Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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To review the current state of cerebral stimulation for neuropathic pain and to propose that cerebral stimulation should aim also at the affective sphere of chronic pain rather than solely focusing on the primary sensory-discriminative sphere. ⋯ Cerebral neuromodulation for neuropathic pain has had limited efficacy thus far. Shifting our aim to neural networks related to the affective sphere of pain may allow us to reduce pain conditioning and pain-related disability. Our ultimate goal is to promote rehabilitation from chronic pain-social and occupational.
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an efficacious therapy for chronic neuropathic pain whose precise mechanism of action is unclear. Mediators produced by glial and immune cells are now believed to modulate neuronal transmission and promote chronic neuropathic pain. We postulated a relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of neuroimmune mediators and SCS. ⋯ Patients with FBSS have altered CSF levels of BDNF and MCP-1. CSF VEGF correlates with pain and is reduced by SCS. This may offer novel insights into both the mechanism of action of SCS in FBSS and the variation in clinical response that may be encountered.
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We report the outcome after vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in children with secondary generalized epilepsy. ⋯ Our study showed that VNS was effective in reducing atypical absence, generalized tonic-clonic, and myoclonic seizures (but not atonic or tonic seizures) in children with Lennox-Gastaut or Lennox-like syndrome. A concomitant improvement in attention level and quality of life and health also was noted. Secondary generalized epilepsy represents a subset of good candidates for VNS.
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Letter Case Reports
Treatment of contact dermatitis associated with spinal cord stimulator pulse generator--technical note.
Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sheets have been successfully used as a biologic barrier in the treatment of pacemaker contact dermatitis. ⋯ This technique is an effective way of treating contact dermatitis related to implantable pulse generators, without the need for explantation of the neuromodulation system.