who were followed for 24 months. One-third of the patients also received spinal cord stimulation simultaneously. The patients primarily had failed back surgery syndrome or low back pain. (Pain Medicine News)

Medical Center in India Begins Providing Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders

July 16, 2017 - A Parkinson's disease patient received a deep brain stimulation implant last week at a medical center in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. An article says that previously the state did not have a dedicated, multi-disciplinary program to address movement disorders in a comprehensive way. The new treatment program is expected to integrate complementary medicine and yoga. (The Hans India)

Care-Home Residents in the United Kingdom to Participate in a Clinical Trial of Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Urinary Incontinence

July 14, 2017 - A three-year controlled clinical trial of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation will be  carried out in the UK in 500 patients living in care homes who have urinary incontinence. The study is being funded by the National Institute for Health Research. (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy)

Report Summarizes Seizure Reduction in Epilepsy Patients who Received Responsive Neurostimulation Systems

June 2017 - Responsive neurostimulation in epilepsy patients was shown to reduce seizures over two to six years after implantation in 126 patients. (Epilepsia)

Six Research Teams Receive Federal Grants for Brain-Computer Research

July 10, 2017 - The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency will fund six research teams for four years to develop prototype technology to transmit data between the brain and computers. The work may address blindness, paralysis and speech disorders through such means as light-emitting diodes, sensors linked to systems designed to decode speech, and detecting neural activity with holographic microscopes. Engadget reported that the lead organizations are Brown University, Columbia University, The Seeing and Hearing Foundation, the John B. Pierce Laboratory, Paradromics Inc. and the University of California, Berkeley. (Gizmodo)

Foundation Gives $1 Million for Research into Nerve Stimulation as a Potential Therapy for Diabetes

July 10, 2017 - The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research received a $1 million gift from the Knapp Family Foundation for research into developing a bioelectronic nerve-stimulation system to regulate glucose metabolism in diabetes patients, functioning as a sort of "electronic pancreas" in lieu of having the patients rely on insulin injections. (Innovate Long Island)

Agency Grants $19 Million for Brain-Computer Interface Development

July 10, 2017 - The Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency (DARPA) has eight organizations, led by Brown University, up to $19 million over four years to develop a fully implantable wireless brain interface system to record and stimulate neural activity. The award came through DARPA's new Neural System Engineering Design program. (EurekAlert)

International Neuromodulation Society Members Reflect on the Past and Future of Spinal Cord Stimulation

July 5, 2017 - NeuroNews published a feature about the 50th anniversary of spinal cord stimulation therapy. The article includes perspectives from International Neuromodulation Society members Giancarlo Baronet, MD; Christophe Perruchoud, MD; and Simon Thomson, MD. (NeuroNews)

Three Patients Receive an Investigational Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation System for Essential Tremor

June 30, 2017 - Under an investigational device exemption, researchers have implanted a closed-loop deep brain stimulation system in three patients with essential tremor, and say the system provides a 50% savings in battery life. (R&D Magazine)

Article Recaps Brain-Computer Interface Progress

June 19, 2017 - A feature article summarizes the state of brain-computer interface research projects, noting that while devices are far from everyday use, they are beginning to help people who are paralyzed, and include attempts to include sensory input. (Paste Magazine)

Neuromodulation Research Database Registrants Surge After INS Congress

June 2017 - The collective database of primary neuromodulation research data, WIKISTIM, reported the largest monthly increase in registrants -- a one-month increase of more than 7% -- since the online resource was created in 2013. Its editor, International Neuromodulation Society member Jane Shipley, attributes that growth to her presentations made at the INS 13th World Congress. In the monthly newsletter, she acknowledged INS Director-at-Large Konstantin Slavin for mentioning the resource during his presentations as well. With an additional 37 registrants since May, the registered users now number 510. (WIKISTIM)

Deep Brain Stimulation Clinical Trial Addresses Affective Component of Neuropathic Pain

June 14, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Andre Machado, MD, PhD, was mentioned in an article about the first prospective, randomized, controlled trial of DBS for neuropathic pain. The work was published in May 2017 in the Annals of Neurology. Co-authors included fellow INS members Scott Lempke, PhD and Kenneth Baker, PhD. In the nine patients in the cross-over trial, active stimulation did not produce at least a 50% improvement in pain disability compared to sham, but the stimulation to the ventral striatum did improve indices of the affective component of pain, such as depression, anxiety and quality of life. (Cleveland Clinic)

Spinal Cord Stimulation Improved Gait in Patients with Advanced Parkinson's Disease

June 6, 2017 - A pilot study of spinal cord stimulation in advanced Parkinson's disease, reported at the International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders (MDS) 2017, showed the intervention improved freezing of gait in five patients whose gait dysfunction did not respond to levodopa. Up to 25 patients may eventually be included in the study. (Medscape)

INS Announces Six Best Abstracts at the 13th World Congress

May 29, 2017 - The International Neuromodulation Society announced six best abstract awards at its 13th World Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland. The abstracts about pain and movement disorder were presented in a plenary session during the opening day of the congress. (EurekAlert)

Small Study Suggests Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Can Help Relieve Chronic Knee Pain

May 22, 2017 - A double-blind, randomized clinical study of 40 adults aged 50 -70 with osteoarthritis indicated that five daily sessions of transcranial direct Current stimulation lessened their pain severity. (tDCS) (Medscape)

Article Highlights Acceleration of Neuromodulation Progress

May 18, 2017 - An interview with International Neuromodulation Society President Timothy Deer, MD, prior to the INS 13th World Congress, touches upon the accelerating progress made in the field of neuromodulation. (Medtech Insight)

Interview Surveys the Future of Neuromodulation

May 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society President Timothy Deer, MD, is interviewed about the future of neuromodulation in a publication's "Spotlight on neuromodulation". He describes devices becoming smarter so they can evaluate the response of the body and make changes in real time, as well as work in the brain to find new targets to treat diseases and conditions that are not optimally treated by pharmaceutical options. (Neuro Central)

Company Announces Its Neurostimulator's First Use in Ireland

May 9, 2017 - Mainstay Medical International plc announces its first sale and implant of its neurostimulation system to treat disabling chronic low back pain in Ireland. (Business Wire)

Long-Term Evidence Published Regarding Closed-Loop Neurostimulation in Epilepsy

May 3, 2017 - An article summarizes two recently published studies that offer long-term perspective on responsive, closed-loop, neurostimulation for the reduction of epileptic seizures. (Practical Neurology)

Grant Supports Research into Combining Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Monitoring of Brain-Network Activation

April 26, 2017 - Aalto University and the University of Eastern Finland  have received a grant of €1M from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation to produce a new kind of multi-channel transcranial magnetic stimulator that is compatible with fMRI and EEG methods to measure stimulation-induced neural network activation. The intent is to develop approaches to conditions such as Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, and potentially also stroke or depression. (Science Business)

U.S. Agency Announces Research Grants for Brain-Plasticity Studies

April 26, 2017 - The U.S. Department of Defense's Advanced Research Program Agency, DARPA, is funding eight projects at seven U.S. universities to study ways to potentially use peripheral nerve stimulation to facilitate brain plasticity and learning, through the Targeted Neuroplasticity Training (TNT) program. (DARPA)

Study: Transcutaneous Occipital Nerve Stimulation Lowered Migraine Intensity

April 17, 2017 - A randomized controlled clinical trial of transcutaneous occipital nerve stimulation in 110 patients with migraine found that one month of neurostimulation plus treatment with topiramate resulted in reduced headache intensity, regardless of frequency -- which was either 2 Hz, 100 Hz, or 2/100 Hz. The group that received 100 Hz stimulation plus topiramate had significant decreases in headache duration. (Pain)

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Aided Some Memory Training in Study

April 24, 2017 Researchers investigating the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) report that tDCS to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in 12 subjects significantly improved performance on a verbal memory-training task and a related task, as well as a reasoning test. The overall research explored combinations of working memory training in groups of 70 volunteers total, with some tDCS administered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and some to the right. Results appeared in the journal Neuropsychologia. (Science Daily)

Case Series Indicates Sacral Nerve Stimulation Shows Promise for Refractory Constipation in Pediatric Patients

April 24, 2017 - The author of an abstract presented at the 2016 World Congress of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition concluded that sacral nerve stimulation is promising for children who have constipation that is refractory to conventional treatment. The study involved 25 patients with a mean age of 14. Despite a 25% complication rate, all patients said they would recommend the therapy to patients with similar symptoms. (Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News)

Review Summarizes Studies of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in Spasticity Management

April 19, 2017 - Authors of a literature review about repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation for spasticity management say most studies have been heterogenous. However, they write that published findings indicate "low-frequency rTMS and cathodal-tDCS over the unaffected hemisphere are more effective in reducing spasticity than high-frequency rTMS and anodal-tDCS over the affected hemisphere in chronic post-stroke." (PM & R)

Facing Unusual Spinal Anatomy, Physicians Use Three-Dimensional Printing to Plan a Spinal Cord Stimulation Case

April 20, 2017 - A case report in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface describes using 3D printing to plan spinal cord stimulation for a patient whose distorted spinal anatomy had previously made access to the target location difficult. (News-Medical.net)

Researchers Predict Electrical Stimulation Aids Memory Most When Recall Wanes

April 20, 2017 - Researchers published results of a study in which they analyzed brain activity during memory tests and then developed and tested a predictive algorithm that indicates memory recall is enhanced when a stimulus is applied at a time it is faltering. The study in Current Biology was funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, through the DARPA Restoring Active Memory (RAM) program. The data were obtained during intracranial monitoring of 102 people who were undergoing epilepsy evaluation. (IEEE Spectrum)

Review Summarizes Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Studies that Address Obesity

April 19, 2017 - A review of studies of non-invasive brain stimulation for obesity in the journal Appetite found that short studies indicated stimulating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex appears to decrease food cravings, but the promising results are preliminary and not conclusive. (Pakistan Observer)

INS Member Discusses Data Showing Patient Satisfaction Over 7.5 Years With Spinal Cord Stimulation

April 18, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Simon Thomson, MD, was interviewed about a single-center case series of 321 patients in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface that suggests the cost-effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation may become increasingly favorable. The interview also covered a comparatively low infection rate, accomplished through meeting the recent infection-control guidelines published by the Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee. (NeuroNews)

Clinical Trial Participant with ALS Uses Her Thoughts to Type Via a Brain-Computer Interface

March 29, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Jamie Henderson, MD, of Stanford University was interviewed about an ALS patient who is using the BrainGate2 interface to mentally control a cursor and type out her thoughts despite her immobility due to her condition. His university is among the collaborating institutions that work on BrainGate research. (ABC7news.com)

Analysis Tracks Infection Rates in Spinal Cord Stimulation Implants

April 14, 2017 - In an analysis of two U.S. payor databases, International Neuromodulation Society member David Provenzano, MD, found infection rates for spinal cord stimulation of 3.11% within one year of implant, which is approximately 1% higher than the rate for cardiac pacemaker implants. He called for identifying and evaluating common risk factors in a prospective manner. (Pain Medicine News)

Article Reports Tractography Aided Targeting in Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression

April 12, 2017 - Researchers prospectively planned surgical targeting of deep brain stimulation to the subcallosal cingulate in 11 patients with treatment-resistant depression, using diffusion tractography and 3-D modeling to guide individualized targeting. In Molecular Psychiatry, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28397839 they report that after 12 months, nine of the patients were responders, with six in remission. (Medical Xpress)

Experiments Explore Impact of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation on Honesty

April 10, 2017 - Researchers found non-invasive brain stimulation increased honesty in experiments involving 300 university students. They report that transcranial direct current stimulation over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex made study subjects less likely to cheat for financial incentive on a die-rolling experiment, compared to controls. The study appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Article Explores Genesis and Possibilities for Brain-Computer Interfaces

April 9, 2017 - Engineers at the University of Washington produced an overview about the state of brain-computer interfaces, and their inherent limitations and possibilities. They claim the brain may adjust to an interface just as people learn to drive a car or use a touchscreen. (The Conversation)

Researchers Publish Findings on Deep Brain Stimulation in Tourette Syndrome

April 7, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Alon Mogilner, MD, PhD was quoted in an article about a study he published with colleagues in the Journal of Neurosurgery. In it, they report on 13 patients with refractory Tourette Syndrome who received deep brain stimulation over the past seven years, with at least six months of follow-up. On average, the patients achieved a 50% reduction in tic severity. The average position of the active contact was the the junction of the posterior ventralis oralis internus and the centromedian-parafascicular nuclei. (Washington Post)

Experts Discuss Spinal Cord Stimulation Advances and Advantages

April 5, 2017 - An article summarizes roundtable discussion during the January North American Neuromodulation Society meeting about three-dimensional targeting and waveform variation in spinal cord stimulation (SCS). International Neuromodulation Society member Simon Thomson, MBBS, sums up comments by noting, "With opioids, you might get a reduction in the pain score, but you don’t get an improved health-related quality of life. This is quite different from SCS, where the health-related quality of life and the pain score are maintained long term.” (Becker Spine Review)

Research Presentation: Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Altered Balance of Gut Bacteria in Weight-Loss Study

April 3, 2017 - An Endocrine Society news release announces that researchers will present findings showing that deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) to the insula and prefrontal cortex for weight loss also altered gut microbiota. In the controlled clinical trial of 14 patients, half received sham stimulation and half received 15 sessions of dTMS over five weeks. The release states that the treatment group lost more than 3% of their total body weight and 4% of their fat. The gut microbiota reportedly showed increases in bacteria associated with anti-inflammatory properties and some improved hormonal parameters. The investigation followed prior studies that indicated an imbalance of gut bacteria altered brain signals for appetite. (New Atlas)

Three-Part Series on Deep Brain Stimulation Provides Targeting Overview

March 29, 2017 - Part II of a three-part presentation covers targeting of the globus pallidus internus (GPi). Part I covered the ventralis intermedius (VIM) and included an overview of the therapy, equipment, and programming. (NEJM Journal Watch)

Newsletter Acknowledges 50th Anniversary of Dorsal Column Stimulation

March 2017 - The monthly newsletter of WIKISTIM, the collaborative database of published, peer-reviewed primary research data, made note of the 50th anniversary of the first-in-man demonstration of "dorsal column" (spinal cord) stimulation. (WIKISTIM)

Columnist Points Out Long-Term Advantages of Neurostimulation Compared to Risks of Opioids

March 2017 - A column notes the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine is repeating its effort to have workers' compensation coverage for spinal cord stimulation denied in California. (Neurotech Reports)

Paralysis Patient Participates in Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation Clinical Trial

April 3, 2017 - Four years after he was injured, a man paralyzed in a snow mobile accident is participating in a clinical trial of epidural spinal cord stimulation to try to recover the ability to stand or move his lower limbs. (Star Tribune)

An Autism Patient Has Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery in India

April 1, 2017 - A woman from the United States who has epilepsy, symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, and autism traveled to India for deep brain stimulation. An article says some of her symptoms has lessened, she resumed speaking for the first time in more than 30 years, and her family hopes that she will be more able to manage herself. (DNA India)

Longitudinal Study Finds Chronic Depression Treatment Improved with Adjunctive Vagus Nerve Stimulation

March 31, 2017 - A five-year observational study of 795 patients with chronic depression, published online in the American Journal of Psychiatry, found that usual care plus adjunctive vagus nerve stimulation resulted in better cumulative response and remission rates that usual care alone. (PR Newswire)

Article Announces the International Neuromodulation Society 13th World Congress

March 30, 2017 - An article that announces the International Neuromodulation Society's 13th World Congress, in Edinburgh May 27 - June 1, 2017, quotes International Neuromodulation Society President Timothy Deer, MD, about recent growth in the field and developments to be presented. (News-medical.net)

Tetraplegia Patient Demonstrates Restored Reaching and Grasping by Using a Functional Electrical Stimulation Neuroprosthesis and Brain-Computer Interface

March 28, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Jonathan Miller, MD and co-authors report in The Lancet on a patient with tetraplegia who was recruited to the BrainGate2 clinical trial to use a brain-computer-interface with an implanted functional electrical stimulation system as a neuroprosthesis to voluntarily reach and grasp following spinal cord injury, (The Lancet)

Review Examines Studies of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in Post-Stroke Therapy for Dysphagia

March 28, 2017 - Two researchers review studies about post-stroke rehabilitation for swallowing difficulty and conclude that clinical trials of motor recovery that includes use of non-invasive brain stimulation -- such as transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation -- offer early signs of promise for treatment of dysphagia. (Dysphagia)

Entrepreneur Finances a Brain-Computer Interface Startup

March 28, 2017 - Technology entrepreneur Elon Musk has started a California firm called Neuralink to develop a brain-computer interface. He confirmed reports of the company he is funding and indicated more information will come out in a week. (Newsweek)

Neural Prosthesis Allows Paralyzed Man to Eat Using Robotic Arm

March 28, 2017 - A man paralyzed for eight years has demonstrated an ability to feed himself mashed potatoes by using his thoughts to move his arm, attached to a brain-computer interface, as part of the BrainGate research project. (Reuters)

Article Describes Development of a Custom Neural Prosthesis

March 27, 2017 - An article highlights the journey taken by one man who has received a custom neural prosthetic that allows him some use of his hand, bypassing the spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed seven years ago. (Daily Mail)

Study Suggests Spinal Cord Stimulation Curbs Opioid Use

March 22, 2017 - A study presented at the 2017 annual meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society analyzed data for more than 5,400 patients between January 2010 and December 2014, finding that 70% of patients who received spinal cord stimulation reported declined or stabilized opioid use. (Pain Medicine News)

Physicians Report Two Cases of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Lower Back Pain

March 20, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society members Leonardo Kapural, MD, PhD, John Chae, MD, Richard Rauck, MD, Michael Saulino, MD, Joseph Boggs, PhD and colleagues report in Pain Practice on two patients who received one month of peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic low back pain. They say the use of pain relievers dropped and the patient who had been taking opioids stopped, and the pain relief continued at least four months after therapy began. (Medical Xpress)

Journal Publishes a Long-Term Followup of Eight Patients with Depression who Received Deep Brain Stimulation

March 20, 2017 - Researchers in Germany report that seven of eight patients who received deep brain stimulation to the medial forebrain bundle for severe depression showed lasting improvements up to four years into treatment. The report appeared in the journal Brain Stimulation. (News-Medical.net)

Updated Intrathecal Drug Delivery Guidelines are Featured

March 16, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Peter Staats, MD, was interviewed for an article about the updated guidelines published in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface by the Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference. The update ranks evidence and lists 32 consensus points. INS member Todd Sitzman, MD was quoted in the article as noting that the guidelines recommend lower medication concentrations and potentially safer daily dosages of many medications. Dr. Staats said he anticipates a resurgence of interest in intrathecal therapy for patients whose conditions are otherwise hard to manage. (Pain Medicine News)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Studied in Australia for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

