Neurosurgery clinics of North America
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This article describes the basis for neuromodulation procedures for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and summarizes the literature on the efficacy of these interventions. Discussion includes neural circuitry underlying OCD pathology, the history and types of ablative procedures, the targets and modalities used for neuromodulation, and future therapeutic directions.
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Neurosurg. Clin. N. Am. · Jan 2014
ReviewSpinal cord stimulation for the treatment of vascular pathology.
Multiple studies have shown proved efficacy of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The exact mechanism by which SCS acts in the treatment of PVD is not completely understood, and may include stimulating the release of nitric oxide, modulation of the sympathetic nervous system, or modulation of prostaglandin production. Patient selection criteria have been well defined and SCS should be reserved for patients with end-stage lower limb PVD unresponsive to medical therapy and not amenable to surgical reconstruction but in whom disease has not caused inevitable limb loss. This article reviews the outcomes, techniques, patient selection criteria, and putative mechanisms of SCS for PVD.
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Neurosurg. Clin. N. Am. · Jan 2014
ReviewSacral neuromodulation for refractory overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, and painful bladder syndrome.
Various pelvic floor conditions, including overactive bladder syndrome and chronic pelvic pain, have been successfully managed with the neuromodulation of sacral nerves. Sacral neuromodulation is a minimally invasive procedure involving the implantation of a programmable pulse generator that delivers low-amplitude electrical current via quadripolar tined leads through the S3 foramen. Durable efficacy has been demonstrated in retrospective studies, but questions regarding ideal patient candidacy and optimal technical considerations remain unanswered.
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Neurosurg. Clin. N. Am. · Jan 2014
ReviewLimbic neuromodulation: implications for addiction, posttraumatic stress disorder, and memory.
Deep brain stimulation, a technique whereby electrodes are implanted into specific brain regions to modulate their activity, has been mainly used to treat movement disorders. More recently this technique has been proposed for the treatment of drug addiction, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and dementia. The nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hippocampus, central nuclei within the limbic system, have been studied as potential targets for neuromodulation for the treatment of drug addiction, PTSD, and dementia, respectively. As the scope of neuromodulation grows to include disorders of mood and thought, new ethical and philosophic challenges that require multidisciplinary discussion and cooperation are emerging.
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Current DBS therapy delivers a train of electrical pulses at set stimulation parameters. This open-loop design is effective for movement disorders, but therapy may be further optimized by a closed loop design. ⋯ Neuronal oscillations may represent or facilitate the cooperative functioning of brain ensembles, and may provide critical information to customize neuromodulation therapy. This review addresses advances to date, not of the technology per se, but of the strategies to apply neuronal signals to trigger or modulate stimulation systems.