Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Approximately 15% of all people will experience a depressive episode throughout their lives, and by 2020, depression will be the second largest cause of disability around the world. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been shown to be an effective option for treating this condition. Devices such as the double-cone coil may bring new insights regarding depression treatment. ⋯ Despite the small number of controlled clinical trials and the small sample sizes, which limit the generalization of the obtained results, the collected data provide an optimistic perspective on the effectiveness of using DC-TMS for depression treatment.
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We are developing a novel intradural spinal cord stimulator for treatment of neuropathic pain and spasticity. A key feature is the means by which it seals the dura mater to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We have built and employed a test rig that enables evaluation of candidate seal materials. ⋯ We have demonstrated the workability of obtaining robust seal against leakage at the implantation site of a novel intradural stimulator using a custom-designed test rig. Extension of the method to in vivo testing in a large animal model will be the next step.
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Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has become increasingly popular during the last decades mainly driven by the antidepressant effects of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex stimulation with "butterfly" coils. Only recently, alternative targets such as the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) have been brought into focus and innovative coil designs such as the angled geometry of the double cone coil (DCC) have raised hope to reach even deeper located targets. ⋯ DCC stimulation over the dmPFC represents a promising approach in the fast evolving noninvasive brain stimulation techniques aiming at the functional modulation of brain areas vitally involved in affect, sensory autonomic, cognitive, and salience regulation. This may hold potential for both neuroscientific research and clinical applications in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has become increasingly popular during the last decades mainly driven by the antidepressant effects of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex stimulation with "butterfly" coils. Only recently, alternative targets such as the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) have been brought into focus and innovative coil designs such as the angled geometry of the double cone coil (DCC) have raised hope to reach even deeper located targets. ⋯ DCC stimulation over the dmPFC represents a promising approach in the fast evolving noninvasive brain stimulation techniques aiming at the functional modulation of brain areas vitally involved in affect, sensory autonomic, cognitive, and salience regulation. This may hold potential for both neuroscientific research and clinical applications in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.