Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Objectives. To investigate the feasibility of inhibiting the stretch reflex of the soleus muscle by a conditioning stimulus applied to the deep peroneal nerve in spastic stroke participants during the early swing phase of gait. Materials and Methods. ⋯ Conclusions. It is concluded that the inhibition of the soleus stretch reflex with an electrical conditioning stimulus applied to the deep peroneal nerve is feasible in the early swing phase of walking. This shows a potential for being used in the rehabilitation of walking by spastic stroke persons.
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Objective. To determine the long-term relief of spasticity and complication rates in patients who underwent placement of a programmable intrathecal baclofen pump for treatment of medically intractable spasticity of spine or brain etiology. Methods. ⋯ Intrathecal baclofen is a very effective strategy for the relief of medically intractable spasticity of spine or brain etiology. Even though 36% of patients have required revisions, no patient has experienced any long-term morbidity. Patients and their primary care givers have been pleased with the long-term effects of this therapy upon quality of life.
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Objective. This one-year pilot outcome study was designed to investigate prospectively a series of patients with chronic discogenic back pain who underwent intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty (IDET). Patients with chronic discogenic low back pain usually respond poorly to conservative medical care. ⋯ There were no significant complications. Conclusions. One-year pilot study outcome results suggest that IDET may be an effective, minimally invasive treatment for chronic discogenic low back pain.
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Present motor-system neural prostheses use electrical activation of last-order (motor) neurons to restore function. We are pursuing a new approach: restoration of function by electrical activation of higher-order interneurons. ⋯ The results demonstrate that electrical activation of spinal neural circuits allows generation of complex motor behaviors including micturition and organized multi-joint motor responses with a single electrode. Electrical activation of spinal neural circuits, and generation of the complex functions they subserve, holds great promise to advance the function of motor system neural prostheses.