Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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The aim of this study was to investigate the strength of perceptual embodiment achieved during an adapted version of the rubber hand illusion (RHI) in response to a series of modified transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) pulse patterns with dynamic temporal and spatial characteristics which are more akin to the mechanical brush stroke in the original RHI. ⋯ The findings provide tentative, but not definitive, evidence that TENS parameters with dynamic spatial and temporal characteristics may produce more intense misattribution sensations and intense perceptual embodiment than parameters with static characteristics (e.g., continuous pulse patterns).
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Neurostimulation of the hypoglossal nerve has shown promising results in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. This anatomic study describes the detailed topography of the hypoglossal nerve's motor points as a premise for super-selective neurostimulation in order to optimize results and minimize the risk of complications related to main nerve trunk manipulation. ⋯ A topographical map of the hypoglossal nerve terminal motor points was successfully created and could provide a framework for the optimization of the neurostimulation techniques.
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This study compares the stability of three variations of the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) or PEDOT for neural micro-stimulation under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. We examined PEDOT films deposited with counter-ions tetrafluoroborate (TFB) and poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS), and ⋯ TFB may be an enabling material for achieving long lasting micro-stimulation and recording.
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This testing was conducted to determine if exposure from a particle accelerator used to treat cancer patients would alter the performance of the EndoStim® neurostimulator when programmed either passively or actively and while being irradiated. ⋯ EndoStim I and EndoStim II implant pulse generators appear to be immune to x-ray radiation from the particle accelerator at energies up to 18 MV, at dose rates of up to 6 Gy/min, and up to cumulative doses of minimally 80 Gy. As there were no observable effects on neurostimulation requirements, the EndoStim LES Stimulation System implantable neurostimulators are capable of withstanding direct radiation. The recommendations of the manufacturer should be followed further regarding the labeling requirements for insured safety to patients.
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Conflicting data regarding the efficacy of high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF SCS) has prompted the issue of the possible importance of the shape of the stimulating pulses. The aim of this pilot study was to compare HF SCS applied with monophasic and biphasic pulses of two different durations with conventional SCS in a rat model of neuropathic pain. ⋯ There is no significant difference in efficacy between HF SCS applied with low amplitude ("subparesthetic") monophasic and biphasic pulses. However, short PWs providing only 12 μsec of cathodal stimulation was ineffective, presumably because of insufficient electric charge transfer from the lead contacts to the nervous tissue.