March 15, 2017 - An article profiles a patient with early stage Alzheimer's disease who participated in a small placebo-controlled clinical trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for cognition, attention, memory and concentration. The treatment consisted of six weeks of treatments with theta-burst stimulation, which can target four sections of the brain in 12 minutes. She said her symptoms have not worsened and in some cases her memory has been helped. (Sydney Morning Herald)

Patient's Tourette Syndrome Symptoms Improve After Deep Brain Stimulation

March 14, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Joohi Jimenez-Shahed, MD, an assistant professor of neurology at Baylor College of Medicine, was interviewed for a television segment about a patient with Tourette Syndrome whose symptoms improved after Dr. Jimenez-Shahed implanted a deep brain stimulation system. The patient is a high school girl's club lacrosse team coach who said she had been drained by trying to control her symptoms and thinking of taking a medical leave before the successful procedure 10 months ago. (Click2Houston)

Authors Report Six Months' Follow-Up of Pain Control Using Tibial Nerve Microstimulator

March 15, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society members Pawel Sokal, PhD; Marek Harat, MD, PhD, and colleagues published a case series of six patients with peripheral neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndrome who were treated with a wirelessly controlled microstimulator to provide tibial nerve stimulation. The authors report that pain relief was immediate and sustained for six months. They write that intermittent tibial nerve stimulation with such a device is safe and effective as well as minimally invasive. (Dove Press)

Publication Profiles Alzheimer's Patient Who Is Participating in a Deep Brain Stimulation Study

March 15, 2017 - A woman who received deep brain stimulation (DBS) a year ago in a small clinical trial of DBS for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease is profiled in an ongoing series. (Vancouver Courier)

Updated Intrathecal Drug Delivery Guidelines are Featured

March 16, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Peter Staats, MD, was interviewed for an article about the updated guidelines published in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface by the Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference. The update ranks evidence and lists 32 consensus points. INS member Todd Sitzman, MD was quoted in the article as noting that the guidelines recommend lower medication concentrations and potentially safer daily dosages of many medications. Dr. Staats said he anticipates a resurgence of interest in intrathecal therapy for patients whose conditions are otherwise hard to manage. (Pain Medicine News)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Studied in Australia for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

March 15, 2017 - An article profiles a patient with early stage Alzheimer's disease who participated in a small placebo-controlled clinical trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for cognition, attention, memory and concentration. The treatment consisted of six weeks of treatments with theta-burst stimulation, which can target four sections of the brain in 12 minutes. She said her symptoms have not worsened and in some cases her memory has been helped. (Sydney Morning Herald)

Patient's Tourette Syndrome Symptoms Improve After Deep Brain Stimulation

March 14, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Joohi Jimenez-Shahed, MD, an assistant professor of neurology at Baylor College of Medicine, was interviewed for a television segment about a patient with Tourette Syndrome whose symptoms improved after Dr. Jimenez-Shahed implanted a deep brain stimulation system. The patient is a high school girl's club lacrosse team coach who said she had been drained by trying to control her symptoms and thinking of taking a medical leave before the successful procedure 10 months ago. (Click2Houston)

Brain Stimulation to Improve Synchronization Aids Working Memory, Investigated as a Potential Therapy Tool

March 14, 2017 - In two experiments, with 10 or 20 healthy volunteers each, a research team determined that applying transcranial alternating current stimulation to induce frontoparietal synchronization enhanced performance on working memory tests, as tracked in brain-activity imaging via functional magnetic resonance stimulation. The researchers say they would like to later apply these methods to patients who have brain injury or epilepsy. The work was published in the journal eLife. (Medical Xpress)

Scientist Exploring Brain Stimulation for Stroke Rehabilitation Receives a Research Award

March 14, 2017 - A researcher studying transcranial brain stimulation as a potential treatment for stroke-induced aphasia has received an early career recognition from the American Academy of Neurology. (News-Medical.net)

Show Features Investigational Uses of Deep Brain Stimulation

March 13, 2017 - An online radio program about novel uses of deep brain stimulation (DBS) includes a research study by International Neuromodulation Society (INS) member Andre Machaco, MD, PhD, of DBS in stroke recovery, as well as research by INS member Jennifer Sweet, MD, into DBS for chronic pain or memory. (WKSU)

Television Show Profiles Sisters Who Received Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

March 12, 2017 - Twin sisters who received deep brain stimulation for obsessive compulsive disorder are featured on a segment of The Doctors. The young women's neurosurgeon, International Neuromodulation Society member David Vansickle, MD, explains the procedure in the program. (Yahoo News)

Patient From Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Study Describes Her Anorexia Symptoms

March 10, 2017 - An article profiles an anorexia patient who says she temporarily responded to a single dose of noninvasive electrical brain stimulation in a pilot trial for a graduate student's doctoral thesis in London. The stimulation targeted the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is associated with impulsivity or self-control. (BBC News)

Group Calls For Comment on Proposed Workers' Compensation Revision

March 10, 2017 - The North American Neuromodulation Society, NANS, issued a news release asking for physician and patient comment on proposed revised rules by the California Division of Workers' Compensation that do not address coverage for neuromodulation for chronic pain. International Neuromodulation Society members Lawrence Poree, MD, PhD, and Nathan Miller, MD, have submitted published comments. (Business Wire)

Case Series: Patients Would Have Wanted Spinal Cord Stimulation as an Earlier Option

Feb. 27, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society members Simon Thomson, MBBS; Dmitry Kruglov, MD, PhD; and Rui Duarte, PhD report data about 321 patients who had spinal cord stimulation trials at a single center from January 2008 until July 2015. Among their findings, they project a mean gain of 6.2 quality of life years. They add that 96.4% of the patients would have wanted SCS as an earlier treatment option. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Deep Brain Stimulation Lowers Woman's Hypertension

Feb. 27, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Nik Patel, MD has published a case in the journal Hypertension of a woman who is said to the the first to receive deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat her high blood pressure. He had previously published a report of high blood pressure resolving in a patient who received DBS for neuropathic pain. (University of Bristol)

Pilot Study Investigates Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Stroke Recovery

Feb. 27, 2017 - At the International Stroke Conference, International Neuromodulation Society member Jesse Dawson, MD, presented results of a sham-controlled pilot trial of vagus nerve stimulation during rehabilitation for upper limb mobility following stroke. Treatment consisted of six weeks of stimulation. He said that 90 days after treatment ended, scores in the treatment group diverged from those of the sham group, and indicated significant improvement. (MedPage Today)

Survey Authors Conclude that Drug Delivery System Refilling Training Should be Standardized

Feb. 24, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Gail McGlothen, DNP, RN has co-authored a U.S. survey of 65 healthcare professionals who refill intraspinal drug delivery systems. The article, in available online in Early View, concludes the high variability in methods calls for the need for standardized training to minimize risk of human error. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Study Investigates Deep Brain Stimulation for Anorexia Nervosa

Feb. 24, 2017 - A study of 16 patients with anorexia nervosa who had deep brain stimulation to their subcallosal cingulate showed the intervention was safe and might help improve their symptoms, according to data published in The Lancet Psychiatry. (Medical Xpress)

Chronic Pain Patients Simulation Preferences Varied in Neurostimulation Clinical Trial

Feb. 23, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Frank Huygen, MD, PhD and colleagues report in the European Journal of Pain that a multi-center, cross-over trial of five different types of stimulation in 29 patients with complex regional pain syndrome showed 48% preferred the standard frequency of stimulation and 54% preferred a non-standard one. (Neuro News)

Cognitive Training Improved Slightly with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Home Study of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Feb. 22, 2017 - A feasibility study of multiple sclerosis patients showed modest improvements from receiving transcranial direct current stimulation during 10 sessions of computer-based cognitive-training at home, while they were remotely monitored through video-conferencing. Compared to 20 patients who only received cognitive training, 25 patients who received simultaneous stimulation improved modestly in performance scores for complex attention tasks and reaction times. The results were published in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface. (Mass Device)

Bioelectric Medicine Center Receives $25 Million Donation

Feb. 21, 2017 - The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, which pursues research in bioelectric medicine, received A $25 million donation from philanthropists Leonard and Susan Feinstein, whose donation follows a $25 million donation in 2005 that led to the institute's renaming in their honor. (Innovate LI)

Review Examines Studies of Non-Invasive Stimulation in Stroke

Feb. 21, 2017 - A review about the safety of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in stroke rehabilitation says studies should describe exclusion criteria and induced adverse effects, in order to facilitate examination of factors that may induce side effects. Less than 12% of papers published between 1998 and 2015 reported adverse effects of tDCS in stroke patients. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Column Highlights Research and Industry Developments Presented at Neuromodulation Meeting

February 2017 - A business column summarizes highlights from the 2017 annual meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society, held in January. (Neurotech Reports)

Researchers Build Computer Model of Motor Circuits to Optimize Deep Brain Stimulation

Feb. 10, 2017 - In a research project at University College Dublin, a team is modeling the brain-to-muscle pathway as a way to develop smarter, closed-loop deep brain stimulation devices for Parkinson's disease. The article says there are some 2 million possible stimulation parameters, and the research is intended to help select optimal ones. (Silicon Republic)

Clinical Trial Will Examine Effect of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Fear and Anxiety

Jan 24, 2017 - The National Institute of Mental Health is recruiting up to 126 healthy volunteers for a clinical trial to explore whether transcranial magnetic stimulation to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can reduce fear and anxiety. (Clinicaltrials.gov)

Brain-Computer Interface Research Attempts to Help Patients with Locked-In Syndrome Communicate

Feb. 7, 2017 - A researcher at the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering in Geneva is developing an EEG monitoring system for otherwise uncommunicative patients who have locked-in syndrome to respond to yes-or-no questions. (Extreme Tech)

Visual Prosthesis Research Explores Magnetic Stimulation

Feb. 7, 2017 - A magnetic micro-coil developer, PARC, announced unspecified funding from the National Institutes of Health through the U.S. BRAIN Initiative to develop a visual prosthetic in collaboration with the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the University of Florida. The announcement said the funding is "a multi-year, multi-million dollar award". (Globe Newswire)

Article Highlights Importance of Data Analytics for Devices That Employ Neurosensing

Feb. 7, 2017 - An article says data analytics can help neurosensing applications to improve devices to address a number of conditions, such as helping store limb motion after spinal injury. (Healthcare IT)

Retinal Prosthesis Company Raises Funds

Feb. 6, 2017 - Second Sight Medical announced plans for a rights offering to raise additional funds to further develop its retinal prosthesis and expand the market to better-sighted patients who have retinitis pigmentosa. The company announced a decision by the German Institute for the Hospital Renumeration System last week that allows approved hospitals to negotiate for reimbursement by insurers for treatment of patients with advanced retitinitis pigmentosa. (Mass Device)

Cleveland Starts a Brain Health Initiative

Jan. 27, 2017 - The Cleveland Foundation is awarding $15. million grant to Case Western Reserve University to start a multi-institution Cleveland Brain Health Initiative. An article about the grant mentions a federal grant for stroke research by International Neuromodulation Society member Andre Machado, MD, PhD, chair of the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute.  (Cleveland Business)

Proof-of-Principle Study Explores Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for Bulimia Patients

Jan. 25, 2017 - A proof-of-principle clinical trial of transcranial direct current stimulation showed effects on bulimia symptoms the day after active stimulation, compared to sham, according to results in 39 patients. The results were reported in PLoS ONE. (Healio)

Study: Most Spinal Cord Stimulation Recipients Do Not Increase Opioid Use

Jan. 24, 2017 - An analysis of medical claims from 5,476 patients who received a spinal cord stimulator showed opioid use declined or stabilized in 70% of them, according to a study sponsored by Abbott and presented at the North American Neuromodulation Society annual meeting. (Pain News Network)

Physician Investigating Potential Benefits of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Head Injury Patients

Jan. 24, 2017 - A physician has started a clinical trial for up to 30 patients who have had a traumatic brain injury or concussion, in order to investigate transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). Daily VNS sessions address cognitive or functional symptoms ascribed to "abnormal electrical currents in the brain," a news article says. (Minnesota Daily)

Peripheral Neurostimulation Studied in Post-Stroke Shoulder Pain

Jan. 21, 2017 - In a poster presentation at the annual meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society, data on seven patients with post-stroke shoulder pain were presented. The data showed an average 70% reduction in the patients' pain, as rated in a visual analogue scale, following treatment with a peripheral neurostimulator. (National Pain Report)

Company Makes a Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulator Available in Europe

Jan. 18, 2017 - St. Jude Medical, which is now part of Abbott, announced it is releasing a dorsal root ganglion stimulation system in Europe. (Medgadget)

New Prize in Neuromodulation Announced

January 2017 - A Science & PINS Prize for Neuromodulation was established in 2016 to honor contributions to neuromodulation research. Recipients will be honored annually for outstanding research as described in an essay based on research performed in the past three years. The award carries a prize of $25,000 and publication of the essay in Science Online, which is published by the nonprofit American Association for the Advancement of Science. Beijing PINS Medical Equipment Co. Ltd. develops nerve stimulation technologies. (Science)

Study: Transcranial Magnetic Simulation Improved Working Memory in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Jan. 10, 2017 - A study compared repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to sham in 17 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 11 health control subjects without MS. The study found that active stimulation to the prefrontal cortex improved connectivity to other parts of the brain, and working memory, in the MS patients, but not in the healthy individuals. (Multiple Sclerosis News Today)

Article About the Difficulty of Rating Chronic Pain Presents Neurostimulation Therapies

Jan. 10, 2017 - An article about "the enduring mystery of pain management" says neuromodulation is a term "you hear everywhere in pain management circles." It mentions neuromodulation therapies such as spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. (Mosaic via The Atlantic)

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Approach Blocks Unwanted Nerve Conduction

Jan. 5, 2017 - Biomedical engineers at Georgia Tech have designed a pair of vagus nerve stimulation electrodes that block stimulation in an afferent direction and force stimulation to only go in an efferent direction in order to lower inflammatory effects. The blocking electrode uses kilohertz frequency to block unwanted nerve conduction. (Medical Xpress)

First Patient Receives Implant in Clinical Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation for Motor Recovery After Stroke

Jan. 5, 2017 - International Neuromodulation Society member Andre Machado, MD, PhD, is interviewed for a news story about the first stroke patient to be implanted with a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system in his clinical trial of DBS in stroke recovery. The study will investigate if DBS and physical therapy combined help regain motor function. (WOIO)

Review: Non-invasive Neuromodulation is Useful for Migraine Management

January 2017 - A review of non-invasive stimulation in migraine treatment concludes, "Noninvasive neuromodulation is an exciting and useful method that is being increasingly recognised as a valid strategy for migraine management." (touch Neurology)

Small Study Shows Positive Results for Treating Depression in Elderly with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Jan. 3, 2017 - A placebo-controlled study of 52 patients over the age of 60 who have treatment-resistant depression showed that deep transcranial magnetic stimulation led to half the patients achieving full remission, compared to only 16% of the sham-treated patients. (Nasdaq)

Journal Publishes New Consensus on Neuromodulation Therapy

Jan. 2, 2017 - The International Neuromodulation Society journal, Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface, has published updated guidelines for neurostimulation implants and intrathecal drug delivery. The six articles appear in Early View, and were authored by the Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference and the Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee. These more than 60 international experts were convened by the INS Executive Board to provide guidance for improving safety and efficacy of these therapies that can help reduce opioid use. The authors reviewed publications that appeared in the scientific literature by 2014 to issue the updated guidance. (News-Medical.net)

Article Describes Advantages of Neuromodulation for Pain Relief

Dec. 30, 2016 -  An article entitled, "Neuromodulation, a weapon in the fight against opioid addiction" quotes International Neuromodulation Society member Konstantin Slavin, MD, following a panel presentation at the AdvaMed 2016 medical conference. Dr. Slavin noted advantages of neuromodulation are that it can be trailed, is adjustable and reversible, and does not destroy tissue. He said as a pain-relief method it can “provide an alternative to opioids and help patients already on opioids as a replacement therapy.” (Addiction Now)

Review Sums Up Potential Benefits of Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Dec. 30, 2016 - Researchers who reviewed mostly open-label research into deep brain stimulation for depression, published between 2010 and 2015, found the long-term response rates were between 40% and 70% and the clinical benefit lasted for months or years. (Medscape)

Clinical Study Explores Focused Ultrasound to Treat Parkinson's Disease

Dec. 24, 2016 - In an article about a clinical study of ablation with focused ultrasound in Parkinson's disease, International Neuromodulation Society member Ali Rezai, MD is quoted as saying it provides "a whole new dimension in the way we can help people. We can perform brain surgery without ever cutting the skin." (Columbus Dispatch)

Article Lists Neuromodulation Clinical Trials for Fibromyalgia

Dec. 20, 2016 - An overview of fibromyalgia treatments mentions clinical trials in repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation. (ProHealth)

Company Plans to Seek FDA Approval for Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation for Alzheimer's Disease

Dec. 20, 2016 - Neuronix Ltd. said a multi-center clinical trial involving 131 patients had "conclusive" results in patients with early-to-middle-stage Alzheimer's disease who received repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in conjunction with computer-based cognitive exercises. The company indicated it intends to pursue FDA approval for the treatment. (Globes)

Children Whose Dystonia is Linked to a Mutation May Be Treated by Deep Brain Stimulation, Scientists Say

Dec. 19, 2016 - Researchers report they have identified a genetic mutation in movement-disorder patients whose condition was hard to diagnose previously. The discovery of this genetic basis for the patients' dystonia, they add, means the patients can be considered for treatment with deep brain stimulation. (The Telegraph)

Iranian University Develops a Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Device

Dec. 18, 2016 - Biomedical engineering researchers at Amirkabir University in Tehran said they have created a transcranial direct current stimulation device they say is ready for commercialization. (Meh News Agency)

Researchers in Sweden Work on Flexible Electrodes Capable of Releasing Neurotransmitters

Dec. 16, 2016 - Researchers at  Karolinska Institutet said they have developed a process to impregnate conducting polymer electrodes with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which was then released when the electrode was stimulated with an electrical signal. (Health Canal)

Researchers Publish Long-Term Results in Study of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Refractory Angina

Dec. 15, 2016 - A study that followed 100 patients in the U.K. National Refractory Angina Service for 14 years found that spinal cord stimulation resulted in improvement with a satisfaction rate of more than 90%. Noting that the range of complications were within the range reported in the literature, the authors conclude the treatment seems to be safe and effective for refractory angina. (Medscape)

Research Associates Dopamine Deficiency with Brain-Wave and Cognitive Processing Issues

