Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Background. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is effective in reducing pain from a number of differing medical conditions that are refractory to other, more conservative treatments. Much is written in the literature regarding efficacy and safety of SCS; however, no one to our knowledge has compared and reported safety and efficacy of SCS when using differing manufactured SCS devices. We undertook such a preliminary evaluation. ⋯ Conclusions. Spinal cord stimulation improves pain, sleep, and function in patients with intractable pain. Because of the low number of patients evaluable in this study, we believe that conclusions should not be made regarding the effect of technology on outcomes or safety. We believe that an analysis of this type in larger populations is warranted to understand the role, if any, that present-day technology has on outcomes of SCS.
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Studies performed to date have shown that electrical stimulation of the stomach and intestines can create or modulate motility functions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Therefore, electrical stimulation of GI organs may become a valuable alternative to medication and surgical approaches in the treatment of GI motor dysfunctions. ⋯ Presently, it is known that electrical stimulation of GI organs triggers complex reactions comprising excitatory and inhibitory responses of the excitable components performing or controlling motility in the GI tract. I present here a review of what is known of the mechanisms of GI organ stimulation.