Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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To systematically identify and summarize the effectiveness and the parameters of electrical stimulation (ES) for the preservation of visual function in major retinal degeneration and optic neuropathy. ⋯ ES treatment has promising therapeutic effects on RP and optic neuropathy. More large-scale RCT studies should be conducted to elucidate the potential of ES, especially on AMD, RAO, and glaucoma. A comparison of the effects by different ES methods in the same disease populations is still lacking. Parameters of the electric current and sensitive detection method should be optimized for the evaluation of ES treatment effects in future studies.
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The purpose of the ongoing follow-up of ReActiv8-A clinical trial is to document the longitudinal benefits of episodic stimulation of the dorsal ramus medial branch and consequent contraction of the lumbar multifidus in patients with refractory mechanical chronic low back pain (CLBP). We report the four-year outcomes of this trial. ⋯ In participants with disabling intractable CLBP who receive long-term restorative neurostimulation, treatment satisfaction remains high and improvements in pain, disability, and quality-of-life are clinically meaningful and durable through four years.
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To test the hypothesis that poststimulation block of nerve conduction can be achieved by low-frequency (≤1 kHz) biphasic stimulation (LFBS). ⋯ This study discovered that LFBS (≤1 kHz), like high-frequency (≥5 kHz) biphasic stimulation (HFBS), can induce poststimulation block. The result provides support for the theory that biphasic stimulation waveforms block axonal conduction by changing intracellular and extracellular ion concentrations. The post-LFBS block provides the opportunity to develop new neuromodulation devices for clinical applications where initial nerve firing is acceptable.
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Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) is an effective alternative treatment for patients with chronic low back pain. The treatment of low back pain strongly depends on psychological factors like anxiety, depression, and mental stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of such factors on outcome measures after lead- and implantable pulse generator-implantation. ⋯ Chronic low back pain is often associated with psychological distress. Our study showed highly elevated levels for anxiety and depression as well as subjective mental stress in patients with chronic low back pain without negative impact on NRS, ODI, and SF12v2 in the whole follow-up after PNFS implantation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Resource Use and Cost of Subcutaneous Nerve Stimulation Versus Optimized Medical Management in Patients With Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: An Analysis of the SubQStim Study.
To undertake a detailed healthcare resource use and cost analysis of the SubQStim study, which randomized patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) with low back pain to receive subcutaneous nerve field stimulation in combination with optimized medical management (treatment) or optimized medical management alone (control). ⋯ Subcutaneous nerve field stimulation has the potential to offset the initial costs of the device by reducing analgesic medication and the number of healthcare visits in FBSS patients, alongside potential gains in health-related quality of life. There remains uncertainty in long-term costs and cost-effectiveness of stimulation and longer-term follow-up analyses are needed.