Dec. 15, 2016 - A research team observed that Parkinson's disease patients who performed poorly on a judging several seconds of time also lacked delta-wave brain function, of 1-4 Hertz, in their frontal cortex. The scientists studied mice who lacked dopamine in their prefrontal cortex and found they improved performance in a timing task if their dopamine receptors in this brain area were stimulated at 2 Hertz by pulses of light. The researchers say they believe they were able to demonstrate improved cognitive function from brain stimulation in the mice. They added that stimulation of specific neural networks in the cortex might improve cognitive processes that depend on dopamine. (Medical Xpress)

Spinal Cord Stimulator Helps Paralyzed Patient Regain Use of His Hands

Dec. 13, 2016 - Researchers at UCLA report implanting a 32-electrode spinal cord stimulator in a spine-injury patient, allowing him to regain some usable strength in his hands, five years after the accident that left him a functional quadriplegic. (EurekAlert)

Medical Technology Panel Addresses Opioid Issues and Alternatives

Dec. 12, 2016 - Members of the International Neuromodulation Society spoke at a recent panel where medical technology was discussed as part of a solution for the U.S. opioid epidemic. Panelists discussed a variety of neuromodulation approaches for spinal cord stimulation, and also aspects of intrathecal drug delivery. INS President Timothy Deer, MD, said he calls the recent rapid development of non-opioid approaches to pain a "neuromodulation revolution". INS Director-at-Large Konstantin Slavin, MD, commented that there is not an opioid epidemic where patients receive very different treatment for similar conditions outside the U.S., Canada and Australia. (Pain Medicine News)

Memory-Formation Study Fails to Show Improvements from Stimulating Certain Brain Targets

Dec. 7, 2016 - A study in 49 patients with epilepsy failed to show improvements in forming memories from stimulation of the entorhinal cortex or hippocampus. The subjects were asked to perform eight times as many memory retrievals -- 48 -- as were seven subjects in a 2012 study that suggested a potential memory benefit from stimulation to these brain regions. In the current study, stimulation resulted in reduced accuracy in memory retrieval that ranged from 5 - 20% in all regions stimulated for the tasks. (Medical Xpress)

Developers Eye Potential Future Human Clinical Trials of Light Stimulation to Treat Alzheimer's Disease

Dec. 7, 2016 - MIT researchers reported in Nature that stimulating the brain in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease using LED light at 40 flashes per second restored gamma oscillation, which activated glial cells to clear beta amyloid plaques. The technology is being licensed to the startup Cognito Therapeutics. The Boston Globe reported that the company's lighting system is being prepared for human clinical trials at the San Francisco-based medical device incubator TheraNova LLC. (Financial Times)

Academic Researcher Designs and Tests Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Devices

Dec. 6, 2016 - A researcher in New York has received a combined $4 million in grants for research into non-invasive brain stimulation. His laboratory focuses on design and testing of devices to address neuropsychiatric disorders or brain injury. (City College of New York)

Patients with Fecal Incontinence Receive Implants in a Clinical Trial of a Rechargeable Sacral Neuromodulation Device

Dec. 6, 2016 - Axionics Modulation Technologies, Inc. is undertaking a 12-patient evaluation of its rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system for fecal incontinence, and announced two patients have been implanted with the device in the U.K. (Business Wire)

Article Presents Vagus Nerve Stimulation as an Alternative to Pharmaceuticals

Dec. 5, 2016 - An article talks about existing and emerging uses of vagus nerve stimulation in a number of disorders, with comments by a number of academic researchers. (Wall Street Journal)

Article Presents Sacral Neuromodulation as an Alternative Treatment for Bladder Dysfunction

Dec. 4, 2016 - A publication in Singapore features the use of sacral nerve stimulation as a potential option not many patients know about for either urinary retention or overactive bladder. Patients who have one or the other of those conditions are interviewed in the article, as well as their physician. (Star 2.com)

Geneticist Studies Brain Stimulation in Preclinical Investigation of Childhood Neurological Disorder

Dec. 4, 2016 - A geneticist who received a $3 million Breakthrough Prize in the fifth year of the Silicon Valley science gala saw significant improvements in learning and memory through the use of deep brain stimulation in mouse models of the rare childhood disorder Rett syndrome. She said the findings may translate to other disorders. (Houston Chronicle)

Weekly Science Show Presents Neuromodulation for Paralysis

Dec. 3, 2016 - A weekly radio program presents research into spinal cord stimulation and brain-computer interfaces in paraplegia. (PRI)

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Shows Promise in Small Crohn's Disease Study

Dec. 1, 2016 - A small study of seven patients shows vagus nerve stimulation may address the symptoms of Crohn's disease. Over six months, five of the seven patients achieved endoscopic remission and four experienced clinical remission. (Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News)

Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Apparently Reveals an Additional Memory Capacity

Dec. 1, 2016 - The journal Science published results of a memory study involving transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). In the study, subjects were asked to recall a cue and then given other memory tasks to hold in their short-term memory. With TMS stimulation, neural activity associated with the "forgotten" item spiked. An accompanying news article in the journal describes the observation of latent recall as a second level of working memory, saying that it might be based in synapses or other neural features. (Medical Xpress)

Study Shows No Advantage to Changing Epilepsy Medication Following Vagus Nerve Stimulation Treatment

Nov. 28, 2016 - An 85-person comparative study from 2005 - 2014 showed there was no outcome improvement from changing anti-epileptic drugs after a patient started vagus nerve stimulation therapy. The authors suggest keeping the same medication may allow optimizing stimulation parameters. (Epilepsy Research UK)

Clinical Trials Explore Subperception Spinal Cord Stimulation

Nov. 23, 2016 - A pilot cross-over study published in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface, compared three weeks of subperception spinal cord stimulation (SCS) with conventional SCS with parathesia at 10 kHz. An article suggests subperception SCS may be an effective alternative for some pain patients to find relief. The study is being followed by a subsequent multicenter, randomized, controlled, crossover, open-label study of 146 previously implanted patients that will document the efficacy of subperception SCS at up to 1.2 kHz. (Anesthesiology News)

French Research Center Raises Funds to Study Brain-Based Neural-Interface Devices

Nov. 22, 2016 - The French biomedical research center Clinatec has raised €10 million in the past 12 months in a matching-funds campaign with the Edmond J. Safra Foundation. The center is pursuing innovative treatments for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and motor disorders. They include a brain-computer interface project for patients with quadriplegia; a near-infrared project to potentially provide neuroprotection and slow disease progression through use of an intracranial device delivering therapeutic light; and the Epicool project that aims to develop a cooling system implanted in the brain to block seizures. Also, the center is participating in the Equoloc project that studies potential brain dysfunctions in drug-resistant obsessive compulsive disorder, using imaging, including the center's MEG capability. (Business Wire)

Researchers Plan a Multi-Center Clinical Trial After Showing a Sustained Benefit from Deep Brain Stimulation in Early Parkinson's Disease

Nov. 17, 2016 - A 30-patient randomized study of patients with early Parkinson's disease found that individuals who had deep brain stimulation had better motor scores five years later, compared to those who only had medical treatment. The pilot study was presented in October at the annual meeting of the American Neurological Association. The researchers at Vanderbilt University said they are now pursuing funding for an FDA-approved Phase 3 clinical trial of 280 patients at 18 centers. (Neurology Today)

Study Investigates Non-Invasive Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Nov. 17, 2016 - Compared to sham stimulation, combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder showed improvements in autonomic nervous system electrophysiological measures and in the emotionally-modulated startle response following non-invasive peripheral nerve stimulation, researchers reported in an abstract at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting. (Psychiatry Advisor)

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Investigated in Depression

Nov. 16, 2016 - A researcher described her small pilot study of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on depressed pregnant women who do not want to take antidepressants. At the University of Kansas, another researcher received $70,000 in funding to use brain imaging to compare the effects of tDCS on 40 subjects, half of whom have depression. (PBS)

Researcher Targets Brain Structures with Overlapping Non-Invasive Stimulation

Nov. 15, 2016 - A researcher presented early studies in healthy subjects to use non-invasive brain stimulation to target the hippocampi as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Imaging showed increased localized brain activity as a result of the stimulation. He also plans to target areas involved in depression and addiction. The stimulation involves using overlapping high-frequency stimulation that only exerts a physiological effect where the fields overlap and result in a lower-frequency stimulation. (New Scientist)

Researchers Seek an "Ideal Bioelectronic Interface"

Nov. 15, 2016 - An article described research into printing microelectronics on hydrogels as potential future brain-machine interfaces. (SPIE)

Retrospective Review Analyzes Post-Surgical Complications of Deep Brain Stimulation

Nov. 5, 2016 - A review of 650 cases in which Parkinson's disease patients underwent deep brain stimulation provides data that "can be used as an adjunct for short-term risk stratification" when patients are considered for the therapy, the authors state. (World Neurosurgery)

Researchers Explore a Hydrogel for Optogenetics Applications

Nov. 15, 2016 - Researchers at MIT and Harvard Medical School are working on a biocompatible, stretchable material with potential applications in optogenetics, according to an MIT news release. (Medica Magazine)

Investigators Say Spinal Cord Stimulation Improved Gait in Patients with Advanced Parkinson's Disease

Nov. 10, 2016 - An article says that four patients who had advanced Parkinson's disease and had had deep brain stimulation experienced improved gait after spinal cord stimulation. (Movement Disorders)

Reviewers Examine Possible Mechanisms in Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Nov. 9, 2016 - In a review, authors interested in the role of deep brain stimulation to the subthalamic nucleus for obsessive compulsive disorder say this target "has a coordinating role in decision-making and action-selection mechanisms" and they believe the treatment helps to normalize the disturbed circuit activity seen in the condition. (European Neuropsychopharmacology)

Column Describes Reimbursement Issues in Pre-Approved, Off-Label Deep Brain Stimulation

Nov. 7, 2016 - A viewpoint article raises the issue of third-party payers, including federal insurance providers, not reimbursing pre-approved off-label use of deep brain stimulation for severe, medication-refractory neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Tourette syndrome and obsessive compulsive disorder. (JAMA Neurology)

Brain-Machine Interface Study: Sensorimotor Plasticity Connected to Phantom Limb Pain

Nov. 4, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society members Koichi Hosomi, MD, PhD; Haruhiko Kishima, MD, PhD; and Youchi Saitoh, MD, PhD and colleagues co-authored an article in Nature Communications, "Induced sensorimotor brain plasticity controls pain in phantom limb patients" The article describes phantom limb pain observed when study subjects used a brain-machine interface to move a robotic hand. When the interface used sensorimotor signals representing the missing limb, the pain increased -- perhaps due to the lack of sensory feedback, the authors commented. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

Patient with Locked-In Syndrome Uses Brain-Machine Interface to Type

Nov. 12, 2016 - Researchers in Utrecht reported in the New England Journal of Medicine that they have demonstrated a brain-computer interface that allowed an ALS patient who has no voluntary movement except for her eyes to use cortical brain signals to slowly spell words using typing software. The interface responds to her imagining she is moving her hand. A member of the team said the implant provides a way to communicate immediate needs. He added that she had been avoiding going outdoors because the eye-tracker she uses to communicate must be re-calibrated in different light conditions. (The Seattle Times)

U.S. Army Veterans to Participate in a Clinical Trial of Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Pain and Related Symptoms

Nov. 10, 2016 - Researchers in New York plan to undertake a randomized clinical trial of 40 veterans of the 1990 - 1991 Gulf War who have widespread pain and migraines. The study, funded by a $703,200 medical research grant from the U.S. Army, will investigate the use of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation to treat their symptoms. (Newswise)

Article Covers High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation Clinical Trial Results

Nov. 9, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society members Leonardo Kapural, MD, PhD, and Kiran Patel, MD, were quoted in an article about a recently published study of high-frequency spinal cord stimulation. (UPI)

Preclinical Study Demonstrates a Neuroprosthetic that Overcomes a Partial Spinal Lesion

Nov. 9, 2016 - An international research team reported in a letter to Nature that they had demonstrated two monkeys the capability of restoring movement to a lower limb through dual electrode interfaces at the brain's motor cortex and the lower spinal cord. With the neuroprosthetic implant, the research subjects regained the ability to walk following a spinal lesion that paralyzed one leg. (Seeker)

Authors Review Deep Brain Stimulation in Psychiatric Conditions

Nov. 8, 2016 - A journal article says relative safety and efficacy of deep brain stimulation has become more widely accepted, adding that investigations into its use in psychiatric disorders "suggest moderate benefit in many cases and remain encouraging." (Psychiatric Annals)

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Improved Study Participants' Ability to Multi-task

Nov.8, 2016 - A controlled study of 20 Air Force personnel found that transcranial direct current stimulation increased working memory when they undertook a test that required them to multitask. The authors think the stimulation may help with attention and vigilance. (International Business Times)

Scotland Centre for Deep Brain Stimulation is Delayed

Nov. 8, 2016 - The BBC reports that a specialty center to provide deep brain stimulation for movement disorder patients in the north and east of Scotland is delayed and not expected to open until the spring after final equipment and staffing arrangements are made. (BBC News)

Article Profiles Participant in a Clinical Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation for Alzheimer's Disease

Nov. 4, 2016 - A Canadian woman who is participating in a clinical trial of deep brain stimulation in Alzheimer's disease describes her experience in an article that mentions the search for 97 more participants to enter the third phase of the clinical trial. Results of the second phase, published in September, showed a trend toward a benefit in patients above age 65. The clinical trial investigates stimulation of the fornix as a potential intervention for mild Alzheimer's disease. (CBS News)

Study Examines Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Phantom Limb Pain

Nov. 3, 2016 - A randomized controlled clinical study of 54 patients with phantom limb pain following traumatic limb loss from land mine explosions indicated that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation produced better results than sham over the two-week treatment period, but the effects faded by 30 days post-treatment. The study author commented that in other pain disorders, periodic maintenance stimulation treatments have been safe and effective for sustaining benefit. (Pain Medicine News)

Patient Organization to Present Talk on Deep Brain Stimulation

Nov. 2, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member David VanSickle, MD, discussed changing guidelines of when to consider deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease in an article announcing an upcoming presentation organized by the Parkinson's Association of the Rockies. (Steamboat Today)

Laboratory Device May Enable Neurostimulation Implants to Also Administer Chemical Agents

Nov. 2, 2016 - A research team has demonstrated the capability of delivering neurotransmitters at nearly the same rate as neurons. An article says this technology could be coupled with deep brain stimulation to provide chemical treatment in addition to electrical stimulation in conditions such as epilepsy. (IEEE Spectrum)

Single-Center Study Showed One-Year Benefit from Occipital Nerve Stimulation in Chronic Migraine

Oct. 28, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Nagy Mekhail, MD, PhD, and colleagues published a single-center study in Pain Practice showing occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) reduced the frequency, and/or intensity, of chronic migraine. The study included 20 patients who were followed for 12 months. All patients received ONS for the final 40 weeks. In the first 12 weeks, half were randomized to a control group that did not receive active stimulation during that time. (Doctors Lounge)

Journal Publishes Comparative Clinical Study of Spinal Cord Stimulation Frequency Modes

Oct. 28, 2016 - The November issue of Neurosurgery carries two-year results of a multi-center study comparing spinal cord stimulation using either conventional stimulation or high-frequency stimulation. (EurekAlert)

Column Cites Neuromodulation As One Part of the Solution to an Opioid Epidemic

Oct. 27, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Peter Staats, MD, authored a blog about combating the opioid epidemic. He states, "Many times, there are interventional therapies that physicians could and should employ before a patient ever swallows his first pill." He continues to say that neuromodulation options such as spinal cord stimulation have been around for decades and "are proven effective at decreasing pain and opiate use while improving function." (Huffington Post)

Brain-Computer Interface Under Development to Provide Positional Sensing for Hand

Oct. 26, 2016 - Researchers at the University of Washington are studying how to provide cortical stimulation to allow study subjects to sense the position of their hand and its grasp. (Newswire)

Prosthetics Allow Users to Sense and Control the Pressure of Their Grip

Oct. 26, 2016 - Two volunteers who use a prosthetic hand have been able to use a system that includes pressure sensors to detect and control the amount of pressure they exert, helping them to perform tasks. (Medical Xpress)

Review Looks at Role of Sacral Neuromodulation

Oct. 26, 2016 - Sacral neuromodulation continues to have a role in managing overactive bladder patients, authors of a review conclude, despite the rate of adverse events and long-term cost equivalence to botulinum toxin A. They add that the indications are "continuously expanding". (Dove Press)

Article Summarizes Neuromodulation Approaches to Headache Disorders

October 2016 - An opinion piece summarizes recent findings in neuromodulation for headache disorders and possible mechanisms of action. (U.S. Neurology)

Brain-Computer Interface Delivers Sense of Touch Via Robotic Hand

Oct. 13, 2016 - A volunteer who is paralyzed from the chest down was able to identify fingers of a robotic hand through a brain-computer interface when each finger was individually touched. The work was reported in Science Translational Medicine. (DARPA)

News Report Addresses Access to Sacral Neuromodulation in Wales for Fecal Incontinence

Oct. 24, 2016 - A BBC radio program focuses on disparities in access to sacral neuromodulation in Wales, compared to England or Scotland, for fecal incontinence. (BBC Radio)

Preliminary Results Reported of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Crohn's Disease

Oct. 24, 2016 - An article presents preliminary results of vagus nerve stimulation in Crohn's disease. Results in six patients, presented at the United European Gastroenterology Week, showed reduced signs of excessive inflammation in the gut. Full results of the 20-patient study at four centers in Europe are expected next year. The article says a placebo-controlled study is planned. (Daily Mail)

Clinical Study Investigates Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Central Sleep Apnea in Heart Failure Patients

Oct. 24, 2016 -  In a pilot study, 46 heart failure patients with central sleep apnea showed improvement in sleep parameters and cardiac endpoints after undergoing one year of transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation. The implant regularized breathing by stimulating contraction of the diaphragm, (Heart Health)

New Brain Region Implicated in the Exercise of Self-Control

Oct. 19, 2016 - Brain-stimulation studies reported in Science Advances suggest new possibilities for therapeutic interventions for self-control deficits in disorders like addiction and obesity. A research team showed activity of the temporo-parietal junction allowed study subjects to resist an impulsive choice and make decisions based on their own future needs. The researchers explained they believe that, in addition to the prefrontal cortex, this area is important in the self-control involved in delayed gratification. (Medical Xpress)

Doctors Plan to Publish a Case Involving Deep Brain Stimulation Successfully Treating Status Eplieplicus

Oct. 19, 2016 - Physicians in Taipei are submitting a case report for publication concerning a 17-year-old girl who received a deep brain stimulation (DBS) implant targeting the anterior thalamic nucleus because she had developed status epilepticus. They said to their knowledge, this is the first case of DBS being used to successfully treat the serious and potentially life-threatening condition. (Taipei Times)

Funding Agency Describes the Scope of Its Neuromodulation-Related Funding

Oct. 18, 2016 - The National Institutes of Health announced its third round of grants for the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) initiative. The more than $70 million brings the agency's fiscal 2016 investments to about $150 million. The most recent grants, a spokesman said, involve more projects that are based at least in part on human data. The nine funding categories include neuromodulation and related technologies. For instance, both invasive and non-invasive devices are covered, and new concepts, technologies, and optimization of large-scale recording and modulation, in addition to research for understanding neural circuits. (Healio)

Study Targets Chronic Migraine

Oct. 17, 2016 - Pain Medicine News reports that a sham-controlled clinical trial of 59 patients with chronic migraine, published in Neurology, showed noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation was safe, tolerable, and potentially effective. (Pain Medicine News)

Newer Spinal Cord Stimulation Implants Have Begun in the U.K.

