Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
-
Case Reports
Neuromodulation of the Cervical Dorsal Root Ganglion for Upper Extremity Complex Regional Pain Syndrome-Case Report.
Targeting the dorsal column, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) serves as a treatment method for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Certain anatomical pain distributions are difficult to treat with traditional SCS, including the distal extremities. We present a case where stimulation of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was performed to treat CRPS in the distal upper extremity. ⋯ To our knowledge, this is the only reported case of utilizing DRG stimulation for CRPS of the distal upper extremity. Neuromodulation of the DRG appears to be an effective option for targeting painful areas in CRPS.
-
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a particularly challenging neuropathic pain condition, especially when it involves the trigeminal nerve. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) can provide 50-70% improvement in pain to many who fail medical management. However, this pain relief can be incomplete, and residual pain may persist for many years. Here we report a case that was successfully managed by a novel technique of combining supraorbital nerve stimulation with botulinum toxin type A (BTA) for intractable ophthalmic PHN. ⋯ In a patient with trigeminal PHN, local injection of BTA effectively reduced pain remaining after treatment with PNS.
-
Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is a new and safe technique for modulating spinal cord excitability. We assessed changes in intracortical excitability following tsDCS by evaluating changes in cortical silent period (cSP), paired-pulse short intracortical inhibition (SICI), and intracortical facilitation (ICF). ⋯ tsDCS modulates inhibitory GABA(A)ergic drive, as assessed by SICI, without interfering with cSP and ICF. The possibility to interfere with cortical processing makes tsDCS a useful approach to modulate spinal drive through nonspinal mechanisms. tsDCS could also represent an early rehabilitation strategy in patients with acute brain lesions, when other noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) tools are not indicated due to safety concerns, as well as in the treatment of spinal diseases or pain syndromes.
-
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an effective intervention in noninvasive neuromodulation used to treat a number of neurophysiological disorders. Predicting the spatial extent to which neural tissue is affected by TMS remains a challenge. The goal of this study was to develop a computational model to predict specific locations of neural tissue that are activated during TMS. Using this approach, we assessed the effects of changing TMS coil orientation and waveform. ⋯ Our results indicate that the extent of neuromodulation is more widespread than previous published models suggest. Additionally, both specific locations in cortex and the extent of stimulation in cortex depend on coil orientation to within ±15° at a minimum. Lastly, through computational means, we are able to provide insight into the effects of TMS at a cellular level, which is currently unachievable by imaging modalities.
-
Harlequin syndrome (HS) is a condition that has been associated with one-sided sympathetic denervation of the face, characterized by contralateral hemifacial flushing and relative hyperhidrosis. Case series associate HS with conditions and procedures, including neuraxial anesthesia, that disrupt unilateral facial sympathetic innervation. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first series of HS following implantation of an intrathecal drug delivery system. ⋯ HS is a condition associated with one-sided sympathetic denervation of the face that can occur after intrathecal pump implantation. An understanding of the pathophysiology of this condition and reassurance are vital factors for successful management of this condition.