Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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The primary aim of this review was to analyze the literature for the efficacy of neuromodulation interventions in treating both male and female sexual dysfunction. ⋯ Our review suggests that there may be promise and potential utility of neuromodulation in improving sexual dysfunction; however, further research is needed.
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Craniofacial pain is a prevalent group of conditions, and when refractory to conventional treatments, it poses a significant burden. The last decade has seen a renewed interest in the multimodal management of pain. Interventions targeting the nucleus caudalis (NC) of the trigeminocervical complex have been available as a treatment option since the 1930s, yet evidence for efficacy remains limited. ⋯ The literature surrounding NC intervention techniques is reviewed. Recent advancements and the wide range of craniofacial pain syndromes for which these interventions show potential efficacy are discussed. New and less invasive techniques continue to emerge as putative therapeutic options. However, prospective studies are lacking. Furthermore, the evidence supporting even well-established techniques remains of poor quality. Future work should be prospective, use standard outcome reporting, and address efficacy comparisons between intervention type and preoperative diagnosis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Noninvasive Sacral Neuromodulation in Children and Adolescents: A Case-Control Study of Patients With Chronic Refractory Constipation.
In adult patients with chronic refractory constipation, invasive sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has been applied successfully. There is a need for less invasive solutions while providing comparable therapeutic effects in children and adolescents. We present a prospective, interventional case-control study on the application of noninvasive SNM. ⋯ Outcome of noninvasive SNM treatment in patients with chronic refractory constipation is better than conventional treatment.
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It is estimated that 3.8% to 12.5% of patients develop a device infection during the two to four weeks of the sacral neuromodulation (SNM) test, leading to removal of the entire system. It is possible to prolong the test phase up to the clinician's decision, particularly when benefits are unclear. The aim of our study is to assess the device infection rate in a prolonged SNM test. ⋯ The infection rate of a prolonged eight-week SNM test is low and does not differ from that reported in the literature for a two-to-four-week SNM test. S aureus remains the most frequent bacterium involved.
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Observational Study
Combined Neuromodulation (Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Deep Brain Stimulation) in Patients With Refractory Generalized Epilepsy: An Observational Study.
This article describes our findings while treating patients with refractory generalized epilepsy with combined vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and centro-median deep brain stimulation (CMDBS). ⋯ This study showed that combined VNS-CMDBS therapy was able to double the number of responders compared with VNS alone in a cohort of patients with refractory generalized epilepsy. We believe these data represent the first evidence that combined neuromodulation may be useful in this quite homogeneous patient population.