Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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We designed a prospective, individual-controlled study to evaluate the effect of cardiac-based VNS (cbVNS) in a cohort of patients with generalized epilepsy (GE). ⋯ rVNS was effective in reducing seizure frequency in patients with generalized epilepsy, but activation of the cbVNS feature did not add significantly to rVNS efficacy. On the other hand, although not statistically significant, 40% of the patients showed some reduction in seizure frequency, which might prove useful at an individual level.
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Foot and leg pain in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) presents a challenge even with neuromodulation techniques such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS). We report our experience with a novo technique of direct sciatic nerve electrical stimulation (DISNES) for intractable foot and leg pain in CRPS I. ⋯ Our study shows that DISNES helps to control the disabling foot pain in CRPS I, thus improving the quality of life, improving ambulation and decreasing disability. DISNES also alleviates autonomic features and dystonia in CRPS I. Further studies are needed to determine long-term efficacy as this study pool is limited in size and follow-up period.
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Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is proposed to treat refractory chronic cluster headache (rCCH), but its cost-effectiveness has not been evaluated, limiting its diffusion and reimbursement. ⋯ Considering the burden of rCCH and the efficacy and safety of ONS, the demonstration that ONS is dominant should help its diffusion, validation, and reimbursement by health authorities in this severely disabled population.
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The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of an ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM) intervention on the sciatic nerve, regarding pain, hip range of motion (ROM), balance, and functionality in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP); and to determine the optimal anatomical location of sciatic nerve stimulation to obtain therapeutic benefits in such patients. ⋯ The choice of an anatomical location of application of the US-guided PNM on the sciatic nerve by the physiotherapist does not influence the improvement of pain, ROM, balance, and function in patients with chronic LBP.
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Case Reports
Long-Term Outcomes of Occipital Nerve Stimulation for New Daily Persistent Headache With Migrainous Features.
New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is a subset of chronic headache where the pain is continuous from onset. Phenotypically it has chronic migraine or chronic tension type features. NDPH is considered to be highly refractory. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) has been used for treatment of refractory chronic migraine but there are no specific reports of its use for NDPH with migrainous features. ⋯ Our experience suggests that ONS is not effective in the treatment of NDPH with migrainous features even in centers with experience in treating chronic migraine with ONS. The difference in response rates of chronic migraine and NDPH with migrainous features supports the concept of a different pathophysiology to the two conditions.