Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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To test the hypothesis that poststimulation block of nerve conduction can be achieved by low-frequency (≤1 kHz) biphasic stimulation (LFBS). ⋯ This study discovered that LFBS (≤1 kHz), like high-frequency (≥5 kHz) biphasic stimulation (HFBS), can induce poststimulation block. The result provides support for the theory that biphasic stimulation waveforms block axonal conduction by changing intracellular and extracellular ion concentrations. The post-LFBS block provides the opportunity to develop new neuromodulation devices for clinical applications where initial nerve firing is acceptable.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Resource Use and Cost of Subcutaneous Nerve Stimulation Versus Optimized Medical Management in Patients With Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: An Analysis of the SubQStim Study.
To undertake a detailed healthcare resource use and cost analysis of the SubQStim study, which randomized patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) with low back pain to receive subcutaneous nerve field stimulation in combination with optimized medical management (treatment) or optimized medical management alone (control). ⋯ Subcutaneous nerve field stimulation has the potential to offset the initial costs of the device by reducing analgesic medication and the number of healthcare visits in FBSS patients, alongside potential gains in health-related quality of life. There remains uncertainty in long-term costs and cost-effectiveness of stimulation and longer-term follow-up analyses are needed.
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The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of an ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM) intervention on the sciatic nerve, regarding pain, hip range of motion (ROM), balance, and functionality in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP); and to determine the optimal anatomical location of sciatic nerve stimulation to obtain therapeutic benefits in such patients. ⋯ The choice of an anatomical location of application of the US-guided PNM on the sciatic nerve by the physiotherapist does not influence the improvement of pain, ROM, balance, and function in patients with chronic LBP.
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Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is proposed to treat refractory chronic cluster headache (rCCH), but its cost-effectiveness has not been evaluated, limiting its diffusion and reimbursement. ⋯ Considering the burden of rCCH and the efficacy and safety of ONS, the demonstration that ONS is dominant should help its diffusion, validation, and reimbursement by health authorities in this severely disabled population.
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Subcutaneous trigeminal nerve field stimulation (sTNFS) is a neuromodulatory treatment for neuropathic trigeminal pain with the ability to reduce the intensity and frequency of pain attacks. However, hardware issues including lead migration, skin erosion, infection, so-called pocket pain at the site of the implanted neurostimulator are reported. Implantable wireless neurostimulation technology promises not only an even less invasive sTNFS treatment and thinner and more flexible electrodes better suited for facial implants, but also provides further advantages such as lack of an implantable neurostimulator and 3T magnetic resonance imaging compatibility. ⋯ The partially implantable sTNFS device seems to be safe, effective, and reliable. Compared to conventional devices, the equipment is not limited to the length of trial stimulation. Furthermore, the daily stimulation duration was much shorter compared to previous reports.