Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Higher Pain Sensitivity Predicts Efficacy of a Wearable Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Device for Persons With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Double-Blind Sham-Controlled Trial.
This study investigated the efficacy of a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device (Quell®) for persons with symptoms due to fibromyalgia (FM). ⋯ This study found no differences between those who were exposed to maximal-frequency active stimulation or minimal-frequency sham stimulation from a wearable TENS in reducing FM-related symptoms. However, those with greater hypersensitivity showed most benefit from TENS. Additional studies to help determine the role individual differences play in the use of TENS in managing FM-related symptoms are needed.
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To evaluate if electrodiagnostic tools can advance the understanding in the effect of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) on pelvic floor activity, more specifically if SNM induces changes in pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction. ⋯ This is the first study to describe in detail the neurophysiological characteristics of the PFM, and the changes over time upon sacral spinal root stimulation, in responders and nonresponders to SNM. More research is needed to investigate the full potential of EPFMR as a response indicator.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation Improved the Quality of Life in Patients With Diarrhea-Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Patients with diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) experience abdominal pain and reduced quality of life and need effective treatments. This study aimed to evaluate whether transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) at two acupuncture points, LI4 and ST36, could improve pain and quality of life of patients with IBS-D. ⋯ TEA at LI4 and ST36 improves abdominal pain and quality of life of patients with IBS-D, probably mediated by mechanisms other than autonomic function or inflammatory cytokines.
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Coma state and loss of consciousness are associated with impaired brain activity, particularly gamma oscillations, that integrate functional connectivity in neural networks, including the default mode network (DMN). Mechanical ventilation (MV) in comatose patients can aggravate brain activity, which has decreased in coma, presumably because of diminished nasal airflow. Nasal airflow, known to drive functional neural oscillations, synchronizing distant brain networks activity, is eliminated by tracheal intubation and MV. Hence, we proposed that rhythmic nasal air puffing in mechanically ventilated comatose patients may promote brain activity and improve network connectivity. ⋯ Rhythmic nasal air puffing, as a noninvasive brain stimulation method, opens a new window to modifying the brain connectivity integration in comatose patients. This approach may potentially influence comatose patients' outcomes by increasing brain reactivity and network connectivity.
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Controlled Clinical Trial Observational Study
The Clinical Efficacy of High-Voltage Long-Duration Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment in Pudendal Neuralgia: A Retrospective Study.
Patients with pudendal neuralgia (PN) experience long-lasting chronic pain, hyperalgesia, and comorbid emotional disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Treatment via conventional pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) current carries a significantly high rate of failure. ⋯ High-voltage long-duration PRF provided significant short-term (at least 12 weeks) pain relief to most patients with PN; it also improved subjective measures of depression and quality of life over the same duration of time.