Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Introduction. The classic presentation of ankylosing spondylitis not only impairs spinal mobility but also imposes functional limitations, and fatigue is common. Methods. We report here the outcomes of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the case of a 47-year-old man with low back and hip/thigh pain due to ankylosing spondylitis, with failed responses to conservative therapies aimed at treating this pain. ⋯ SCS also resulted in improved socioeconomic outcomes with a return to work. Conclusions. With further research in patients with broader presentations of the disease, SCS may prove efficacious in suppressing intractable pain symptoms due to ankylosing spondylitis, thus improving quality of life measures.
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Objectives. The purpose of the present study was to show that the design of a neuroprosthesis for unsupported (arm-free) standing is feasible. We review findings suggesting that a closed-loop controlled functional electrical stimulation (FES) system should be able to facilitate arm-free quiet standing in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Particularly, this manuscript identifies: 1) a control strategy that accurately mimics the strategy healthy individuals apply to regulate the ankle joint position during quiet standing and 2) the degrees of freedom (DOF) of the redundant, closed-chain dynamic system of bipedal stance that have to be regulated to facilitate stable standing. ⋯ Finally, perturbation simulations confirmed that the kinematics of this system are similar to those of healthy individuals during perturbed standing. Conclusions. The presented results suggest that stable standing can be achieved in individuals with SCI by controlling only six DOF in the lower limbs using FES, and that a PD controller actuating these DOF can stabilize the system despite a long sensory-motor time delay. Our finding that not all DOF in the lower limbs need to be regulated is particularly relevant for individuals with complete SCI, because some of their muscles may be denervated or difficult to access.
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Among the surgical treatment options for patients with medically refractory dystonia chronic deep brain stimulation (DBS) of different targets in the basal ganglia circuitry has become one of the most important tools. The globus pallidus internus nowadays is the target of choice, while there is only limited experience with other targets. At this time, patients with primary (genetic or sporadic) generalized and segmental dystonia, and patients with (complex) cervical dystonia are thought to be the best candidates for pallidal DBS. ⋯ We also provide an overview on DBS surgery in less common dystonic syndromes, such as craniofacial dystonia, status dystonicus, task-specific dystonia, paroxysmal dystonia, camptocormia, and secondary dystonias, including choreoathetosis, hemidystonia, tardive dystonia, and pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of intra-operative microelectrode recordings and pallidal field potentials for the pathophysiology of dystonia and the particular possible mechanisms of DBS in dystonia. Finally, future perspectives are outlined.
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Objectives. This study aims to demonstrate the utility of spinal cord stimulation in a neuropathic pain syndrome and overall decline in health and functional independence following elapid envenomation in a morbidly obese, insulin-dependent diabetic. Materials and Methods. A two-lead, 16-electrode constant-current, independently controlled system is placed in the mid-cervical spine. Results. Noted were a improvement in overall health status with better glycemic control and return to work status in response to adequate pain control. Conclusions. The case serves as a model for other orphan pain cases with a seemingly esoteric etiology and adds to the existing body of literature that spinal cord stimulation and neuromodulation, in general, has a wide-ranging applicability peripheral neuropathic pain syndromes.