Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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The study aims to evaluate the long-term clinical and technical efficacy of recently developed percutaneously introducible plate electrodes for spinal cord stimulation. ⋯ Percutaneous implantation of small profile paddle leads in patients with FBSS and lumboischialgia produces favorable results over the long term that are at least comparable with surgical implanted paddle leads. The percutaneous approach also allows nonsurgically trained pain physicians to introduce paddle leads. Indices like if patients would redo the procedure may be more appropriate for analyzing long-term outcomes than the arbitrarily taking 50% reduction in VAS scores.
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is increasingly gaining widespread use as a treatment for chronic pain. A widely used electronic registry could play a pivotal role in improving this complex and cost-intensive treatment. We aimed to construct a comprehensive, universally available data base for SCS. ⋯ We believe that the data base described in this article offers a powerful and versatile data collection tool suited for both clinicians and researchers in the field. The basic data base structure is immediately available on a no-cost basis, and we invite our colleagues to make use of the data base as part of the efforts to further the field of neuromodulation.
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Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is commonly used to treat lower urinary tract dysfunctions. This study evaluated the efficacy of a novel externally applied stimulator in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). ⋯ NMES is frequently used to promote muscle strength and coordination. Studies have shown NMES to be effective in decreasing symptoms associated with SUI; however, few, if any, have used it as a primary treatment modality. The novel device in this study was shown to be effective in improving muscle strength, reducing or ablating the symptoms associated with SUI, and in eliciting PFM contractions. The device is noninvasive and can be used as a home treatment.
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Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) may provide relief for refractory headache disorders. However, scant data exist regarding long-term ONS outcomes. ⋯ Randomized controlled long-term studies in specific, intractable, primary headache disorders are indicated.