Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Successful treatment of charcot-marie-tooth chronic pain with spinal cord stimulation: a case study.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is one of the most common hereditary neuropathies affecting one in 2500 people in the United States. CMT disease is associated with moderate to severe chronic extremity pain. We present the case of a young man with chronic intractable lower extremity pain associated with CMT disease treated with spinal cord stimulation (SCS). ⋯ SCS produced favorable results in a patient with CMT and should be considered a treatment option for pain resulting from this condition.
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To summarize research to understand the priorities of consumers with spinal cord injury (SCI) as related to neuroprosthesis. ⋯ Understanding the consumer is the cornerstone to successful delivery of a neuroprosthesis. Translational research by multidisciplinary teams is needed to understand these issues and move technology for people living with SCI from the bench to the bedside.
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In the present review article we summarize available clinical and preclinical evidence, if modulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) could be a target for neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease (PD). ⋯ Clear clinical evidence for STN-DBS-related neuroprotection in PD is missing. However, numerous preclinical studies show (and are discussed) that silencing of the STN via lesion or DBS may exert neuromodulative effects on nigral dopamine neurons.
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Rechargeable spinal cord stimulation (RSCS) systems have been advocated as a way to reduce replacement surgeries, overall costs, and the morbidity of therapy. However, little data exist as to patients' experiences with these devices, which require more care and maintenance than prior primary cell systems. We analyzed patient experiences with RSCS. ⋯ RSCS systems benefit most patients. However, in some patients, the lifestyle costs of recharging may not make RSCS an appropriate means of pain management. Several areas of improvement exist for the design of future devices.
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It has been known for decades that neurons in vitro and in vivo respond in a polarity-specific manner to changes in their electrical environment. Likewise, investigators have passed direct current (DC) across the human head for decades in attempts to alter brain function and behavior. Recent human data, however, have put this technique on a more solid empirical footing and it has re-emerged from obscurity as a "new," noninvasive means of neuromodulation, called transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS). ⋯ The field is very young and many findings will require replication. Nevertheless, TDCS appears to have the potential to be a simple and safe means of neuromodulation.