Oct. 17, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Nigel Kellow, MD, was quoted in an article about a back-pain patient who received a newer spinal cord stimulator. The article covered her treatment and the device features. (Daily Mail)

Grant Will Help Fund Deep Brain Stimulation Cross-Over Trial in Parkinson's Disease

Oct. 17, 2016 - The University of Alabama at Birmingham announced a $7.3 million, five-year grant from the U.S. BRAIN Initiative to undertake a cross-over study of deep brain stimulation using directional current for patients with Parkinson's disease. The researchers are also studying cortical activation patterns, through electroencephalography, to see if that could help improve programming. (Newswire)

Optogenetics Project May Explain Processes in Neuroplasticity

Oct. 17, 2016 - Collaborators will use a $1.4 million, three-year grant from the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health to examine processes in learning and memory using ontogenetic tools. Specifically, they will analyze protein activity in neurons during synaptic and behavioral plasticity. (Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience)

"Large Scale Recording and Modulation" Among Research Areas to Receive Federal Funding

Oct. 15, 2016 - The National Institutes of Health announced more than $150 million in funding that includes grants for research projects to develop ways to record brain activity, analyze data to diagnose conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, and improve deep brain stimulation for disorders that include stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and obsessive compulsive disorder. The funding represents the third round of grants to support the goals of the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative. (Pharmabiz)

Grant Will Fund Clinical Study of Deep Brain Stimulation in Stroke Rehabilitation

Oct. 13, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Andre Machado, MD, PhD received nearly $5 million from the National Institutes of Health's BRAIN Initiative (Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) to start a clinical trial building upon his preclinical research into deep brain stimulation as a possible therapy to aid motor recovery during rehabilitation following stroke. (Cleveland Business)

Collaborators Receive a Grant to Pursue Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Oct. 13, 2016 - Collaborators at the Baylor College of Medicine, Brown University, and the University of Pittsburgh received a grant from the National Institutes of Health's BRAIN Initiative (Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) of $1.5 million annually for five years to develop new deep brain stimulation (DBS) technology to help treat treatment-resistant obsessive compulsive disorder. The collaborators are seeking to create an adaptive stimulation mode that responds to the patient's changing clinical needs. They said they would like to use a closed-loop approach similar to what exists for epilepsy. They proposed a pilot study of 10 subjects. The first five would receive a DBS system that targets the ventral striatum and can both stimulate and record activity. The project also involves training a computer to recognize patient moods as programming is adjusted. (Baylor College of Medicine)

Grants Announced for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Research

Oct. 13, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society members Jeffrey Ardell, PhD and Jiande Chen, PhD, were among researchers highlighted in an article about $20 million in funding from the National Institute's of Health that was announced last week. The funding dividing among 27 research teams supports various lines of research into peripheral nerve stimulation therapies. (IEEE Spectrum)

Researchers: Microelectrode Array Allows Man with Tetraplegia to Sense Fingers of Prosthetic Arm

Oct. 13, 2016 - Researchers published in Science Translational Medicine about adding the sense of touch to a prosthetic limb. (Live Science)

Study Compares Treatments for Urinary Urge Incontinence Using Sacral Neuromodulation or Botulinum Toxin

Oct. 5, 2016 - In a comparative study of 350 women with persistent urgency urinary incontinence, onabotulinumtoxinA conferred small improvements compared to sacral neuromodulation (SNM), but also significant adverse effects over the 6-month study period. The number of daily incontinence episodes dropped by 3.9 for the onabotulinumtoxinA group and 3.3 for the SNM group. However, 35% of the patients treated with onabotulinumtoxinA had urinary tract infections vs. 11% of the SNM patients. Also 20% of the onabotulinumtoxinA patients required intermittent self-catherization. (NEJM Journal Watch)

Grant Will Fund Brain-Stimulation Research for Parkinson's Disease

Sept. 27, 2016 - The University of Minnesota is receiving a $9.07 million grant over five years from the National Institute of Health for its research into Parkinson's disease, including deep brain stimulation to the palladium and effects on brain circuitry. (Life Science Daily)

Study Indicates How Stimulation Activates Other Brain Regions

Sept. 26, 2016 - A computational study of eight research subjects' brain activity recorded in diffusion spectrum imaging showed how stimulation of 83 different areas affected activation of other regions and large-scale activity within the brain, providing insight into different potential therapeutic approaches for neurological or psychiatric disorders. (The Science Explorer)

Region Grows an Emphasis in Brain Health, Looks to Future Advancements

Sept. 25, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Ali Rezai, MD, and fellow physicians were interviewed for an article about the future of neurological health. The article noted a concentration of specialists in the region who address brain health concerns. (Columbus Dispatch)

Collaborators Pursue New Deep Brain Stimulation Paradigm

Sept. 23, 2016 - A deep brain stimulation paradigm developed through computational modeling has entered preclinical study for potential translation to patient treatment. An article explains that this "coordinated reset" approach involves using the lead's multiple contacts to deliver intermittent, pseudorandomized bursts of brief, low-intensity, spatially distributed pulse trains to purposely desynchronize “pathological” neural oscillations. (Consult QD)

Study Examines Deep Brain Stimulation in Traumatic Brain Injury

Sept. 22, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Ali Rezai, MD, was quoted in an article about research into deep brain stimulation as therapy for traumatic brain injury (TBI), which he said causes 80,000 new cases of disability a year. The journal Neurosurgery published an open-label prospective study by Rezai and colleagues of four TBI patients who had problems with behavioral control and emotional self-regulation and were treated with deep brain stimulation to the nucleus accumbens and anterior limb of the internal capsule to modulate the prefrontal cortex. All participants had improved outcomes, the researchers reported, mainly in "behavioral and emotional adjustment, which in turn improved functional independence." (Philly.com)

Article Presents Recent Neuromodulation Therapies for Pain

Sept. 20, 2016 - An overview of advances in pain medicine has sections on developments in neurostimulation an intrathecal drug delivery. (Yahoo! News)

Study: Continuous Sub-threshold Cortical Stimulation Reduced Seizure Rate in Epilepsy Patients

Sept. 19, 2016 - Researchers report in JAMA Neurology that a majority of 13 epilepsy patients who had continuous sub-threshold cortical stimulation had a reduction in seizures of at least 50 percent. The patients were offered this investigational treatment when temporary stimulation during evaluation provided a clinical benefit. None of the patients were suitable for resection surgery. (Newswire)

Brain Stimulation to Aid Investigation into Motor Control and Rehabilitation

Sept. 19, 2016 - A researcher studying motor control to gain knowledge to aid rehabilitation plans to use transcranial magnetic stimulation when subjects are using an exoskeleton. He would like to understand what parts of planned arm movement involve the cortical level of the brain, and which involve the peripheral nervous system. (UC Merced)

Review Examines Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Sept. 19, 2016 - A review summarizes current research on epidural spinal cord stimulation in restoring some function to select spinal cord injury patients. The authors conclude further research is warranted, including potentially the "development of dedicated technological hardware and software." (Journal of Neurorestoratology)

Grant Supports Work on Blood-Pressure Neurostimulator

Sept. 19, 2016 - Researchers at the National Institutes of Health received a $440,670 grant for research of a "Closed-Loop Blood Pressure Control by Neural Stimulation for Cardiac Care Environment." Their device would stimulate the sciatic nerve or its branches, using a flexible micro-channel electrode array and implanted catheter-based blood-pressure sensor. (Medical Xpress)

Collaborators Pursue a Predictive Capability for Spinal Cord Stimulator Programming

Sept. 19, 2016 - A predictive algorithm for programming spinal cord stimulation in pain patients was validated retrospectively in 12 patients, and is set to enter a prospective clinical trial of about 30 patients, according to an article that follows up on a presentation at the 2016 Neural Interfaces Conference by International Neuromodulation Society member Warren Grill, PhD. Grill collaborated on the work with INS member Shivanand Lad, MD, PhD and engineers. The article includes comments by INS President Timothy Deer, MD, on the importance of translational research. (Pain Medicine News)

Article Chronicles Essential Tremor Patient's Start of Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy

Sept. 18, 2016 - An article about a woman whose benign essential tremor was treated by deep brain stimulation quotes International Neuromodulation Society member Stuart Goodman, MD, her neurosurgeon. The patient, 68, said she only recently heard about the therapy in an advertisement at a movie theater and did an online search to find someone for a consultation in her area. (Billings Gazette)

Article: A Shorter Delay between Chronic Pain Diagnosis and Spinal Cord Stimulation Treatment May Increase Chances of Lasting Efficacy

Sept. 15, 2016 - Neuro News reports that an article published earlier this year in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface suggests "a shorter delay time from chronic pain diagnosis to spinal cord stimulation implantation may make it more likely to achieve lasting therapeutic efficacy with spinal cord stimulation." (Neuro News)

Patient Describes Treatment with Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation at New Jersey Facility

Sept. 14, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Antonios Mammis, MD, was interviewed in a television segment about a patient who was one of the first in a Newark, New Jersey medical center to receive dorsal root ganglion stimulation for lower limb pain. The patient, a former dancer who had chronic foot pain, commented that he feels like he was able to "just get some kind of life back" after receiving the treatment. (FIOS 1)

Columnist Gives Overview of Depression Treatments, Including Neuromodulation

Sept. 14, 2016 - An article about non-medical treatments for depression mentions several current or investigational neuromodulation approaches; transcranial magnetic stimulation; vagus nerve stimulation, and deep brain stimulation. (Troy Media)

Article Looks Back at Teen-aged Dystonia Patient's First Year After Deep Brain Stimulation

Sept. 12, 2016 - The Denver Post reports on a dystonia patient who received a deep brain stimulation system a year ago at the age of 17. His family says that plus physical therapy have resulted in improved functional abilities. (Denver Post)

Cluster Headache Treatment Guidelines Include Neuromodulation

Sept. 11, 2016 - Two types of neuromodulation were included in new guidelines for cluster headache treatment. Sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation in chronic cluster headache was added to the guidelines of the American Headache Society with a Level B recommendation indicating it is "probably effective," based on a single Class I study in 28 patients. A Level B recommendation was also given to deep brain stimulation in this indication. Neither treatment is available in the U.S., the authors pointed out. The guidelines update 2010 guidelines endorsed by the American Academy of Neurology. (Medpage Today)

Project Aims to Tailor Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment

Sept. 9, 2016 - An article says that prototypes of a deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting tool are under clinical evaluation, as a four-year project comes to an end that combines pre- and post-operative imaging data (MRI, X-ray), high-resolution electrical recordings of the patient’s brain activity and bio-statistical data about DBS target areas. (CORDIS)

Paper Reports Advantages of New Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Post-Stroke Hand Rehabilitation

Sept. 8, 2016 - A clinical trial of 80 stroke survivors published in Stroke shows that a new form of electrical stimulation therapy can restore some dexterity to a hand that's been paralyzed by stroke. A sensor-laden glove on the patient's good hand sends signals to stimulators attached to the paralyzed hand, prompting muscles there to simulate movements of the functioning hand while the patient imagines using both hands. (UPI)

Study: Episodic Cluster Headache Patients Responded More to Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation Than to Sham Treatment

Sept. 4, 2016 - A sham-controlled study of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of cluster headache, published in the journal Headache, showed that more patients who had episodic cluster headache responded to stimulation than to sham treatment, but not more patients who have chronic cluster headache. (Headache)

Researchers: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Selectively Affects Other Brain Regions

Sept. 7, 2016 - Researchers published a study they said shows that when transcranial magnetic stimulation is applied to one area of the brain, it selectively alters communication between distant brain regions. They say they believe the effect occurs by changing the timing of local neural operations. (University of Queensland)

Study: Phrenic Nerve Stimulation Improved Central Sleep Apnea

Sept. 1, 2016 - A study of 151 patients with central sleep apnea showed benefits from a transvenous phrenic nerve stimulator, according to a news release about the publication in The Lancet. The device was developed by Respicardia, Mass Device reported. (Mass Device)

Deep Brain Stimulation Improved Function of Patients With Chronic Traumatic Brain Injuries

Aug. 23, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Ali Rezai, MD, discusses a clinical trial of deep brain stimulation to the nucleus accumbens in which all four traumatic brain injury patients in the study showed improved cognitive and motor functions, at least six years after their injuries. Three of the four also had improved disability scales. (Medical Design and Outsourcing)

Researchers Report Occipital Nerve Stimulation Aided Migraine Sufferers

Aug. 22, 2016 - In a single-arm study from the U.K., more than 40% of 53 chronic migraine sufferers who received bilateral occipital nerve stimulation implants between 2007 and 2013 showed long-term improvements, with at least 30% fewer headache days. Pain intensity was also reduced. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

Authors Review Deep Brain Stimulation in Tourette Syndrome

September 2016 - A review about deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Tourette syndrome summarizes the outcomes of DBS at different targets, explores possible mechanisms of action, and the potential of adaptive DBS. The authors also address future challenges faced in designing optimized trials. (Brain Sciences)

Review Notes Deep Brain Stimulation Could Offer a Therapy Alternative for Alzheimer's Disease

Aug. 19, 2016 - A review discusses deep brain stimulation as a potential therapeutic strategy that aims to restore brain activity in Alzheimer's disease. It also notes the importance of hippocampal damage in brain diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Pick disease, frontotemporal dementia, Down syndrome and Alzheimer's, disease. The authors also touch upon the limbic formation as a promising neuroanatomical target for cognitive deficit restoration. (Current Alzheimer Research)

Brain Recordings Document the Importance of the Striatum in Parkinson's Disease

Aug. 18, 2016 - A research team recorded activity in the striatum of patients who received deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia. They found firing spikes in striatal projection neurons in the patients with Parkinson's disease, underscoring the role of this brain structure in the condition. (Parkinson's News Today)

Researchers Report That Paraplegic Patients Achieved Gains in 12 Months of Multi-Modal Therapy

Aug. 11, 2016 - A research team reports that 12 months of immersive therapy, including virtual-reality sessions and use of a brain-machine interface and exoskeletons, led to half of eight paraplegic patients being upgraded to an incomplete paraplegia definition. All the patients showed improved ability to perceive touch and position. Patients gained some voluntary muscle control, which paralleled reemergence of lower limb imagery at a cortical level. (Scientific Reports)

Case Report: Spinal Cord Stimulation Helped Woman with a Painful Peripheral Vascular Disorder

Aug. 9, 2016 - A case report details how an 80-year-old woman with lower limb pain from the rare peripheral vascular disorder erythromelalgia achieved excellent pain control through spinal cord stimulation, with relief maintained at 18 months post-implant. (Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine)

Column Looks Beyond Opioids in the Management of Chronic Pain

Aug. 12, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Richard Vaglienti, MD, is among physicians whose views were sought for a column about the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's March 2016 guidelines regarding opioids and chronic pain, "Beyond oral opioids — Spinal cord stimulators, targeted drug delivery & the future of pain management." (Becker's Spine Review)

Neurosurgeons Use Neurostimulators to Help Comatose Patients in Poland Regain Consciousness

Aug. 12, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society members Wojciech Maksymowicz, MD, PhD, and Isao Morita, MD, were featured in an article about implanting spinal cord stimulation systems in the cervical column to help comatose patients regain consciousness. Dr. Maksymowicz performed the procedure on four patients since May in Poland, with oversight from Dr. Morita, who initiated the procedure a number of years ago in Japan. (Sputnik News)

Dutch Researchers to Study Cortical Stimulation for Central Lobe Epilepsy

Aug. 10, 2016 - Researchers in the Netherlands have received €100,000 from the Dutch Epilepsy Fund to study cortical stimulation as treatment of central lobe epilepsy for the next four years. The  researchers say medication works poorly for this type of epilepsy and surgery is not recommended due to the risk of non-reversible paralysis. (UMC Utrecht)

Journal Announces Brain Stimulation Award to Pioneering Researcher

Aug. 10, 2016 - A medical physicist who was among the first to report the clinical demonstration of transcranial magnetic stimulation, in 1985, has received the first International Brain Stimulation Award from the journal Brain Stimulation: Basic, Translational and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation. (PR Newswire)

Study: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Shows Promise for Treating Phantom Limb Pain

Aug. 10, 2016 - In a placebo-controlled study of 54 amputees with phantom limb pain, a 10-day course of 20-minute sessions with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to the motor cortex contralateral to the amputated leg resulted in pain reduction for up to 15 days after treatment. (News-medical.net)

Healthcare Columnist Features Spinal Cord Stimulation

Aug. 10, 2016 - In a question-and-answer column, a health reporter cites comments from an interventional pain physician in answering the question, "Is a spinal cord stimulator for back pain something new, and is it something to try instead of surgery or pain pills?" (The News-Gazette)

Mote-sized Implants Developed for Bioelectronic Medicine Applications

Aug. 3, 2016 - Researchers reported in Neuron they have developed implantable grain-sized, batteryless sensors they call "neural dust" that might be used to control prosthetics, treat disorders such as epilepsy, stimulate the immune system, or tamp down inflammation. The devices are powered and read by ultrasound. (UC Berkeley)

Analysis Finds Deep Brain Stimulation for Early Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease is Cost-Effective

July 21, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society members Paul Eldridge, MD and Rod Taylor, PhD and colleagues co-authored an analysis of the cost-effectiveness, over a 15-year time frame, of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease with early motor complications. They conclude that DBS is cost-effective compared to existing interventions, and offers additional health benefits at acceptable incremental cost. (PLoS ONE)

Review Finds Some Effect of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Food Craving

July 19, 2016 - A review of 11 studies of noninvasive brain stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex indicated that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTNS) has a significant, moderate effect on food cravings. Studies that looked at actual food consumption had results that, while inconsistent, did suggest a possible effect on the intake of carbohydrates through treatment with rTMS. By contrast, studies did not show a significant effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on food cravings. (EurekAlert)

Writer Speaks Out About Use of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Anxiety and Depression

