Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Review Meta Analysis
Deep Brain Stimulation for Multiple Sclerosis Tremor: A Meta-Analysis.
To examine the effect of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on multiple sclerosis (MS)-tremor, as measured by a normalized scale of tremor severity, with a meta-analysis of the published literature. ⋯ This meta-analysis provides level III evidence that DBS may improve MS-related tremor as measured by standardized tremor severity scales.
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Review Comparative Study
Comparison of Awake and Asleep Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease: A Detailed Analysis Through Literature Review.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease (PD) has been applied to clinic for approximately 30 years. The goal of this review is to explore the similarities and differences between "awake" and "asleep" DBS techniques. ⋯ The surgical and clinical outcomes of asleep DBS for PD are comparable to those of awake DBS.
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Conventional targeting methods for neuromodulation therapies are insufficient for visualizing targets along white matter pathways and localizing targets in patient-specific space. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) holds promise for enhancing neuromodulation targeting by allowing detailed visualization of white matter tracts and their connections on an individual level. ⋯ There is increasing evidence that DTI is superior to conventional targeting methods with respect to improving brain stimulation therapies. DTI has the ability to better define anatomical targets by allowing detailed visualization of white matter tracts and localizing targets based on individual anatomy. Network analyses can lead to the identification of new or optimal stimulation targets based on understanding how target regions are connected. The integration of DTI as part of routine MRI and surgical planning offers a more personalized approach to therapy and may be an important path for the future of neuromodulation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Bipolar Directional Deep Brain Stimulation in Essential and Parkinsonian Tremor.
To compare directional monopolar, bipolar, and directional bipolar thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) in tremor patients. ⋯ Side-effect thresholds of monopolar directional and bipolar stimulation with both circular and directional anodes were higher compared to traditional monopolar circular stimulation in the VIM. Bipolar DBS with directional anodes evoked side-effect less frequently than bipolar and monopolar directional stimulation. All stimulation settings had comparable effects on tremor suppression just below their side-effect thresholds. Thus, directional and different bipolar settings should be explored in patients with bothersome side-effects of thalamic stimulation when monopolar stimulation settings are not satisfying. Further studies are needed to explore the efficiency of the different bipolar stimulation paradigms.
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Although the prevalence and burden of tinnitus is high, none of the available tinnitus treatments has been proven to be effective for the majority of tinnitus patients so far. Neuromodulation is currently gaining more interest to explore as tinnitus treatment. Because noninvasive neuromodulation has been shown to be effective in some tinnitus patients in the short term, more invasive techniques have been applied with variable success and without clear clinical applicability. As new insights into the neuropathophysiology of tinnitus arise, it seems essential to recapitulate the current evidence of invasive neuromodulation for tinnitus, to assess the quality of the available studies and identify gaps in this research domain. ⋯ Twenty-one studies were included. Studies were often of low quality due to low sample sizes, lack of controlled designs, or investigating tinnitus as a secondary indication of neuromodulation. Current research results provide insufficient evidence to generally recommend invasive neuromodulation as an alternative treatment alternative for intractable tinnitus, although some promising effects are mentioned. Further research must be encouraged to gain more insight in this treatment including optimization of the technique, and standardization of tinnitus evaluation in subgroups.