2024 News Briefs - International Neuromodulation SocietyEarlier News:
Breaking NewsJune 17, 2024 - INS President Dr. Marc Russo and INS President-Elect Dr. Konstantin Slavin discuss the current “state of the union” in neuromodulation, how the field is evolving and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in an interview with SmartTRAK at INS 2024. (Source: SmartTRAK) Study Finds Spinal Cord Stimulation Effective for Chronic Pain May 29, 2024 - A Norwegian clinical review suggests that spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a valuable treatment for chronic neuropathic pain, providing symptom relief and improving quality of life. Although some studies question its efficacy, many patients report satisfaction with the treatment, with a history of successful delivery at Oslo University Hospital since 1998. May 20, 2024 - A study published in Nature Medicine demonstrates the safety and efficacy of ARCEX Therapy, a non-invasive spinal cord electrical stimulation, in improving arm and hand function for individuals with chronic cervical spinal cord injuries. In a trial involving 60 participants, 72% showed significant improvements in strength and functional performance, with no serious adverse events reported. The therapy, delivered during structured rehabilitation, also enhanced sensory abilities and quality of life, suggesting a promising treatment for chronic tetraplegia. (Source: Nature) Electrical Stimulation Device May Enhance Recovery for Spinal Injury Patients May 20, 2024 - An international trial has found that the Arc-Ex device, which stimulates spinal nerves with electrical pulses, significantly improves strength, control, and sensation in patients with spinal cord injuries when combined with standard rehabilitation. The trial, involving 65 tetraplegic patients, reported that 72% showed functional improvements, with 52% experiencing enhanced quality of life. The non-invasive device is worn externally, helping intact nerves restore partial communication between the brain and paralyzed body parts. The therapy could soon be approved in the US and Europe. (Source: The Guardian) New Guidelines for Intrathecal Drug Delivery in Chronic Noncancer Pain Released May 16, 2024 - The Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC) has updated its guidelines on intrathecal drug delivery for chronic noncancer pain, providing evidence- and consensus-based recommendations to enhance safety and efficacy. The guidelines address patient-specific factors, trialing methods, opioid dose escalation, and delivery system complications. These updates aim to optimize therapy and improve outcomes for patients suffering from chronic noncancer pain. (Source: ScienceDirect) Modified Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression January 2, 2024 - Researchers have made significant strides in treating treatment-resistant depression through a modified TMS protocol, diverging from traditional methods by targeting both sides of the brain. This protocol has demonstrated a 60 to 80% response rate in patients, with a 66% response rate in those suffering from major depressive disorder. The method has been in use for about seven years, with the recent study formalizing clinical observations. (Source: BNN) Rare Complication in Vagal Nerve Stimulation: Vocal Cord Paralysis and Neck Pain Post-Implantation January 2, 2024 - A recent case report has highlighted a unique complication in a patient with a Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) system implanted for medication-resistant epilepsy. Three years post-implantation, the patient experienced vocal cord paralysis and severe neck pain following a syncopal fall. The symptoms were later attributed to a symptomatic traction injury to the vagus nerve without visible nerve injury or coil displacement. The complete resolution of pain after replacing the VNS system underscores the effectiveness of VNS in managing seizures but also points to the potential risks of hardware failure or nerve trauma. (Source: BNN) Novel Fully Implantable Device for Chronic Migraine Treatment Shows Promise January 2, 2024 - ShiraTronics, Inc. has introduced a groundbreaking fully implantable system for treating chronic migraines, a condition affecting nearly 2% of the global population and notably prevalent among pre-menopausal women. The device, designed to be discreetly placed under the skin, utilizes neuromodulation therapy to deliver small electrical impulses along nerve pathways, interrupting pain signals associated with chronic migraines. This novel approach offers a potentially more effective treatment option for patients suffering from chronic episodes of intense headaches, nausea, and light sensitivity. The first six patients implanted with the ShiraTronics system have shown encouraging results, with all opting for permanent implantation. (Source: HospiMedica) Theta Burst Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression January 1, 2024 - Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS), a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), has emerged as a promising technique in the treatment of major depression resistant to traditional therapies. Compared to conventional rTMS, TBS offers a shorter administration time and potentially more durable therapeutic effects. Recent studies have demonstrated the noninferiority of intermittent TBS (iTBS) in treating treatment-resistant depression, with the added benefit of significantly reduced treatment times. (Source: The American Journal of Psychiatry) |