July 19, 2016 - A guest columnist describes using cranial electrotherapy stimulation to help with his anxiety for the past six years. He supports viewing electrical stimulation of the brain as a good alternative for many people, especially those who have not responded to other therapies. (Scientific American)

Article: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Be Available Now in Nigeria

July 19, 2016 - An article describes repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) services coming to Nigeria. The article included comments by physicians who appreciated the chance to add to existing treatment options for mental health conditions and pointed out the technology also has applications for diagnostic purposes and motor recovery following strike, pain and seizure. The article said previously in Africa, rTMS was only available in South Africa and Egypt. The article characterized the extent of unmet need, saying 20 to 40% of patients are resistant to pharmacological antidepressant treatments while another 33% show poor response. (All Africa)

Study: Tau Protein Moves Through Extra-Cellular Space

July 18, 2016 - Researchers working with a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease found that increased neuronal activity enhances the propagation and pathology of the tau protein responsible for the disease. The senior author said the findings suggest that investigative treatments for the disease that increase brain activity should be monitored carefully. (EurkeAlert)

Study: Combined Limb and Brain Stimulation Aided Functional Recovery

July 14, 2016 - Researchers in Helsinki published a proof-of-principle study in which transcranial magnetic stimulation, synchronized to electrical peripheral nerve stimulation, helped two patients with partial spinal cord injuries regain some voluntary muscle control after six months. (UPI)

Review Assesses Evidence for Spinal Cord Stimulation in Chronic Pain

July 14, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Paul Verrills, MD, and co-authors have prepared a review concerning spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic pain. The review in the Journal of Pain Research states, "A number of variables have been identified that can affect SCS efficacy: implanter experience, appropriate patient selection, etiologies of patient pain, existence of comorbidities, including psychiatric illness, smoking status, and delay to SCS implant following pain onset." It concludes that SCS is a safe, effective, and drug-free treatment for many types of chronic pain. (MD Magazine)

Study: Deep Brain Stimulation Parameters for Parkinson's Disease Might be Tuned Via Phasic Bursts

July 14, 2016 - A team of researchers created a computer model that predicts that delivering deep brain stimulation in bursts at select phases of brain oscillation may be most efficient. Their paper, "Phasic Burst Stimulation: A Closed-Loop Approach to Tuning Deep Brain Stimulation Parameters for Parkinson’s Disease," was published in PLoS Computational Biology. (Medical Xpress)

U.K. Hospital Lauded For Its Dedicated Outpatient Neurostimulation Service

July 11, 2016 - Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital's Brancaster Outpatients Unit has been awarded a Centre of Excellence for its high standard of care in a dedicated clinical room used for percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation services for treatment of voiding conditions. (Lynn News)

Heart Failure Company Says Device Had Neuromodulatory Effect and Will Investigate Modifying Its Development

July 11, 2016 - Sunshine Heart announced its device to augment cardiac function will focus on neuromodulation via baroreceptors rather than its originally envisioned approach of counterpulsation to reduce left-ventricle load in heart failure patients. A clinical trial had shown that the counterpulsation device on the ascending aorta was activating baroreceptors, so the observed positive effect had a neuromodulatory basis. The new approach may be more cost-effective to develop, the company said, in describing anticipated upcoming studies, which start with a current physician-led five-patient study of the device looking at sympathetic nerve activity. (Mass Device)

Article Describes a Deep Brain Stimulation Procedure

July 8, 2016 - A reporter observes deep brain stimulation surgery on a Parkinson's disease patient, performed by International Neuromodulation Society member Ali Rezai, MD, in Ohio. (Columbus Business First)

Feasibility Study Looks at Using Neurostimulation to Limit Knee-Replacement Pain

June 29, 2016 - The potential of neurostimulation in perioperative pain control was described in a presentation of a five-patient prospective feasibility study of ultrasound-guided percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation following primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty. (Anesthesiology News)

Review Assesses Emerging Therapies That Use Autonomic Nervous System Stimulation

June 28, 2016 - A review looks at vagus nerve stimulation in heart failure and obesity, and concludes that results may be improved through advanced stimulation delivery, with most findings from animal studies still to be shown in clinical investigations. (Journal of Neural Engineering)

Clinician Anticipates the Start of a Clinical Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation for Stroke Recovery

June 28, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Andre Machado, MD, PhD, is quoted in an article about an upcoming clinical study of deep brain stimulation after ischemic stroke. It is hoped the brain stimulation will augment physical training by increasing neuroplasticity. (Time)

Report: Adding Motor Cortex Stimulation May Deter Tolerance to Spinal Cord Stimulation

May/June 2016 - A case report describes the effect of dual stimulation in a woman with complex regional pain syndrome whose response to spinal cord stimulation decreased. She received an additional motor cortex implant that was connected to the same pulse generator. The two targets were stimulated in cycling mode with independent parameters. The authors say their encouraging results suggest motor cortex stimulation may be an add-on possible rescue therapy in managing this pain condition. (Pain Physician)

Column Highlights Emerging Medical Technologies, Including Neuromodulation

June 26, 2016 - Of six medical technologies a news column calls "worth watching," two involve neuromodulation. One is a collaboration with Battelle involving International Neuromodulation Society member Ali Rezai, MD, to use a device to bypass a damaged spinal cord and send brain signals directly to a paralyzed limb to allow a spinal-cord injury patient to regain some use of his hand. Another is SetPoint Medical's work on a small neuromodulation implant to potentially treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. (Wall Street Journal)

University of Toronto Researchers Work on Overactive Bladder Device

June 24, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Magdy Hassouna, MD, PhD, is helping design and conduct clinical trials of peripheral nerve-stimulation technology, developed at the University of Toronto, to potentially treat overactive bladder. The device developers recently received a commercialization grant. (U of T Engineering News)

Article Details Operation of a Neurostimulator to Treat Cluster Headache

June 24, 2016 - An article describes how sphenopalatine ganglion stimulators are being implanted in some cluster headache sufferers at two U.K. centers. (Daily Mail)

Paper Explores Patients' Expectations for Deep Brain Stimulation

June 23, 2016 - A review looks at the experience of 116 patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, and nine spouses, and their expectations before and after initiating treatment with deep brain stimulation. (BMJ Open)

Clinicians Complete a Meta-Analysis Comparing Two Deep Brain Stimulation Targets in Parkinson's Disease

June 22, 2016 - A meta-analysis of 13 studies comprising 1,148 patients with Parkinson's disease compared deep brain stimulation that targeted the subthalamic nucleus or the globus pallidus internus to treat advanced Parkinson's disease. (Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment)

Paper Reviews Evidence of Combined Use of Antipsychotic Medication and Electrical Brain Stimulation in Schizophrenia

June 20, 2016 - A review of treatment for medication-refractory schizophrenia explores the evidence from published literature concerning co-administration of electrical brain stimulation, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation, with the antipsychotic clozapine. (Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology)

Concerns Raised About U.S. Insurers' Classification of High Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation

June 20, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society (INS) member David Provenzano, MD mentions a randomized controlled clinical trial by INS member Leonardo Kapural, MD, PhD and colleagues in remarks published in an article about letters written by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania regarding classification of  high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic pain. In an April 2016 medical policy, the insurers classified this type of SCS, which is approved by the FDA, to be experimental and investigational. The letters say beneficiaries should be provided access to this "evidence-based therapy when deemed medically necessary." ASRA pointed out the importance of patient access to non-drug options for chronic pain in light of the U.S. opioid epidemic. (Cross-posted to INS Industry News feed; source: News-medical.net)

Article Describes Pain Relief From Injectable, Wireless Neurostimulator

June 18, 2016 - Coverage of a pilot study of a wireless neurostimulator for pain relief describes how it can be injected into the epidural space, or into "clusters of spinal nerves." (The pilot study concerned dorsal root ganglion stimulation.) (Daily Mail)

Research Suggests Relieving Neuropathic Pain by Lowering a Brain Circuit's Theta Oscillations

June 17, 2016 - An article summarizes research into deep brain stimulation for central pain syndrome and says the authors hypothesize that relief may be obtained through tailoring deep brain stimulation frequencies to suppress theta oscillations in the thalamus and the periventricular gray/periaqueductal gray. Dysrhythmia and alterations of burst firing in the thalamus have been associated with neuropathic pain. During the dysrhythmia, theta oscillations trigger cortical dysfunction, leading to dysfunction of the thalamocortical circuit, which causes neuropathic pain. (Neurology Advisor)

Clinicians Use Proprioceptive Stimulation to Reduce Apnea of Prematurity

June 15, 2016 - Physicians who placed vibratory devices on the hand and foot of premature babies to stimulate limb movement say it encouraged reflexive breathing. They called it a low-cost neuromodulataory way to reduce apnea that is common at less than 34 weeks' gestation. (PLoS ONE)

International Neuromodulation Society Member Gives Video Interview about the Emergence of Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy

June 14, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Ali Rezai, MD, is interviewed about the emergence, and basic concepts, of deep brain stimulation in a science-column video. (Huffington Post)

Case Report: Sacral Nerve Stimulation Aids Patient Despite Her Partial Sacral Nerve Resection

June 13, 2016 - Authors of a case report published in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface describe treating a woman who developed urinary retention after cancer surgery removed part of her sacral nerve. They report the woman's voiding symptoms resolved following implantation of a sacral nerve stimulation system. (Uro Today)

Inventor Award Recognizes Clinical Application of Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorder

June 13, 2016 - French neurosurgeon Alim-Louis Benabid received a 2016 European Inventor Award from the European Patent Office for bringing into clinical practice the application of high-frequency deep brain stimulation help control motor symptoms of movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. (Quartz)

Researchers in Iran Pursue Development of Deep-Brain-Stimulation Electrodes

June 14, 2016 - Researchers in Iran have been working for two years to develop deep brain stimulation electrodes. In March, they implanted the electrodes in monkeys after tests in mice. The electrodes might eventually be used to treat Parkinson's disease and possibly addiction, according to an interview with one of the researchers. (MEHR News Agency)

Headache Meeting Poster Summarizes Interim Analysis of Neurostimulation Data in Cluster Headache

June 11, 2016 - An interim analysis of registry data concerning a neurostimulation device for cluster headaches was presented in a poster session at the 58th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society. Sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation received CE mark for cluster headache in 2012. A post-market registry study showed that 68% of 85 patients with the device experienced either 50% fewer cluster headache attacks or decreased symptoms in at least half of their attacks, or both. The population also had a 52% reduction in acute medication usage. (PR Newswire)

Review Explores Safety of Sacral Nerve Stimulation During Pregnancy

June 10, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Tariq Al-Shaiji, MD and colleagues reviewed literature related to sacral nerve modulation and related modes of neuromodulation during pregnancy. Based on case reports and studies reported in animals, they conclude there were no significant reports of negative effects on the fetus, mother, or device. They say hypothesized effects have limited its use although women of childbearing age and pregnant women constitute a fair number of sufferers of overactive bladder and nonobstructive urinary retention. They add that expanded data may move the therapy toward being considered safe during pregnancy. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Study Documents Treatment Effects of Hypglossal Nerve Stimulation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

June 10, 2016 - An abstract from the University of Pennsylvania about hypoglossal nerve stimulation system indicates the device yields similar outcomes in a general clinical population with obstructive sleep apnea as it did in a controlled clinical study prior to its approval in 2014. The neurostimulation treatment received approval for individuals who have moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and cannot tolerate using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system. The abstract, being presented at the 30th annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC, concerns results from 20 patients who received the implant between January 2015 and March 2016. (Medical Xpress)

Review: Non-invasive Brain Stimulation May Benefit Patients with Deficiencies in Emotional Regulation

June 10, 2016 - A review article summarizes research into the influence of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation on emotional regulation and decision making. (Neuropsychiatric Electrophysiology)

Physicians Describe Relieving Pelvic Neuropathy with Combined Sacral and Pudendal Nerve Stimulation

June 9, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Thierry Vancaillie, MD, a clinical professor and gynecologist in Australia, co-authored a case report about a woman with a complex pelvic neuropathy. Her diagnoses included interstitial cystitis and persistent genital arousal disorder. The symptoms responded to an intervention that combined decompression of the pudendal nerves along with implantation of a sacral and pudendal nerve neuromodulation device. (BMJ Case Reports)

Article Recounts Emergence of Noninvasive Electrical Brain Stimulation Methods for Psychiatric Conditions

June 2, 2016 - An article about the future psychiatric potential of noninvasive brain stimulation for some conditions in some patients describes two emerging electrical-based therapies, external trigeminal nerve stimulation, and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation. (Psychiatric News)

TV Segment Features Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for Depression

June 1, 2016 - News coverage of transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression calls the therapy "a sort of depression fighting helmet" and features one patient describing how she has benefited from the treatment. (KING5)

Researchers Pursue a Clinical Trial of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Depression

June 6, 2016 - The Black Dog Institute in Australia is recruiting patients for a clinical trial of transcranial direct current stimulation in depression. (Newsmaker)

Researcher Reports That the Rate of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy is Lower After Vagus Nerve Stimulation

May 30, 2016 - At the 2nd Congress of the European Academy of Neurology, a researcher from Switzerland presented an analysis of 24 years of data from the U.S. concerning vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in epilepsy. The results suggest that patients who received VNS had a reduced risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. (Medscape)

Newscast Features Research Interest in Potentially Treating Psychiatric Conditions with Brain Stimulation

May 27, 2016 - A newscast describes interest in using brain stimulation for psychiatric conditions, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. (CNBC)

Researchers Summarize Findings Concerning Brain Stimulation in Huntington's Disease

May 27, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society members Jan Vesper, MD, PhD, and Lars Wojtecki, MD, and colleagues have published a review about brain stimulation in Huntington's disease that considers cortical excitability and plasticity in the disease and the potential therapeutic role of non-invasive or invasive brain stimulation methods. (Neurodegenerative Disease Management)

Review Presents Genetic Variations that May Contribute to Differing Responses to Brain Stimulation

May 26, 2016 - A review looks into research concerning combinations of genotypes that have been reported to interact with effects of brain stimulation. An expert commentary says that understanding the genetic factors affecting the heterogenous nature of patients' response to brain stimulation might help with selection of treatment candidates. (Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics)

Scientists Model Nerve Stimulation to Examine Safety Criteria

May 25, 2016 - A research paper about computer modeling of electromagnetic nerve stimulation concludes that a combined approach of accounting for realistic anatomies and neuronal dynamics offers value in establishing safety criteria. (Physics in Medicine and Biology)

TV Show Publicizes Montreal Clinical Trial of Non-invasive Neurostimulation for Gait Rehabilitation

May 23, 2016 - A television news show reports on a clinical trial into a non-invasive neurostimulation device that is applied on the tongue and is being investigated to augment physical therapy for gait in patients who have multiple sclerosis or suffered a traumatic brain injury. The news segment features a former U.S. talk show host and military veteran, Montel Williams. He has multiple sclerosis and became involved with the device's commercialization after having been one of its early study subjects. (CTV Montreal)

Article: Vagus Nerve Stimulation Offers Potential Promise in Addressing Obesity

May 21, 2016 - An article published in the United Arab Emirates describes hopes of being able to address obesity through vagus nerve stimulation, calling the concept "tweaking the behaviour of specific organs by remote control." (The National)

Academic Team Will Study Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and Alzheimer's Disease

May 21, 2016 - The Fremont (Nebraska) Area Alzheimer’s Collaborative presented early stage research funding to Alzheimer's disease researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The researchers plan to use non-invasive brain stimulation to explore the role of the hippocampus in memory and cognitive function. (Fremont Tribune)

Young Girl Resuscitated After Almost Drowning Will Undergo Deep Brain Stimulation

May 20, 2016 - An article published in South Africa tells the story of a 6-year-old who will undergo deep brain stimulation for a movement disorder subsequent to a near-drowning at age 2. (Independent Online)

Optogenetics Studies Move Beyond Retinal Applications to Potentially Address Pain or Other Conditions

May 19, 2016 - A news feature describes the start of a safety trial that is investigating an optogenetic intervention to potentially restore some vision to patients who have retinitis pigmentosa, through inducing retinal ganglion cells to produce light-sensitive proteins. Meanwhile, the article notes that preclinical work has begun to potentially use optogenetics to treat pain, via a light-sensitive patch worn on the skin. Other potential indications being considered for an optogenetic intervention include hearing, function of vocal cords, bladder function, and Parkinson's disease and other brain disorders. (Nature)

Twins Said to Be the First in Colorado to Receive Deep Brain Stimulation for OCD

May 18, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member David VanSickle, MD, PhD, was interviewed in a television newscast about treating what were said to be the first patients in Colorado to receive deep brain stimulation for obsessive compulsive disorder. He said he worked to convince the insurance company to cover the operation for a pair of young adult twin girls who were severely disabled by the condition. The patients said their symptoms have lessened since the treatment. Their story was also featured as a cover article in the Spring 2016 issue of the Littleton Adventist Hospital health magazine. In that article, Dr. VanSickle said the procedure has become "more consistent, faster, much less expensive . . . yet it's highly underutilized as a therapy." (9News.com)

Study: Spinal Cord Stimulation Helped Tetraplegic Patients Regain Some Use of Their Hands

May 17, 2016 - A publication reports that cervical spinal cord stimulation and motor training in two patients who had been paralyzed for more than 18 months following severe spinal cord injury allowed them to gain the ability to grasp and hold small objects. By the end of the study, the patients retained some improvement even after the stimulator was turned off. (National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering)

Physician Explains Interest in Neurostimulation for Cluster Headache

May 16, 2016 - A local T.V. segment focuses on a cluster headache patient in the Washington, D.C. area whose doctor is thinking of enrolling him in a clinical trial of sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation. (WUSA)

Review Ponders Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Heart Failure

May 13, 2016 - A review of the INOVATE-HF controlled clinical trial of vagus nerve stimulation concludes that despite intriguing improvements in secondary endpoints, the approach "has to go back to the drawing board." The reviewer cite the lack of significant differences in the main endpoint of death or worsening heart failure, and the occurrence of device complications in almost one out of 10 patients. (NEJM Journal Watch)

Paper Calls Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy a "Viable Alternative"

May 12, 2016 - A retrospective study of 20 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who received a vagus nerve stimulation implant between 2001 and 2010 at two institutions in Turkey calls the treatment a "viable alternative" for patients who have drug-resistant epilepsy or who either could not have epilepsy surgery or did not benefit from it. (Univadis)

Review Looks at Incidence and Management of Postdural Puncture Headache After Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation

May 12, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Thomas Simopoulos, MD and colleagues found an incidence of 0.81% of postdural puncture headache following implantation of 745 spinal cord stimulation leads at a large academic medical center from 2002 to 2014. The six cases they reviewed all occurred before imaging via contralateral oblique fluoroscopic view entered the practice in 2011. They conclude that with meticulous aseptic technique, managing the puncture with epidural blood patch is safe and efficacious even in the presence of hardware. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Clinicians Present Data on Neuromodulation Device Outcomes for Bladder Indications

