The International Neuromodulation SocietyThe Fastest-Growing, Worldwide Multidisciplinary Body Devoted to Building Knowledge of NeuromodulationThe International Neuromodulation Society (INS) is a non-profit group of clinicians, scientists and engineers dedicated to the scientific development and awareness of neuromodulation – the alteration of nerve activity through targeted delivery of a stimulus, such as electrical stimulation or chemical agents, to specific neurological sites in the body. The San Francisco-based INS was formed in 1989 and educates and promotes the field through meetings, its peer-reviewed journal Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface, mentorship, and chapter websites. The INS also provides information for patients and produces rolling news briefs about this rapidly evolving field. The INS Peer-Reviewed JournalThe INS journal Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface has a growing Impact Factor and is indexed in Index Medicus, MEDLINE and Pubmed from its first issue in 1998. Members may log in to the members-only section to read the journal online. The journal also has social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. What is Neuromodulation?Medical Professionals can learn about various considerations concerning neuromodulation and clinic contacts. Once your preliminary questions have been answered, please use the Contact Us facility to find out more and to discuss specific objectives. Others may simply wish to join the INS and one of its related chapter societies, please use the Membership Application. Clinical trials that involve a wide range of emerging neuromodulation approaches are listed on our Research page. Neuromodulation clinical trials address symptom control through nerve stimulation in such condition categories as:
Breaking NewsArticle Addresses the Value of Vagus Nerve Stimulation and its Trending Presence on Social Media October 29, 2023 - Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is gaining popularity as a wellness trend, with claims of various benefits. While it has gained attention on social media, this article indicates that it is essential to understand that VNS is not a cure-all, but does have significant medical applications, such as its approval in treating epilepsy, treatment-resistant depression, and stroke recovery, as well as numerous other conditions where its application is being researched. (Source: The Messenger) Neuromodulation Shows Promise as an Adjunctive Treatment for Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome October 27, 2023 - Neuromodulation, particularly spinal cord stimulation (SCS), shows potential as an effective treatment for postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) in a recent case report, were a PMPS patient experienced significant pain relief and improved quality of life following SCS implantation after other treatments had failed. (Source: Cureus) October 27, 2023 - The CEO of Cognito Therapeutics presented an overview of the company's gamma sensory stimulation device and its potential as a therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients at the 2023 Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD) conference. The device demonstrated promising results in the phase 2 OVERTURE study, including extended time to a decline in AD daily living scores, reduced brain atrophy rates, and a favorable safety profile. (Source: Neurology Live) FDA Grants Conditional MRI Use for Enterra's Stimulation Device to Manage Gastroparesis Symptoms October 26, 2023 - The FDA has granted conditional approval for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use with Enterra Medical's implantable electrical stimulation device designed to manage symptoms associated with gastroparesis. The Enterra II system, comprising the Enterra 37800 Neurostimulator and Enterra Therapy 4351-35 unipolar leads, aims to relieve symptoms like nausea and vomiting by delivering electrical pulses to nerves and stomach muscles. (Source: Healio) Study Suggests TDCS Shows Promise in Improving Gait for Multiple Sclerosis Patients October 26, 2023 - A recent study published in Neurology evaluated the impact of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on balance and gait in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The research, which included 11 studies involving 230 MS patients, found that tDCS significantly improved gait functionality compared to control groups. However, it did not have a significant impact on static balance or vary significantly with different tDCS locations. (Physician’s Weekly) October 24, 2023 - A pilot study involving patients with Parkinson's disease has shown that accelerated theta-burst transcranial ultrasound (a-tbTUS) stimulation of the primary motor cortices can increase motor evoked potentials (MEPs), suggesting enhanced motor cortex excitability. (Source: Neurology Live) Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Shows Promise in Treating Post-Stroke Cerebellar Ataxia October 24, 2023 - A case report from UCLA Health highlights the promising results of using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to manage post-stroke cerebellar ataxia, a condition characterized by impaired coordination and balance. The report details the case of a 58-year-old patient who experienced significant improvements in walking speed, balance, and daily activities following bilateral cerebellar rTMS treatment, underscoring the potential of this innovative approach for addressing ataxia. (Source: UCLA Health) Non-Surgical Deep Brain Stimulation Enhances Memory Accuracy and Potential for Alzheimer's Treatment October 24, 2023 - Researchers at the UK Dementia Research Institute (DRI) have developed a non-surgical deep brain stimulation (DBS) technology based on temporal interference (TI) that can improve memory function. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, demonstrated the effectiveness of TI in stimulating the hippocampus and enhancing memory accuracy in healthy adults, potentially offering a non-invasive treatment option for Alzheimer's patients in the future. The technology is being trialed in early-stage Alzheimer's patients, aiming to restore normal brain activity and alleviate memory impairment symptoms. (Source: Neuro News) October 23, 2023 - This study investigates the association between frailty and postoperative complications in Parkinson's disease patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS). The findings reveal that patients with moderate and significant frailty levels are at a higher risk of complications. (Source: Cureus) October 20, 2023 - A study investigated the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with sertraline in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients with somatic pain. Results showed that the combination therapy led to rapid symptom improvement in depression, pain, and cognitive function, highlighting its effectiveness in treating MDD patients with somatic pain. (Source: Nature) October 20, 2023 - A study demonstrated that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) can alleviate symptoms in pediatric patients with mild-to-moderate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients aged 10 to 21 with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) received ta-VNS targeting the cymba conchae of the external left ear. The study found that ta-VNS led to clinical remission in a portion of patients and significantly reduced fecal calprotectin levels, indicating its potential as a valuable tool for IBD treatment. (Source: Medical Xpress) October 20, 2023 - Two studies from UCLA Health indicate that pupil responses to light may help identify individuals who are more likely to benefit from transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a treatment for depression. (Source: News Wise) October 20, 2023 - Researchers at EPFL have utilized a non-invasive brain-stimulation technique called "transcranial temporal interference electrical stimulation" (tTIS) to target deep brain structures and improve motor skill learning in healthy older subjects. The study marks the first successful non-invasive modulation of the striatum, a crucial brain region for motor control and learning, offering potential non-invasive treatments for disorders involving deep brain structures. (Source: Mirage News) Non-Invasive Temporal Interference Brain Stimulation Shows Promise for Dementia Treatment October 19, 2023 - Scientists from Imperial College London have conducted a successful human trial using a non-invasive brain stimulation technique known as temporal interference (TI) to stimulate neurons in the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory formation and retrieval. This high-frequency technology aims to improve memory loss and cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia by reviving diseased neurons, potentially offering a safer and more accessible treatment avenue than surgical electrode implantation. (Source: New Atlas) Deep Brain Stimulation Enhances Memory and Promotes Neuron Generation in Rett Syndrome Animal Models October 19, 2023 - A recent study shows that deep brain stimulation (DBS) in a specific brain region improves memory significantly and encourages the generation of new, healthy neurons in mouse models of Rett syndrome. These findings offer promising preclinical evidence for the potential use of DBS as a treatment for Rett syndrome patients, addressing cognitive deficits associated with the condition. (Source: Baylor College of Medicine) Study Finds Accelerated Neurostimulation Treatment Shows Promise in Rapidly Easing Depression October 18, 2023 - A study by BrainsWay reveals that an accelerated treatment regimen using Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) for major depressive disorder (MDD) can yield positive results in a shorter timeframe. The research, published in Psychiatry Research, indicates that condensed treatment schedules may achieve response rates comparable to standard protocols, providing potential benefits for patients' schedules and suggesting a more rapid onset of therapeutic effects. (Source: Fierce Biotech) October 18, 2023 - The Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable, organized by the International Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Alliance (ISRRA), has outlined its recommendations in a special edition of the International Journal of Stroke, which included guidance around non-invasive brain stimulation technologies for stroke including eliminating barriers for use, closing evidence gaps, and optimizing these treatments for stroke. (Source: NeuroNews) October 17, 2023 - A recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examined the therapeutic efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in improving cognitive functions in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study included five RCTs with a total of 189 participants, both adults and children/adolescents. The results indicated that rTMS was more effective than control groups in enhancing sustained attention and processing speed in patients with ADHD. (Source: BMC Psychiatry) Article Addresses Company's Development of Miniaturized Neurostimulator for Mental Health Treatment October 16, 2023 - Motif Neurotech's technology, the Digitally programmable Over-brain Therapeutic (DOT) implant, measures 9 mm across and uses a novel wireless power transfer method which eliminates the need for batteries. This miniaturized device, resembling a "brain pacemaker," stimulates the brain's prefrontal cortex and aims to treat treatment-resistant depression by restoring healthy circuit activity with minimal side effects. (Source: Medical Design & Outsourcing) October 13, 2023 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted an expanded indication for Boston Scientific's WaveWriter Alpha Spinal Cord Stimulator Systems. This expanded FDA approval now includes the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities using paresthesia-based stimulation. (Source: Healio) October 13, 2023 - Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) shows promise in curbing drug cravings in individuals with cocaine addiction, but mixed results across outcome measures necessitate further high-quality clinical trials and neuroimaging investigations to gauge its overall effectiveness and mechanisms. Alternative cortical stimulation targets are also being explored to enhance treatment outcomes. (Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine) Study on Vagus Nerve Stimulation Shows Long-Term Efficacy in Treatment-Resistant Depression October 13, 2023 - Two cases of patients with treatment-resistant major drug depression (TR-MDD) treated with Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) surgery have shown significant and lasting improvement in MDD symptoms and quality of life over 15 and 16 years, respectively. (Source: Science Direct) Device Shows Promise in Improving Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis October 12, 2023 - Results from a 24-week trial revealed that neuromodulation using the StimRouter system led to significant objective and subjective improvements in refractory lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This minimally invasive therapeutic option demonstrated potential benefits for individuals with MS experiencing LUTS, with improvements in Overactive Bladder questionnaire symptoms and quality of life scores. (Source: Neurology LIve) October 12, 2023 - This case study highlights the successful management of chronic facetogenic axial neck pain using cervical medial branch peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). The patient experienced significant pain relief and improved functionality after traditional treatments had failed. (Source: Cureus) FDA Approves Company's Next-Gen Intrathecal Drug Delivery System October 10, 2023 - Medtronic has received FDA approval for its SynchroMed III intrathecal drug delivery system, designed to treat chronic pain, cancer pain, and severe spasticity. This targeted drug delivery system delivers medication directly to the spinal cord fluid, offering improved programming efficiency, firmware updates post-implant, enhanced cybersecurity, and compatibility with Medtronic's Control Workflow to reduce systemic opioid use. The system is set to be commercially available later this year. (Source: Drug Delivery Business News) New Research on Deep Brain Stimulation Suggests Potential for Improved Depression Treatment October 10, 2023 - Researchers have identified potential biomarkers for deep brain stimulation (DBS). By monitoring the brain activity of patients undergoing DBS, the researchers found patterns in electrical activity changes that could serve as objective markers for treatment effectiveness, with potential to guide treatment decisions and intervene before relapses occur. (Source: Inquirer) NIH Grant Funds Parkinson's Research Using Video Games in Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery October 10, 2023 - A $5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is supporting a five-year research project that aims to gain insights into Parkinson's disease by having patients play video games during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. Researchers will study how the brain regulates movement, decision-making, and action control, and data collected will also help build a mathematical model of the brain's function. (Source: University of California - Riverside) Device Proves Effective in Chronic Pain Treatment October 7, 2023 - Biotronik Neuro has shared positive results from the BENEFIT-02 trial, the first clinical evaluation of a multiphase stimulation paradigm, which supports the effectiveness of RESONANCE multiphase stimulation used in Biotronik's Prospera spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system for chronic pain treatment. The study demonstrated that RESONANCE requires less power and delivers a distributed therapeutic pulse pattern across the spinal cord, improving pain relief, sleep quality, and physical activity. (Source: NeuroNews International) Closed Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy Demonstrates Long-Term Pain Relief October 5, 2023 - A study published in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine demonstrated that evoked compound action potentials (ECAP)-controlled closed-loop spinal cord stimulation (CL-SCS) therapy provided sustained and durable pain relief over 36 months compared to open-loop SCS. (Source: Neurology Advisor) Company Utilizes Spinal Cord Stimulation and Brain-Computer Interface to Restore Movement October 5, 2023 - Onward is pioneering a combination of spinal cord stimulation (ARC-IM) and brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to restore thought-driven movement in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The BCI captures the intention to move, decodes it with artificial intelligence, and converts it into ARC-IM therapy for precise spinal cord stimulation, resulting in thought-driven movement. Onward recently performed the first human implant of this technology. The company aims to assess the value of BCI augmentation and potentially commercialize the therapy by the end of the decade. (Source: Mass Device) NANS Leads Multi-Society Response to SCS Review in Washington State October 4, 2023 - The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) has spearheaded a collaborative response, joined by the Multisociety Pain Workgroup (MPW), to address the allegedly flawed review of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) evidence by the Washington State Health Care Authority (WSHCA). The review's methodology has been criticized, and NANS is advocating for extending SCS coverage for patients in the state. (Source: NeuroNews) Company Initiates Trial for Brain-Computer Interface Device to Aid ALS Patients October 3, 2023 - Neuralink has commenced enrollment for the PRIME study, a first-in-human trial of its brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. The trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Neuralink's implantable BCI, surgical robot, and BCI software in enabling individuals with quadriplegia due to ALS or spinal cord injury to control external devices using their thoughts. The study will involve surgical implantation of BCI devices with over 1,000 tiny electrodes to decode brain signals, allowing participants to control a computer cursor or keyboard. The research will span six years, including an 18-month primary study followed by long-term data collection. (Source: ALS News Today) October 1, 2023 - This study investigates the impact of extracellular electric fields (EFs) on thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) neurons, shedding light on their potential role in deep brain stimulation (DBS) for epilepsy treatment. The research explores how EFs affect the firing patterns of TRN cells under different neuronal states. The findings reveal that EFs have state-dependent effects, influencing the timing of action potentials and burst discharges in TRN neurons. (Source: Nature) To see select neuromodulation news by category, as well as news about the INS in particular, please visit the Newsroom. To see archived news briefs dating back to January 2011, visit the News Archive. Continue Reading News Briefs |
