Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Objective. Smooth muscle help regulate the diameter of the airways and their constriction can contribute to the pathology of acute asthma attacks. This study sought to determine if applying a specific electrical signal to the vagus nerve (VN) could minimize histamine-induced bronchoconstriction. Methods. Sixteen guinea pigs and three swine were anesthetized and had bipolar electrodes positioned on the cervical VNs. ⋯ Results. The peak change in Ppi following a histamine challenge was reduced in the guinea pig by VN stimulation (3.4 ± 0.4 vs. 2.1 ± 0.2 cm H(2) O, p < 0.001). The results were confirmed in a limited study in swine and indicate VN treatment is applicable to larger animals. Conclusion. This study suggests that VN stimulation can reduce bronchoconstriction and may prove useful as a rescue therapy in the treatment of acute asthma.
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Objective. To present a novel technique of neuromodulation for the treatment of axial neck pain. Materials and Methods. A case of a patient with history of long-standing axial neck pain with previous cervical spine operation and confirmed discogenic pain is presented. Traditional treatment measures did not provide adequate pain relief. ⋯ The patient was gradually weaned off of all opioid medications and continues to report 100% reduction in pain intensity at the nine-month follow-up. Conclusion. PSFS represents a new and promising modality in treatment of axial neck pain. Exact mechanism of the pain relief remains unclear.
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Objective. To report a case of improved urodynamics in a central cord syndrome spinal cord injury after intrathecal baclofen therapy. Methods. A 47-year-old man fell resulting in C4-C5 disc herniation with ventral spinal cord compression and cord edema. Results. He underwent an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. ⋯ After intrathecal pump therapy, CMG revealed relatively normal detrusor and minimal sphincter tone. He volitionally voids with urgency but improved continence, which was maintained in one-year follow-up. Conclusion. Although the main indication for intrathecal baclofen therapy is spasticity, improved urodynamics can be an additional benefit in central cord syndrome spinal cord injury.
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Objectives. Dysmenorrhea is a disturbing problem among women of childbearing age. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on primary dysmenorrhea and to compare the placebo effect by sham TENS in a randomized controlled study. Materials and Methods. Twenty-two women participated in the two-month experiment by using TENS or sham TENS in a random order for their dysmenorrhea. ⋯ Conclusion. This result supports that women in our country who suffer from primary dysmenorrhea could benefit by using TENS, which is consistent with the previous studies. In addition to pain-relieving effects, relief of the autonomic symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea also indicated that the mechanism of TENS might be different from the placebo effect of the sham TENS stimulation. These findings indicate the immediate effects of TENS in women with primary dysmenorrheal.
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Introduction. Chronic pain is a prevalent medical condition in the general population and is one of the most common reasons patients visit their primary care doctors. When the pain is resistant to the common treatment modalities, it presents a challenge for the physician and may have profound consequences for the quality of life of the patient. ⋯ The patients reported decreased use of pain medications, increased quality of life, and high satisfaction with the procedure results. Conclusion. The use of subcutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation as a viable treatment alternative in certain cases of chronic neuropathic pain should continue to be rigorously evaluated.