May 10, 2016 - A summary from a presentation at the American Urological Association's annual meeting reported data from a 5-year projection of comparative costs of percutaneous tribal nerve stimulation (PTNS) versus medical management. The data developed in London, U.K. led to a conclusion that PTNS has a greater overall cost, but is more effective than single or dual drug therapy and therefore provides reasonable value in treating overactive bladder. Another summary from the meeting concerned data from a single Cleveland, Ohio institution where 1,033 sacral neuromodulation procedures had an overall infection rate of 1.8%. In addition, the authors found the rate varied by primary indication. Non-obstructive urinary retention had higher rates, although the reason for this unexpected finding was not explored. (Uro Today)

Researchers Pursue Potential Therapies Based on Vagus Nerve Stimulation

May 10, 2016 - An article describes some research in the European Union into advanced vagus nerve stimulation for obesity or inflammation. (Horizon)

Urologists Hear Analysis of Sacral Neuromodulation Study Data

May 9, 2016 - A physician who presented clinical research data about sacral neuromodulation at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association said the findings suggest that physicians should probably move to third-line therapies more quickly, after patients have failed just a few medications. The study of 272 subjects was a retrospective sub-analysis of a 5-year prospective study into the use of tined leads. (Urology Times)

Pilot Study Will Investigate Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation in Certain Pediatric Patients Who Have Sleep Apnea

May 9, 2016 - A pilot clinical trial https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02344108?term=hypoglossal+nerve+sleep+apnea+down+syndrome&rank=1 of hypoglossal nerve stimulation for sleep apnea has started in pediatric patients with Down syndrome who cannot tolerate wearing continuous positive airway pressure masks at night. (Medical Xpress)

Review: Further Investigation of Potential Neuromodulation Therapies is Warranted in Memory-and-Learning Disorders

May 2016 - A review summarizes cortical-subcortical brain circuits that are important in learning and memory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. The paper discusses mechanisms such as firing patterns, neural plasticity and neurogenesis, and goes over the current potential neurostimulation targets in those circuits, in addition to other possible therapies. (Journal of Neuroscience)

Paper Examines Importance of Total Charge Delivery Over Time in Spinal Cord Stimulation

May 6, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society members Jonathan Miller, MD, Sam Eldabe, MD, Eric Buchser, MD, Lisa Johanek, PhD, Yun Guan, MD, PhD, and Bengt Linderoth MD, PhD published an article about spinal cord stimulation (SCS) that considers the overall rate of charge delivery, in addition to the the programming parameters of pulse width, amplitude, and frequency. The authors say SCS parameters that deliver different amounts of energy through different duty cycles may exert distinct therapeutic effects, such as little or no sensory perception of the stimulation. They say considering total charge delivery over time is a concept that applies to both conventional. tonic SCS and newer forms such as high frequency and burst stimulation. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Pain Publication Covers International Neuromodulation Society Journal Article

May 6, 2016 - Coverage of an article about spinal cord stimulation and the emotional aspect of pain in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface includes a comment from International Neuromodulation Society member Ali Rezai, MD. He said, “Being able to modulate the connections between the brain areas involved in emotions and those linked to sensations may be an important mechanism involved in pain relief linked to spinal cord stimulation.” (National Pain Report)

International Neuromodulation Society Member Investigates Potential New Brain Stimulation Target for Bipolar Disorder

May 5, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Jennifer Sweet, MD, is beginning a clinical trial of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in bipolar disorder. In the first phase, in diffusion-weighted imaging of neural connectivity, medication-resistant patients will be compared to patients who respond to medication and to healthy controls. In the second phase, six medication-resistant patients who have abnormal connectivity will be recruited for a randomized, double-blinded pilot study of DBS targeting the rostral dorsal cingulum bundle, which plays a role in cognitive control. (University Hospitals Case Medical Center)

Meta-Analysis Summarizes Studies Comparing Deep Brain Stimulation Targets in Parkinson's Disease

May 4, 2016 - A review analyzes 16 studies that compare deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or the globus pallidus internus (GPi) in Parkinson's disease. The results show STN-DBS was more effective in reducing medication usage and GPi-DBS was more effective in resulting in a higher quality-of-life score. (Scientific Reports)

Computer Simulation Suggests Mechanisms Underlying Paresthesia-Free High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation

May 4, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society members Jeffrey Arle, MD, PhD, and Jay Shils, PhD, and colleagues have modeled high-frequency stimulation of dorsal column axons. According to their simulation, high-frequency, paresthesia-free stimulation leads to action potential blockade as hypothesized, preferentially occurring in larger diameter fibers, with recruitment of smaller and medium fibers. The effects arise from ion channel gate and virtual anode dynamics. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Ongoing Clinical Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation in Alzheimer's Disease Explained

May 4, 2016 - A clinician involved in a study of deep brain stimulation in Alzheimer's disease was interviewed about the ongoing 10-person study to evaluate electrical stimulation of white matter in the ventral capsule of the frontal lobes, a region important in executive function and decision-making. (Medscape Multispecialty)

Review: Eligibility for Deep Brain Stimulation in Movement Disorders

May 3, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Christopher Honey, MD, DPhil, and colleagues, published a review on currently available guidance about patient eligibility for deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease, tremor, and dystonia. (Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences)

British TV Documentary Shows Tremor Relief from Deep Brain Stimulation

May 3, 2016 - The channel ITV will run a documentary of a man whose tremors were treated with deep brain stimulation. The show is part of the series "What Would Be Your Miracle?" about inspirational medical interventions. (Exeter Express & Echo)

Former Canadian Radio Host Appears in a Documentary about Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

May 3, 2016 - A former radio announcer with Parkinson's disease is the subject of a documentary about his deep brain stimulation surgery. The film, "The Voice," is debuting at an international documentary film festival in Canada. (CBC News)

Review Evaluates Evidence Base for Burst Stimulation

May 3, 2016 - A review of five published studies of burst spinal cord stimulation (SCS), involving 117 chronic pain patients, evaluates the evidence base and concludes that further study should use a standardized design, a large sample of patients who have not previously had SCS, and entail long-term follow-up. However, the study notes that new mechanisms may be at play in this stimulation mode, according to animal studies, and says, "understanding other potential spinal inhibitory mechanisms may lead to enhanced analgesia during burst stimulation." (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Editorial Considers Tailoring of Deep Brain Stimulation in Depression

May 2, 2016 - Commenting on a recent study into deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment-resistant depression, a psychiatrist notes that symptom improvement in the blinded study was not a placebo effect, and dosage adjustment led to better results. He adds that electrode placement may also be reconsidered as the potential intervention evolves, saying, "DBS is most likely to become a viable choice for highly refractory major depression when electrode location is matched to individual pathophysiology as indicated by functional neuroimaging." (NEJM Journal Watch)

Review Recounts History of Deep Brain Stimulation

April 29, 2016 - A review looks at the development of brain neuromodulation techniques and the current state of the art, including new research into stimulation using ultrasound, micro-scale magnetic fields and optogenetics. (Neuroscientist)

Researchers Report Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Led to More Cortical Excitability and Higher Pain Thresholds

May 2, 2016 - Researchers report a more-robust non-invasive brain stimulation method that increases cortical excitability and may help in devising interventions that raise the pain threshold for patients suffering from chronic pain. They used two electrodes on one side of the head and ran a constant low-intensity current between the electrodes for 10 minutes. Compared to previous studies that only used a single site for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), this method, unihemispheric dual site tDCS, led to more-pronounced and more durable cortical excitation that lasted 24 hours, they report. Further tests showed that participants had an increased pain threshold. (Health Canal)

Researchers Explore Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation in Alzheimer's Disease

April 27, 2016 - A pilot study in the Journal of Alzhemier's Disease explored, in 18 patients with mild, moderate, or severe Alzhemier's disease, a potential alternative brain-stimulation method to restore mental function. The researchers reported that there were temporary improvements in thinking skills and memory after six sessions of exposure to sound pulses at 40-hertz. This gamma wave rhythm has been shown to be a fundamental frequency of a healthy brain. The study builds on 2013 findings showing that vibrations delivered through the index finger stimulated a steady 40-hertz oscillation in the brains, as seen in magnetoencephalography. (The Globe and Mail)

Researcher Explains Obesity Research at Science Festival

April 26, 2016 - A talk at TechfestNW in Oregon presented the rationale for investigating deep brain stimulation of the hypothalamus as a therapeutic intervention in obesity. (Willamette Week)

News Feature Surveys the State of Research Into Minimally Conscious State

April 26, 2016 - An article about minimally conscious states mentions deep brain stimulation that helped to restore more conscious awareness to one patient. (Newsweek)

Authors Recount State of an International Registry of Tourette Syndrome Patients Who Have Received Deep Brain Stimulation

April 25, 2016 - A review details an international registry of patients with Tourette syndrome who received deep brain stimulation. The registry has 157 patients so far, from 10 countries. The review lists 16 studies published since 2007 that have more than four patients who received DBS as an investigational intervention in Tourette syndrome. (Frontiers in Neuroscience)

Review Summarizes Neuromodulation Studies in Heart Failure

April 25, 2016 - A review examines clinical experience with studies of spinal cord stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation in heart failure, as well as baroreceptor activation therapy. The review analyzes challenges of determining proper excitation parameters and/or stimulator duty cycles, among other issues. Despite challenges, the authors say much progress has been made in the past five years and that one day clinicians may use both devices and drugs to restore the proper sympathovagal balance in heart failure. They add that enrollment will begin soon in a large pivotal trial, BeAT-HF (Barostim Therapy for Heart Failure; NCT02627196). In it, 480 heart-failure patients will be randomized to receive optimal medical therapy with or without BAT. Results, however, will not be expected for several years. (Basic to Translational Science)

Study: Varying Stimulation Frequency May Aid Pain Control

April 22, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Julie Pilitsis, MD, PhD and colleagues published results of a pain study involving 19 patients receiving deep brain stimulation. The authors found that low-frequency stimulation modulates thermal and mechanical detection more than high frequency stimulation, as determined through quantitative sensory testing. They postulate that low frequency stimulation may be an option to consider for patients with Parkinson's  disease whose pain is their predominant complaint. (Journal of Neurosurgery)

Modeling Indicates that Adjunctive Neurostimulation in Chronic Cluster Headache Would Improve Outcomes and Lower Treatment Costs

April 22, 2016 - Using data from a prospective, randomized, open-label study of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, researchers in Germany modeled the cost-effectiveness of this adjunctive treatment for chronic cluster headache compared to the current standard of care alone. Their analysis found that after one year, the combined treatment of vagus nerve stimulation plus standard care was projected to result in greater quality of life and lower healthcare expenditures in a German setting. (The Journal of Headache and Pain)

Article Recaps Researchers' Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Research

May 2016 - A news feature describes military-funded research that examines cognitive effects of non-invasive brain stimulation. The Insight project, begun in 2014 with $12.7 million from the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence, combines physical fitness training, nutrition monitoring, and cognitive training sessions that include transcutaneous direct current stimulation in healthy volunteers. The 42-month project tracks adaptive reasoning in novel situations. (Smithsonian)

Cadaver Study Measured External Stimulation Entering the Skull

April 20, 2016 - Unpublished data presented at the annual meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society earlier this month in New York City showed very little current entered a cadaver's skull which was fitted with transcutaneous electrodes to deliver alternating current, with most applied current shunted away by the skin. Regarding the findings, one researcher commented that transcutaneous brain stimulation in living subjects is not expected to deliver a stimulus strong enough to trigger neuron firing, but instead to make neurons more likely to fire or form new connections. In addition, he noted that living tissue conducts electricity differently. (Science)

Early-Onset Parkinson's Disease Patient in Scotland Appreciates Neuromodulation Therapy

April 20, 2016 - A retired teacher who belongs to the Glasgow Young Onset Parkinson’s Group discussed being able to receive deep brain stimulation (DBS). The article says that at a cost of around £70,000 to the National Health Service, only 10 to 12 operations are carried out a year. (Daily Record)

Survey Underscores Importance of Realistic Therapy Expectations in Parkinson's Disease Patients

April 20, 2016 - Survey results presented at the 2016 annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology showed that Parkinson's disease patients whose pre-operation expectations were realistic had improved quality-of-life scores after their deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. The article states that "most patients continued to be satisfied with their decision to undergo DBS, would elect to undergo the procedure again if necessary, and would recommend the procedure to others. In addition, most participants reported that they would have preferred to undergo DBS earlier." (Neurology Advisor)

Research Team Unravels Dual Role of Brain Nucleus Neurons

April 20, 2016 - Preclinical experiments untangled a dual role for cholinergic neurons in the pedunculopontine nucleus by following projections to midbrain structures. The work indicates that to address gait issues in movement disorder, brain stimulation might target the axonal projections in the substantia nigra. For reward disorders, on the other hand, stimulation might target projections in the ventral tegmental area. (Medical Xpress)

Paper Compares MRI Capabilities in Guiding Targeting of Deep Brain Stimulation

April 20, 2016 - Co-authors from the University of California, San Francisco compared deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead targeting during one year of operation using magnetic resonance imaging from ether a 3-tesla magnet (23 consecutive leads) or a 1.5-tesla magnet (26 consecutive leads). They concluded that accurate DBS lead targeting can be achieved with systems using either 1.5- or 3-tesla magnets, but a 3-tesla magnet provides better visualization of the target structures. (Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery)

Study: Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation Reduced Menstrual Migraine Frequency and Intensity

April 19, 2016 - An open-label study of 56 patients presented at the American Academy of Neurology meeting showed that non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation reduced the frequency of menstrual migraine by 35%, down to 4.7 episodes per cycle. The migraine episodes were also less intense, resulting in 38% less use of rescue/analgesic medication. Another study at the meeting provided evidence that the non-invasive stimulation is stimulating afferent vagus nerve fibers as expected. (Newswire)

Researchers Analyze Effect of Responsive Neurostimulation in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy

April 18, 2016 - An analysis of 106 patients with medically intractable mesial temporal lobe epilepsy who participated in a clinical trial of responsive neurostimulation showed a median seizure reduction of 70%, according to data presented at the American Academy of Neurology meeting. (Neurology Advisor)

Review Foresees Potentially Greater Role for Neuromodulation in Treatment-Resistant Depression

April 2016 - A review of electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS) in treatment-resistant depression concludes that as additional knowledge is developed about the best use of the latter two treatments, circumstances may allow TMS and DBS to become mainstream treatments for treatment-resistant depression in the next decade. (Healio Psychiatric Annals)

Researchers Say Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Improved Cognitive Reasoning on a Word-Analogy Test

April 14, 2016 - An article in Cerebral Cortex says research subjects performed better on a novel analogy-finding task after receiving high-definition tDCS-to the frontopolar cortex, an area whose activity was recently shown to predict changes in creative state. (Science Daily)

Journal Features Work of International Neuromodulation Society Members to Reanimate the Limb of a Quadraplegic

April 13, 2016 - The New York Times covered the publication in Nature of research including International Neuromodulation Society members Ali Rezai, MD, and Chad Bouton regarding their collaboration to use a motor-cortex implant and an electrode sleeve to reanimate the hand and arm of a man with quadriplegia. Nature published an associated news article. An article by the BBC includes a video of the young man using the device. Ohio State University issued a news release saying the patient is the first of up to five to participate in the clinical study using this "neural bypass" system, NeuroLife. Bouton was recognized for this work in 2015 as one of five winners of the inaugural INS biennial congress abstract competition. (New York Times)

Study: Deep Brain Stimulation Target Yielded Lasting Symptom Improvement in Parkinson's Patients

April 13, 2016 - Researchers in Mexico City report that unilateral deep brain stimulation to the preleminiscal radiations (Rapri) in patients who have Parkinson's disease in stages II - III induced significant improvement in contralateral symptoms in the extremities over 2 - 4 years of followup. Fourteen of the 19 patients had more than an 80% decrease in symptoms. The other five had symptom decreases of 33 - 79%. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Advocacy Group's Survey in Ireland Shows Limited Access to Deep Brain Stimulation

April 13, 2016 - An article about a survey of 1,000 patients by the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland says that despite Parkinson's disease being on the rise, only 3% of patients have had access to deep brain stimulation. For the treatment, they must travel to England, which is difficult for patients whose condition limits their mobility. (Irish Times)

Man with Autism Recounts His Response as a Non-invasive Brain-Stimulation Subject

April 13, 2016 - In a "Science of Us" column, a writer interviews a man with autism about his experiences as a clinical research subject who had repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in an attempt to mitigate some of his symptoms that interfered with socialization. (New York Magazine)

Authors Foresee Applying Laboratory Findings in Optogenetics to Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy

April 5, 2016 - Authors of a research review posit that optogenetics in animal models can identify neural circuits thought to contribute to behavioral disease, which then might be treated with deep brain stimulation. These possibly novel stimulation targets could be validated in the animal models. Then, the findings might be translated to humans. (Swiss Medical Weekly)

Small Clinical Trial Starts to Potentially Remedy Vision Loss with Optogenetics

March 18, 2016 - A woman in Texas with loss of vision from retinitis pigmentosa is the first participant in a small clinical trial to receive optogenetic therapy. The treatment introduces genes for light-sensing proteins to ganglion cells in her retina. The intent is to allow these cells to signal the presence of light, and thereby restore some ability to perceive light and shadow. Restoring some vision could help patients better perceive and navigate their environment. (MIT Technology Review)

Researcher Looks at Role of Modulation of Neural States in Motor Tasks

March 31, 2016 - In a finding that may help development of prosthetic devices, a researcher in Sweden reported in Current Biology that the signal patterns of sensory neurons associated with muscle spindles changed during learning of a motor task. Earlier, the researcher noted in an interview that insight into these mechanisms can also aid understanding of pathological states, such as spasticity. (Science Magazine)

Physiologist Finds Some Capacity for the Spinal Cord to Adapt After Injury

March 30, 2016 - A news feature covers four decades of research by a physiologist whose neurostimulation studies have led to an understanding that following some spinal cord injuries, the spinal cord can adapt through neurorehabilitation and generate patterns of activity that have allowed some paralyzed research subjects to recover some limited function. (STAT)

Researchers Investigate Stimulation of the Ventral Tegmental Area in Chronic Cluster Headache

March 30, 2016 - British researchers report a prospective study of 21 patients who have medically refractory chronic cluster headache, and were treated with deep brain stimulation to the ventral tegmental area after either failing occipital nerve stimulation or having been denied it through the National Health Service. They report that patients improved significantly in a number of factors. The authors conclude that the study provides Class IV evidence that this intervention in this medically refractory condition decreases headache frequency, severity, and headache load. (Neurology)

