Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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High-frequency gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has emerged as a therapy for gastroparesis, but the mechanism(s) of action remain unclear. There is a need to refine stimulation protocols for clinical benefit, but a lack of accurate techniques for assessing mechanisms in clinical trials, such as slow wave modulation, has hindered progress. We thereby aimed to assess acute slow wave responses to GES in gastroparesis patients using high-resolution (HR) (multi-electrode) mapping, across a range of stimulation doses achievable by the Enterra stimulation device (Medtronic Inc., MN, USA). ⋯ High-frequency GES protocols achievable from a current commercial device did not acutely modulate slow wave activity or dysrhythmias. This study advances clinical methods for identifying and assessing therapeutic GES parameters, and can be applied in future studies on higher-energy protocols and devices.
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Case Reports
Inhibition of Somatosensory Evoked Potentials During Different Modalities of Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Case Report.
Although the number of patients with chronic neuropathic pain treated by spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is continuously increasing, its analgesic mechanism remains to be elucidated. Previous studies have demonstrated that classical SCS (low stimulation frequency evoking paresthesia) inhibits the somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs). ⋯ All the tested SCS modalities are able to inhibit SEPs and thus the lemniscal system. In particular, both paresthesia and paresthesia free SCS affect SEPs in the same manner. The presence of this inhibitory effect during paresthesia free modalities suggests that it is independent from the generation of action potentials, with a probable mechanism acting at the stimulation site. Further studies investigating the relationship between the inhibition of the lemniscal system and the analgesic effect of the SCS are, therefore, warranted.
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Case Reports
Lead Angle Matters: Side Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation Improved With Adjustment of Lead Angle.
Targeting the subthalamic nucleus (STN) for deep brain stimulation (DBS) using standard stereotactic coordinates in conjunction with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) generally results in effective symptomatic relief for the cardinal motor features of Parkinson's disease (PD). The angle of approach, however, influences the resultant field of stimulation and can lead to undesired side effects. ⋯ Lead angle can impact DBS outcome and should be taken into consideration.
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Sacral chordoma is a rare malignant tumor arising from remnants of the notochord. Due to its propensity for recurrence, the treatment of choice is surgical resection. Orthopedic and neurosurgical literature describe bladder dysfunction as prevalent in these patients, specifically urinary incontinence, however urologic literature is lacking in the exact nature of this dysfunction. Thus far, Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS) has not been described as a treatment option for these patients. ⋯ We are the first to report the successful use of SNS to treat nonobstructive urinary retention after partial sacral resection. Additional patients and long term follow-up will be required to support consistent usage of neuromodulation in this patient population.