Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
-
Review Multicenter Study
Long-Term Evaluation of Changes in Operative Technique and Hardware-Related Complications With Deep Brain Stimulation.
Deep brain stimulation is the most frequent neurosurgical procedure for movement disorders. ⋯ This large series of patients and long-term follow-up demonstrates that risks are very low in comparison with other neurosurgical procedures, but DBS is still an elective procedure that necessitates extensive care and precision. In a rapidly evolving field, attention to surgical technique is imperative and will keep rates of complications at a minimum.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Targeted to Premotor Cortex Followed by Primary Motor Cortex Modulates Excitability Differently Than Premotor Cortex or Primary Motor Cortex Stimulation Alone.
The excitability of primary motor cortex (M1) can be modulated by applying low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over M1 or premotor cortex (PMC). A comparison of inhibitory effect between the two locations has been reported with inconsistent results. This study compared the response secondary to rTMS applied over M1, PMC, and a combined PMC + M1 stimulation approach which first targets stimulation over PMC then M1. ⋯ The results indicate that PMC + M1 stimulation may modulate brain excitability differently from PMC or M1 alone. CSP was the assessment measure most sensitive to changes in inhibition and was able to distinguish between different inhibitory protocols. This work presents a novel procedure that may have positive implications for therapeutic interventions.
-
Spinal cord stimulation has now been used for four decades and has become an established treatment for neuropathic pain. Spinal cord compression by formation of excessive fibrous tissue at the level of an epidural neurostimulation electrode is a rare, delayed, but serious complication of neuromodulation for chronic neuropathic pain that may appear at various timings after the initial surgery, but is usually preceded by progressive tolerance and fading of the pain-relieving effect of the neurostimulation. ⋯ Careful surgical removal of the fibrous tissue can be performed to allow decompression of the spinal cord and may help to obtain a more efficient pain management. As large surgical electrodes could be specifically associated with compressive scar tissue formation, they should therefore be considered as a second line of treatment after percutaneous leads.
-
Case Reports
Submammary Placement With Mastopexy for Implantable Pulse Generator Site Pain in Thin Women.
Implantable pulse generators for neurostimulation and other indications are becoming more widespread. Pain at the generator site, erosion through the subcutaneous issues, and migration of the generator are frequent post-operative complications that result in high rates of re-operation. We report a case where a submammary combined approach with plastic surgery for improved soft tissue coverage resulted in better esthetic and functional outcomes in a thin woman. ⋯ Submammary placement of implantable pulse generators in thin women combined with mastopexy may result in improved soft tissue coverage, decreased pain at the generator site, and a low rate of complications.
-
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a particularly challenging neuropathic pain condition, especially when it involves the trigeminal nerve. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) can provide 50-70% improvement in pain to many who fail medical management. However, this pain relief can be incomplete, and residual pain may persist for many years. Here we report a case that was successfully managed by a novel technique of combining supraorbital nerve stimulation with botulinum toxin type A (BTA) for intractable ophthalmic PHN. ⋯ In a patient with trigeminal PHN, local injection of BTA effectively reduced pain remaining after treatment with PNS.