Article Describes Interest in Bioelectronics

March 29, 2016 - An article describes the development of bioelectronics or electroceuticals following an observation in 2002 that an agent under investigation to limit swelling after a stroke was affecting the vagus nerve and the reaction of the immune system. The observation led to the concept that the nerve could be manipulated with electrical impulses instead of a pharmaceutical agent. (Wired.uk via Unknown Country)

Case Report: Pudendal Nerve Stimulation in Pediatric Patent with Caudal Regression

March 28, 2016 - Physicians report on the use of pudendal nerve stimulation in a pediatric patient to treat the patient's refractory bladder/bowel dysfunction. Sacral neuromodulation was not pursued because the patient had a malformed lower spine due to caudal regression. (Urology)

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Researcher Seeks Enrollees with Parkinson's Disease to Investigate a Potential Depression Therapy

March 28, 2016 - A researcher at the University of British Columbia is recruiting Parkinson's disease patients who have been diagnosed with depression to see if two weeks of daily sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation at home will help relieve symptoms. News coverage of his work highlights cautions that researchers and industry-watchers have voiced about the home use of brain-stimulation devices that are not regulated as medical devices. (Vancouver Sun)

Deep Brain Stimulation Affects Oscillation of Distinct Networks in Parkinson's Disease

March 26, 2016 - Researchers in the United Kingdom published findings showing that motor improvement in Parkinson’s disease patients receiving subthalamic deep brain stimulation correlates to suppressed synchrony of distinct brain networks. The findings were based on simultaneous magnetoencephalography recordings of the subthalamic nucleus and cortex. The authors conclude that further defining the activity of cortico-subcortical loops, and their connection to underlying symptoms, might aid development of patient-specific treatment that tailors the delivery and pattern of brain stimulation. (Brain)

Neurologists Document Infection Rates Following Deep Brain Stimulation Implantation in a Diagnostic MRI Suite

March 25, 2016 - Physicians at the University of California, San Francisco prospectively collected data over 10 years from 164 procedures in which deep brain stimulation leads were implanted under MRI guidance in a sterile setting that lacked the air-handling qualities of operating rooms. They changed their sterile practice after the first 10 patients. Subsequently, the next four instances of postoperative hardware infection (2.6% of 154 patients) all occurred at the site of the implantable pulse generator, which had been implanted in a conventional operating room during a followup visit. In the whole group of patients, there were six infections for an overall rate of 3.6%. (Brain)

Ukraine Patient Received Deep Brain Stimulation System

March 27, 2016 - A boy with epilepsy received a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system in what is described as the first surgery of its type in the Ukraine. (Ukraine Today)

Neuromodulation Center Joins Forces with Brain Science Institute

Summer 2016 - The Asia-Pacific Centre for Neuromodulation officially joined the Queensland Brain Institute in January. The neuromodulation-therapy research center was formed in 2012 as a joint initiative of the University of Queensland and St. Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital. (University of Queensland)

Pilot Study Explores Medication-Free Maintenance Following Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression

March 24, 2016 - A prospective pilot study in Brain Stimulation  randomized unmedicated patients with unipolar, nonpsychotic, treatment-resistant major depressive disorder to either observation, or monthly transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) sessions following a six-week acute-treatment phase. The patients in the randomized phase were among 49 responders who were followed for up to 12 months, out of 67 total who underwent the initial acute phase of treatment. Compared to the observation group, the ones who had been randomized to receive monthly treatment were able to go 91 days before intensive therapy needed to be introduced, compared to 77 days in the observation-only group, the article states. (Fierce Medical Devices)

Researchers Investigate Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in Anorexia

March 23, 2016 - An article in PLOS ONE suggests repetitive transcranial stimulation (rTMS) to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex reduced symptoms of anorexia. The researchers saw a statistical trend toward reduced symptoms in the active-stimulation group following one session of rTMS to this area of the brain, which is thought to be involved in some of the self-regulation difficulties associated with anorexia. (Medical Xpress)

Study Examines Role of Brain Structure in Propensity to Make Eye Contact

March 23, 2016 - Researchers in France published findings in which subjects whose superior temporal sulcus was inhibited by transcranial magnetic stimulation gazed less at the eyes of movie actors. The authors say this brain structure is different in some autistic people. They want to explore whether stimulating its activity could serve as a therapy to enhance social interactions by increasing eye contact. (Medical Xpress)

Laboratory Brain-Stimulation Study Targets Circuits Involved in Feeding and Metabolism

March 23, 2016 - A feeding-and-metabolism study in Nature, Nature  "Bidirectional electromagnetic control of the hypothalamus regulates feeding and metabolism," investigated glucose homeostasis through stimulating the hypothalamus of mice via radio or magnetic waves. In the laboratory animals, the stimulation affected a ferritin fusion protein tethered to a calcium-ion pore. The authors note that "pancreatic hormones function as an effector mechanism of central nervous system circuits controlling blood glucose and behaviour. The method we employ obviates the need for permanent implants and could potentially be applied to study other neural processes or used to regulate other, even dispersed, cell types." (Rockefeller University)

Cluster Headache Patient in Wales Wishes to Try Neurostimulation

March 23, 2016 - A woman in Wales says she has not gotten approval to receive occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) for her cluster headache. Authorities said 2013 guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence does not support ONS on a routine basis. (The Leader)

Call for Congress Proposals Issued

March 2016 - For its 13th World Congress, "Neuromodulation: Technology Changing Lives" May 21 - June 1, 2017 in Edinburgh, Scotland, the International Neuromodulation Society seeks proposals by May 1 regarding basic science, clinical studies and biomedical engineering presentations about neuromodulation for:

    Brain disorders, including epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, dystonia, traumatic brain injury, stroke, psychiatric disorders, etc.;
    Chronic pain conditions that are underserved;
    Cardiovascular disorders, including heart failure, angina, and peripheral vascular disease;
    Systemic disease;
    Pelvic organ motility disorders; and
    Neurorehabilitation; as well as
    Mechanisms of action of neuromodulation; and
    Non- and less-invasive neurostimulation.
(International Neuromodulation Society)

Mice Studies Indicate Astrocytes Help Mediate Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

March 22, 2016 - Researchers in Japan report in Nature Communications on an apparent mechanism of action of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), seen in mouse studies. Fluorescent tagging indicated tDCS induced large surges of calcium ions in astrocytes, implicating activity of these non-nerve cells in mediation of neuronal responses to the stimulation. They add that there were no obvious changes in the local field potential. They suggest this tDCS mechanism may play a role in lowering symptoms of depression and increasing learning and brain plasticity. In a mouse model of stress-induced depression, tDCS normally reduces depression-like behavior. However, when astrocytic calcium surges were blocked, it did not. The researchers also found tDCS enhanced cortical responses to sensory input, such as light flashes or whisker deflection. (EurekAlert)

Specialists Urge Progress on Deep Brain Stimulation Center in Scotland

March 22, 2016  - Twenty-five specialists have sent an open letter to the health secretary asking her to resolve a funding dispute that has delayed establishment of a deep brain stimulation (DBS) center in Scotland for patients in north and east, who must travel to England for the treatment. (BBC)

News Release Publicizes Study Data About Neurostimulation Reducing the Emotional Aspect of Pain

March 17, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member, Ali Rezai, MD, was quoted in a news release about an article he published with colleagues, including fellow member Louis Vera-Portocarrero, PhD, in the current issue of Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface. He said, "spinal cord stimulation can reduce the emotional connectivity and processing in certain areas of the brain in those with chronic pain." The researchers examined functional MRI scans of 10 patients who had spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for complex regional pain syndrome or chronic leg pain. The findings suggest SCS reduces negative pain processing through decreasing connectivity of the limbic and somatosensory areas. (EurekAlert)

Brain Stimulation Boosted Recall of a Short-Term Memory in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

March 16, 2016 - Optogenetic studies in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease showed that stimulation of the hippocampus can elicit recall of an earlier painful stimulus (a box that delivered an electric shock). Normal mice learned to fear the box, but the mice designed to model Alzheimer's disease did not. When the memory-impaired mice received the brain stimulation, however, they did not move about the box, indicating they associated it with the shock. Cycling the simulation on and off as might occur naturally during repeated memory recall allowed the mice to retain and retrieve the memory, and dissection later indicated that repeated stimulation led to more connections between the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex. (Nature)

Study: Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Enhanced Motor Recovery

March 16, 2016 - A controlled study of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during stroke rehabilitation in 24 patients showed that the half who received active stimulation in conjunction with nine days of motor rehabilitation performed better at three months' followup than those who did not. The researchers applied anodal stimulation to the brain hemisphere ipsilateral to the lesion. (Medical Xpress)

Military Research Agency Seeks to Use Peripheral Nerve Stimulation to Enhance Cognitive Performance

March 16, 2016 - The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) announced a new peripheral-nerve-stimulation research program, Targeted Neuroplasticity Training (TNT), and will hold a Proposer's Day on April 8, 2016 in Arlington, VA. The research program concerns noninvasive nerve stimulation, and seeks to facilitate learning of cognitive skills "with a goal of reducing the cost and duration of the Defense Department’s extensive training regimen while improving outcomes," the announcement said. Unlike prior research programs, "it will aim not just to restore lost function but to advance capabilities beyond normal levels." (DARPA)

Two-Year Pilot Study Finds Early Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease Lowered Medication Costs

Feb. 26, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society members Peter Konrad, MD, PhD, Fenna Phibbs, MD, and Joseph Neimat, MD, have published with co-authors a prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical trial testing the impact of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (DBS) in early Parkinson's disease on reduced medication costs. The 30-patient study found that over two years, patients who were randomized to only receive optimum drug treatment had their medication costs increase 72% from baseline. In the same period, the patients who also received DBS had their medication costs drop 16%. The cost savings amounted to $7,150 over two years. (Journal of Parkinson's Disease)

Report Issued on FDA Workshop Concerning Brain-Computer Interfaces

April 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member John Donoghue, PhD, is among authors of a report that has been published following a November 2014 FDA meeting on brain-computer interfaces (BCI)  for patients with paralysis or amputation. The report says FDA plans to develop guidance for premarket submissions for BCI devices. For the purposes of the workshop, BCI devices were defined as neuroprostheses that interface with the central or peripheral nervous system to restore lost motor or sensory capabilities. (Journal of Neural Engineering)

Researcher Explores Minimizing Scar-Tissue Formation With Drug-Eluting Implant

April 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member James FitzGerald, PhD, has published preclinical data regarding suppression of scar tissue formation in peripheral nerve implants. His work involved a microchannel implant on the sciatic nerve of rats made of silicone doped with the inflammation-suppressing steroid dexamethasone. After periods of up to one year, the drug-eluting implants had less surrounding scar tissue compared to controls. Axon growth was initially much stronger in the control versions, but declined as scar tissue formed, whereas axon counts increased in the drug-eluting devices and by one year were significantly higher than controls. (Journal of Neural Engineering)

Computational Model Seeks to Help Guide and Explain Deeper Stimulation from Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

April 2016 - A research team has modeled the brain's white fiber tracts, that connect cortical and subcortical regions and are theorized to potentially propagate action potentials toward deeper brain regions during transcranial magnetic stimulation. Their model, they say, combines electromagnetism and electrophysiology by computing, next to the induced electric fields in the brain, the spatial distribution of the membrane potentials along the fiber tracts and its dynamics over time. By factoring in the location and orientation of the coil, specific results for a patient or a case can be obtained. (Journal of Neural Engineering)

Executive Details His Company's Vision of Bioelectronic Medicine

March 12, 2016 - In an interview, GlaxoSmithKline executive Moncef Slaoui said their bioelectronics initiative seeks wirelessly powered peripheral nerve stimulators that can interface with a single nerve and might one day be implanted laproscoptically in a matter of minutes. The initiative was presented at the SXSW Interactive technology conference in Austin, TX at a session called "Inner Space: Bioelectronics and Medicine's Future". (IEEE Spectrum)

Researchers Explore Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Aphasia Therapy

March 10, 2016 - Two speech-language pathologist who teach at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls have begun gathering feasibility data in a pilot clinical study that involves sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation followed by rehabilitation training for post-stroke aphasia. They have been using facilities at the University of Minnesota, and are seeking more trial participants prior to filing a grant proposal for a larger study. (River Falls Journal)

Paper Raises Issue of Guidance for Neuromodulation Implant Patients During Other Surgeries

Feb. 15, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Ramsis Ghaly, MD, is first author on a paper that asks, "Do we need to establish guidelines for patients with neuromodulation implantable devices, including spinal cord stimulators undergoing nonspinal surgeries?" The article gives case reports of two patients who have spinal cord stimulator implants and either underwent a hysterectomy or a hip replacement. The implant manufacturers' representatives were contacted pre-surgery. With provisions made to avoid electrical conductance of the device during cautery, the procedures went without complication. (Surgical Neurology International)

Faculty Collaborate on On-Demand Deep Brain Stimulation System

March 8, 2016 - A profile of Daniela Tuninetti, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), reports that she is collaborating with International Neuromodulation Society member Konstantin Slavin, MD, and UIC engineering professor Daniel Graupe in developing an on-demand system for deep brain stimulation. The system is being designed to identify and prevent onset of tremor. Tuninetti was quoted as saying that advantages include longer battery life and decreased side effects, such as speech issues. She added that the technology is envisioned to have broader applications beyond tremor disorders. (University of Illinois at Chicago)

Article Recounts a Patient's Experience with Deep Brain Stimulation for Tremor

March 7, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Paul Eldridge, a neurosurgeon at Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, was quoted in an article about the benefits a woman experienced after receiving deep brain stimulation for her essential tremor. The article stated, " 'On the whole this is an extremely effective and safe surgical procedure,' says Professor Eldridge. 'You can expect it to provide significant relief to 90 per cent of patients.' " (Daily Mail)

Australian Research Institute Eyes Forming a Neural Bioengineering Center

March 7, 2016 - Queensland Brain Institute plans to open a new Centre for Neural Bioengineering next year to investigate ways to deliver deep brain stimulation without invasive surgery to potentially treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, obsessive compulsive disorder, epilepsy and anorexia. A new biobank is also planned. One researcher at the institute is carrying out preclinical studies of ultrasound as a potential Alzheimer's disease treatment. (The Courier-Mail)

Case Report: Bipolar Patient Resumed Vagus Nerve Stimulation Following End-of-Battery Life Relapse

March 7, 2016 - A case report about a bipolar patient who remained in stable remission for nine years  after 20 months of vagus nerve stimulation therapy says the patient relapsed after the therapy was not re-initiated for several months after the battery died. Once the device was replaced, the patient regained remission after 17 months. "If the device malfunctions," the authors advise, "urgent surgical replacement is warranted with subsequent rapid titration to previous parameters as tolerated. Several months’ delay may trigger relapse and prove difficult to re-establish remission."  (BMJ Case Reports)

Company Receives FDA Approval for MRI-Safe Stimulation Leads

March 3, 2016 - Medtronic plc announced it has received FDA approval of its spinal cord stimulation leads that are designed for MRI compatibility. The company expects to begin marketing them later this month. (Mass Device)

News Weekly Ponders Cognitive-Enhancement Concerns

March 3, 2016 - An editorial and an Outlook article in Nature raise the issues posed by consumer interest in non-invasive brain stimulation for cognitive enhancement. (Nature)

Opinion Piece Forecasts Path for Further Technological Development of Neuromodulation

March 2, 2016 - Cambridge Associates cites cost savings and quality-of-life enhancements offered by neuromodulation therapy, using as an example data presented at the International Neuromodulation Society's 12th World Congress about reductions in healthcare costs among chronic pain patients who received spinal cord stimulation through a Western Canada health authority. The article calls for pursuing better insight into disease mechanisms and integration of technical capabilities to make smaller, more easily accessible devices to fulfill the promise of neuromodulation therapy. (Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry)

Article Describes Pursuit of Peripheral-Nerve-Stimulating Bioelectronic Therapies

March 2, 2016 - An article says GlaxoSmithKline has established a network of about 50 research collaborations in bioelectronic medicine, and most research is still at a preclinical stage. The article explains that bioelectronic medicine strives to read and correct signals in the peripheral nervous system to treat diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, asthma, hypertension and diabetes. The article adds that the National Institutes of Health has established a $248 million research-investment program, Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Conditions (SPARC). https://commonfund.nih.gov/sparc/grants (Financial Times)

Funding Agency Seeks Applicants to Carry Out Pre-clinical Tests in New Peripheral-Nerve-Stimulation Indications

March 1, 2016 - The National Institutes of Health announced a funding opportunity as part of the Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Conditions (SPARC) program. Investigators are invited to propose conducting pre-clinical tests of existing neuromodulation devices, from SPARC’s industry partners, in support of new market indications. The pre-clinical data that emerge are expected to generate the necessary safety and efficacy evidence to support an Investigational Device Exemption submission for a later pilot clinical study. A required letter of intent is due April 2, 2016 and the application is due May 2, 2016. (NIH)

Study Suggests Brain-Hemisphere Dominance May Influence Stimulation Effects

Feb. 29, 2016 - An abstract presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science suggests that noninvasive brain-stimulation treatments for depression should be tailored to the dominant hemisphere of the patient, as reflected in their handedness. In the research, 25 subjects who do not have depression were randomized to receive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to either the right or left side of the head. The subjects had a spectrum of hand preference, with four strongly preferring to use their left hand. After five days of tDCS sessions,  tDCS to the left hemisphere -- the typical approach -- resulted in right-handers feeling better and left-handers feeling worse, while the reverse was true for stimulation of the right hemisphere, according to the article. (Science)

Review Surveys Emerging Neurostimulation Options for Upper-Extremity Neuropathic Pain

Feb. 1, 2016 - Clinical Pain Advisor summarized a review in Hand Clinics that surveys emerging neurostimulation options for treatment of upper-extremity neuropathic pain. The journal article was authored by International Neuromodulation Society members Jason Pope, MD; David Provenzano, MD; Porter McRoberts, MD; and Timothy Deer, MD. (Clinical Pain Advisor)

Longer Delay in Start of Spinal Cord Stimulation is Linked to Higher Healthcare Utilization

Feb. 29, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society members Shivanand P. Lad MD, PhD; Alexander R. Kent; Peter Staats MD; and Ashwini Sharan MD and colleagues analyzed Medicare claims data from 2008- 2013 over 12 months post-implant in 762 chronic pain patients. Looking at time-to-implant, the authors found that for every one-year delay in receiving a spinal cord stimulator, the odds increased that patients would fall into a high medical expenditures group (33%), receive high opioid prescriptions (39%), and have a higher number of office visits and hospitalizations (44% and 55%). (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Researchers Assess White-Matter Modulation During Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

