Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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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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Randomized Controlled Trial
The Effects of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Walking Performance of Chronic Hemiplegic Patients.
To evaluate the effect of a single session of tDCS over the primary motor cortex of the lower limb (M1-LL) vs. placebo on the walking performance in chronic hemiplegic patients. ⋯ The authors reported no conflict of interest.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Transcranial Static Magnetic Field Stimulation Over the Temporal Cortex Modulating the Right Ear Advantage in Dichotic Listening.
Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) has proposed a new, promising, and simple non-invasive brain stimulation method. While several studies gained certain evidence about tSMS effects in the motor, somatosensory, and visual domains, there is still a controversial debate about its general effectiveness. In the present study, we investigated potential tSMS effects on auditory speech processing as measured by a dichotic listening (DL) task. ⋯ The preliminary results of the present exploratory study demonstrate the ability of tSMS to modulate human brain activity on a behavioral as well as physiologic level. Furthermore, tSMS effects on acoustic processing may have clinical implications by fostering potential approaches for a treatment of speech-related pathologies associated with hyperexcitability in the AC.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Paresthesia-Free Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation: An ACCURATE Study Sub-Analysis.
ACCURATE, a randomized controlled trial comparing dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation to spinal cord stimulation, showed that DRG stimulation is a safe and effective therapy in individuals with lower extremity chronic pain due to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type I or II. Investigators noted that DRG stimulation programming could be adjusted to minimize, or eliminate, the feeling of paresthesia while maintaining adequate pain relief. The present study explores treatment outcomes for DRG subjects who were paresthesia-free vs. those who experienced the sensation of paresthesia, as well as the factors that predicted paresthesia-free analgesia. ⋯ Some DRG subjects achieved effective paresthesia-free analgesia in the ACCURATE trial. This supports the observation that paresthesia is not synonymous with pain relief or required for optimal analgesia with DRG stimulation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Redefining Spinal Cord Stimulation "Trials": A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Single-Stage Wireless Permanent Implantable Devices.
"Traditional" spinal cord stimulation (SCS) trials with percutaneous electrodes externalized to a pulse generator (PG) are typically limited in duration due to risk of infection. Newer miniaturized wireless SCS technology eliminates the percutaneous extension (as well as PGs implanted for chronic use), thus facilitating a single-stage implantation after which the device can remain indefinitely. ⋯ Using wireless SCS devices that allow for an extended trial period and evaluation of various waveforms, we observed a high rate trial success rate with both HFS and LFS waveforms, with minimal incidence of infection. Long-term follow-up will address the cost-effectiveness and morbidity associated with this technology, which facilitates single-stage treatment.