Feb. 26, 2016 - In 22 Parkinson's disease patients who received bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus, an analysis suggests that favorable clinical outcomes are associated with the modulation of white matter tracts directed to the superior frontal gyrus and the thalamus. The researchers say their method using probabilistic tractography with diffusion-tensor data may aid deep brain stimulation programming. (Brain)

Article: More Patients Are Being Offered Neuromodulation for Chronic Neuropathic and Ischemic Pain

Feb. 24, 2016 - An article about spinal cord stimulation options says that technological advances, and guidelines of the Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee, have opened the door to more patients, with the therapy being considered earlier than as a last resort, prior to long-acting and strong opioid medications, leading to a better success rate. (Herald and Review)

Conference Presentation Analyzes Effects of Obesity, Smoking on Spinal Cord Stimulation Outcomes

Feb. 21, 2016 - In a retrospective analysis of 64 patients who received spinal cord stimulation (SCS) between January 2013 - July 2014, neither obesity nor smoking appeared to affect the efficacy of SCS or the infection rate. However, smokers had a 22.2% rate of lead migration, compared to 2.1% in the non-smokers. The study was presented at the American Academy of Pain Medicine Annual Meeting. International Neuromodulation Society President Timothy Deer, MD, who was not involved in the study, was quoted as commenting that there would need to be more patients in order to see a statistical difference. (Medscape)

Healthcare Chain Now Offers Spinal Cord Stimulation Services in Qatar

Feb. 21, 2016 - A network of 12 pain management clinics in Qatar began offering spinal cord stimulation therapy in August 2015. (The Peninsula)

Researcher: Electrical Brain Stimulation May Aid Therapy for Progressive Aphasia

Feb. 14, 2016 - A researcher is investigating transcranial direct current stimulation as an adjunct to speech therapy in primary progressive aphasia. She presented preliminary results involving 19 patients at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. (Star Tribune)

Article Weighs Cost-Effectiveness of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Feb. 12, 2016 - In a "Wise Buy" column, a writer looks at costs of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treatment-resistant depression compared to electroconvulsive therapy. The article says an analysis showed that the cost of achieving one quality adjusted life year was $36,000, and anything less than $50,000 is considered cost-effective. (MedPage Today)

Authors Look at the Future of Flexible Electrodes in Neuroscience Applications

Feb. 11, 2016 - A team of co-authors reviews advances in implantable electrodes based upon soft materials, and their applications in neuroprosthetics, neural signal recording, and neuromodulation. (Lab on a Chip)

Researchers Demonstrate an Intravenous Brain-Machine Interface in Sheep, Say the Minimally Invasive Interface May Help Guide an Exoskeleton for Spine-Injury Patients

Feb. 10, 2016 - Australian researchers have published a preclinical demonstration of a minimally invasive, paperclip-sized brain machine interface comprised of an electrode-bearing stent, introduced into a vein to lie alongside the motor cortex. Their paper in Nature Biotechnology describes their experience taking neural recordings for up to six months in sheep. The project, funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency, may allow spine-injured patients to control an exoskeleton, or aid mobility of stroke patients. A clinical trial in three patients is planned next year in Victoria, Australia. Goals of the project are described by one team member in a column in The Conversation. (IEEE Spectrum)

External Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Be Tested for Controlling Obesity

Feb. 9, 2016 - An external vagus nerve stimulation system, the NeuroCoach II Stim, will be subject to a placebo-controlled clinical trial for 50 patients in France to potentially help control obesity. The device clips on the ear, and its potential to address obesity was discovered by chance after it was noticed that patients using the stimulation to treat other conditions lost weight. (Daily Mail)

Article Describes Locally Available Pain Interventions

Feb. 8, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society (INS) member Jason Pope, MD, was featured along with INS member Michael Yang, MD, in a newspaper article about the latest pain interventions being available in the Santa Rosa, CA area -- including high frequency spinal cord stimulation. (Press Democrat)

Company Eyes Commercialization of Implantable Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain.

Feb. 8, 2016 - Mainstay Medical International plc announced 2015 preliminary results and a business update. The Dublin-based company said it awaits CE marking and is preparing to commercialize its implantable device for chronic low back pain in Europe, with the first target market located in Germany. Meanwhile, the company received two more U.S. patents, bringing the total number to seven, and is currently preparing for an international prospective randomized sham-controlled blinded clinical trial, to include sites in the U.S. (Business Wire)

Researchers Say Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation May Hold Promise for Helping Treat Depression

Feb. 4, 2016 - Researchers from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Harvard Medical school investigated the effects of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in 34 patients with depression, who received either sham or active stimulation for a month. The results, in Biological Psychiatry, showed the active-stimulation group experienced symptom improvement. Neuroimaging before and after indicated increased functional connectivity between the default mode network and precuneus and orbital prefrontal cortex, a network that is known to be altered in depression. The authors conclude that the non-invasive, safe and low cost method shows potential promise as a possible treatment option, if efficacy is sustained. (EurekAlert)

Review Considers Current Development of Spinal Cord Neuromodulation for Heart Disease

Feb. 4, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Jeffrey Ardell, PhD has published a review about heart failure and mechanisms of spinal cord neuromodulation for heart disease. The article says safety concerns for bioelectrical treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction have been addressed, but optimization of spinal cord stimulation delivery remains a concern. (Nature Reviews Cardiology)

Article Explains Goal of Using Implant to Stabilize Back and Relieve Chronic Pain

Jan. 31, 2016 - Dublin-based Mainstay Medical has applied for CE Mark approval of a novel investigational neurostimulation device for back pain. The implant induces contractions of the multifidus muscle to stabilize the back. The company would like to offer the device later this year in Europe as an option when treatments such as physiotherapy have failed. An article says the application includes data from a clinical trial involving 45 patients in Belgium, Australia, and England. The coverage mentions International Neuromodulation Society member Sam Eldabe, MBBS, FRCA of Middlesbrough, England, who implanted four enrollees. (Daily Mail)

Neurostimulation for Spine-Injury Patients Receives Research Funding in Minnesota

Jan. 28, 2016 - The state of Minnesota has given a grant to the University of Minnesota and Hennepin County Medical Center to study epidural spinal cord stimulation as a way to potentially restore some function in spine-injured patients. A summary in Becker Spine Review says clinical trials in other states resulted in patients moving paralyzed muscles and that once the stimulator has been implanted for some time, the patients should experience some improved function even when it is inactive. (WCCO)

Study: External Device Improved Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

Jan. 28, 2016 - A proof-of-concept clinical trial of adjunctive treatment with external trigeminal nerve stimulation in 12 patients who have post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder showed that eight weeks of nightly stimulation led to significant improvements in symptom severity. The research institution, the University of California, Los Angeles, is seeking military veterans with PTSD for additional clinical research with the modality. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Agency Seeks Proposals for Neural Interface Technology

Jan. 26, 2016 - The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced a Neural Engineering System Design program, and invites proposals for modular, compact hardware that can record from more than 1 million neurons and stimulate more than 100,000 neurons. (TechNewsWorld)

Analysis Compares Healthcare Utilization and Payments for Cancer-Pain Patients Who Receive Intrathecal Drug Delivery or Conventional Medical Management

Jan. 27, 2016 - Healthcare costs of conventional medical management vs. intrathecal drug delivery (IDD) were compared in 73 matched pairs of patients who had cancer-related pain. In the first year after IDD implant, the IDD patients had a consistent trend of lower medical utilization, and total payments were $3,195 mower. The analysis by International Neuromodulation Society member Lisa Stearns, MD and colleagues suggests that despite the high initial cost of IDD, those patients incur lower medical utilization and payments over the first year post-implant. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Media Cover Use of Deep Brain Stimulation for Focal Hand Disorder

Jan. 27, 2016 - A Chinese citizen with focal hand disorder was reported to receive deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery while playing guitar, which he had had to give up due to his condition. His surgeon said this was the seventh known case where DBS was used for this disorder, a condition that was said to not be uncommon among athletes and musicians. The article described DBS therapy, noting that "it is thought that it will remain the main surgical therapy for Parkinson's for the next 30 years." (Daily Mail)

European Researchers Examine Neuroendocrine Changes in Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Jan. 26, 2016 - Researchers report that resuming deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with treatment-resistant obsessive compulsive disorder led to rapid release of the neuroendocrine factors prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The authors say the findings suggest that DBS is capable of inducing rapid psychiatric symptom changes through an alternative or additional underlying mechanism. For instance, seeing the increase in prolactin and TSH leads them to believe the observed acute mood elevation may be due to stimulation of hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing hormone. They add that one patient who had previously become a DBS non-responder found some relief of his affective symptoms during the day by switching the DBS off at night and resuming it in the morning, thereby recreating a short-term acute stimulation effect. (Nature Translational Psychiatry)

Pharmacy Publication Features Bioelectronic Medicine

January 2016 - An article about bioelectronic medicine defines it as "the use of neurostimulation to modulate disease pathways." For now, the article says, vagus nerve stimulation is receiving the most attention for potentially treating disease conditions. (PharmaTimes)

Researchers Publish Results of Prospective Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Clinical Trial

Jan. 22, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society members Timothy Deer, MD; Jason Pope, MD; Ramsin Benyamin, MD; Richardo Vallejo, MD, PhD; David Caraway, MD, PhD; Peter Staats, MD; Eric Grigsby, MD; Porter McRoberts, MD; Tory McJunkin, MD; Robert Levy, MD; Leonardo Kapural, MD, PhD; and Nagy Mekhail, MD, PhD and colleagues have published Early View results of a partial crossover trial of a novel peripheral nerve stimulation device. They conclude the implantable device is safe and effective for treating neuropathic pain of peripheral nerve origin. In the safety and efficacy trial, 94 patients were randomized in control and active stimulation groups. The results showed that three months of active stimulation led to a 38% response rate (vs. 10% in the control group); and the mean pain reduction in the treatment group was 27.2% vs. 2.3% in the control group. (Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)

Hospital in India Announces Implantation of a Vagus Nerve Stimulation System in a Patient with Heart Failure

Jan. 20, 2016 - A cardiac care hospital in India has implanted a vagus nerve stimulation system in a patient who has heart failure, in an effort to increase tone of the parasympathetic nervous system and improve her symptoms. (Equity Bulls)

Review Evaluates Evidence for Spinal Cord Stimulation

January 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society members Jay Grider, DO, PhD; Laxmaiah Manchikanti, MD; Alexios Carayannopoulos, DO, MPH; Carl Balog, MD; Michael E. Harned, MD; Salim M. Hayek, MD, PhD; Ricardo Vallejo, MD, PhD; and Paul Christo, MD, along with other co-authors, have published a systematic review of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in spinal pain. They found there was significant evidence -- Level I to II -- of the efficacy of SCS in lower-back failed back surgery syndrome. In addition, they found moderate Level II to III evidence for the efficacy of high frequency stimulation based on one randomized controlled clinical trial. They conclude more studies are needed and said that based on a lack of high quality studies, there was limited evidence for adaptive stimulation and burst stimulation. (Pain Physician)

Observational Study Suggests Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is Effective and Feasible in Neuropathic Pain

January 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society members Giuliano De Carolis, MD; Goffredo Liberatoscioli, MD; Paola Nosella, MD; and Luigi F. Nardi, MD and co-authors published results of a multi-center observational study of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) in neuropathic pain. There were 76 patients who had a variety of conditions, such as post-herpetic pain and occipital neuralgia. The authors concluded that the intervention produced significant pain relief and is safe and feasible. (Pain Physician)

Study Shows Headache Reduction from Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Jan. 19, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Thomas Kinfe and colleagues published data in the Journal of Headache and Pain that showed cervical non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation twice daily reduced the number of headache days per month from 14.7 to 8.9, and the number of monthly migraine attacks from 7.3 to 4.5. (Business Wire)

Analysis Finds Spinal Cord Stimulation Lowers Amputation Rate in Chronic Critical Limb Ischemia

Jan. 18, 2016 - A meta-analysis of 13 studies comprising 595 patients concludes that spinal cord stimulation is better than medical management alone in preventing limb amputation for patients who have chronic critical limb ischemia, particularly in patients with less severe disease. The findings were presented in a poster at the Annual Pain Medicine Meeting of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. (Pain Medicine)

Authors Present an Overview for Pharmacists of Medical and Surgical Treatment for Parkinson's Disease

Jan. 18, 2016 - An article summarizes Parkinson's disease treatment and informs pharmacists they may see a Parkinson's patient more often after deep brain stimulation surgery, as medication dosages are adjusted. (Pharmacy Times)

Non-invasive Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Studied

Jan. 17, 2016 - A Phase II open-label study of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation in 14 fibromyalgia patients, published in the Journal of Pain, explored dosing regimens for pain reduction. (National Pain Report)

Column Presents Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Options for Depression

Jan. 17, 2016 - An article about transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression describes deep TMS as a newer option for treatment-resistant depression. (New York Daily News)

Pair Exhibit a Consumer Device in Development for Vagus Nerve Stimulation through Earbuds

Jan. 15, 2016 - International Neuromodulation Society member Daniel Cartledge, MD, and his brother, a cardiac and thoracic surgeon, have co-developed a vagus nerve stimulation device that was voted a top new digital health device at the Consumer Electronics Show. The product is an earbud device designed to be used with music and improve mood, although the product has no medical claims. The device is expected to enter the market in the next few months. (Palm Beach Post)

Column Asks If More Will Be Done For Patients in a Minimally Conscious State

Jan. 14, 2016 - A newspaper column mentions motor cortex stimulation and describes the ability to distinguish and partially rehabilitate patients who are in a minimally conscious state in which they retain some awareness and ability to respond. The writer asks if society will more fully restore the lives of people who may currently only receive custodial care. (Houston Chronicle)

Company Describes Pursuing a Potentially Therapeutic Brain-Stimulation Headset

Jan. 13, 2016 - A U.K. company founded in 2014, Cerestim, says it has demonstrated a proof-of-concept for an alternating transcranial direct-current stimulation device to be remotely monitored by physicians. The company is initially targeting the product for depression and pending regulatory approval, would expect to market the home-use device in three to five years. An article explains that the headset is intended to identify dysfunctional neural activity and reset that through stimulation via electrodes tailored for each individual. (International Business Times)

Singapore Initiative is Working to Create a Wireless Neurostimulator

Jan. 13, 2016 - An initiative in Singapore is developing a wireless implantable chronic pain management device that is anticipated to be about as small as a grain of rice. The neurostimulator is being developed by the Institute of Microelectronics of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the local biotechnology firm Biospark Technologies. (Today Online)

Patient Enrollment is Complete in Tibial Nerve Stimulation Study

Jan. 11, 2016 - Israel-based BlueWind Medical announced it has completed enrollment of 36 patients with overactive bladder in a clinical trial of its wireless neurostimulation device. The patients in the U.K. and Netherlands will have the device implanted in their lower leg to stimulate the tibial nerve. The company expects to present initial results in February 2016, and is gathering the data to support a CE Mark application. (PR Newswire)

Research Indicates Non-Invasive Stimulation Can Potentially Help Suppress Migraine Onset

Jan. 11, 2016 - In preclinical studies reported in Pain non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) was found as effective as surgically implanted VNS in suppressing, by up to 40%, cortical spreading depression that is associated with pre-migraine aura. (PR Rocket)

Reprogramming Helped Restore Efficacy of Spinal Cord Stimulation

Jan. 8, 2016 - At the combined annual scientific meeting in London of the Neuromodulation Society of the United Kingdom and Ireland and the International Neuromodulation Society (INS) chapters from Germany and Switzerland, INS member Frank Wille, MD presented results gathered between 2010 - 2011 in the Netherlands that showed that reprogramming existing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices could restore efficacy in managing back pain. He said that in this high-density mode, the leads were implanted as close as possible to the T9 - T10 target, and the devices were operated at maximum frequency, with the pulse width as broad as possible and amplitude adjusted for continuous stimulation. Rather than have devices explanted, 65% of the patients continued to use their SCS systems one year later. (NeuroNews)

Researchers Report Long-term Data on Deep Brain Stimulation in Dystonia

Jan. 8, 2016 - A group of Korean researchers published long-term data on 36 patients with several types of dystonia that compares outcomes of deep brain stimulation to the globus pallidus interna. Their results suggest a favorable outcome is expected for patients with DYT-1 dystonia and isolated dystonia without a known genetic cause. (PLoS ONE)

Optogenetics Study Examines Role of Hippocampus in Social Memory

Jan. 5, 2016 - Laboratory researchers used optogenetics in mice to excite a part of the hippocampus involved in memory formation and found the stimulation enhanced social memory if applied during memory formation, but not during retrieval. (Molecular Psychiatry)

Post-Market Surveillance: External Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation Compliance Rate is Twice That of Medical Management for Chronic Migraine

Jan. 7, 2016 - CEFALY Technology released data about patient compliance among 14,745 migraine patients who acquired the Belgium-based company's trigeminal nerve stimulation device between March 2014 and October 2015. The external device was FDA-approved in March 2014 to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. Full compliance would entail replacing the electrode every month. Based on recurrent orders of electrodes, the company reported a 72.4% compliance rate, twice that of oral preventive migraine medication. (Fierce Medical Devices)

Company Sets Up Distribution Agreement in Germany for Non-Invasive Treatment for Chronic Headache

Jan. 6, 2016 - The pan-European pharmaceutical company Desitin, a distributor of treatments for Parkinson's disease and epilepsy, entered an agreement Jan. 1 to distribute ElectroCore's non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device, gammaCore, to neurologists in Germany who treat migraine and cluster headache. (Business Wire)

Medical Society Plans Movement Disorders Registry in India

Jan. 5, 2016 - The Movement Disorders Society of India announced it is planning to create a registry of Parkinson's and movement disorder cases in the interests of optimizing treatment. Besides deep brain stimulation, the society is interested in potential novel treatments and planned a conference on Jan. 8 to discuss those. (Times of India)

Case Reports Detail Considerations for Intrathecal Drug Delivery

Jan. 1, 2016 - Since intrathecal drug delivery systems have been in use for more than two decades, the need to manage patients at the end of the device life is increasingly common, note International Neuromodulation Society members Jason Pope, MD and Timothy Deer, MD in a case report about a patient who experienced a decrease in analgesia and needed a replacement infusion pump. The authors also report about a novel delivery system for ziconotide, in a separate case report on Dec. 30, 2015. (Pain Medicine News)

Authors Examine Growth of Emerging Indications for Deep Brain Stimulation

Jan. 1, 2016 - There was rapid growth in the percentage of deep brain stimulation patients in the U.S. who were treated for indications under a humanitarian device exemption or other emerging indication in the last decade, according to analysis of hospital discharge records. The newer indications were associated with greater costs, so the authors of this study conclude that "additional costs should be anticipated as surgeons gain experience with new patient populations and targets." (Journal of Neurosurgery

Last Updated on Tuesday, September 06, 2022 07:33 PM