Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Studies performed to date have shown that electrical stimulation of the stomach and intestines can create or modulate motility functions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Therefore, electrical stimulation of GI organs may become a valuable alternative to medication and surgical approaches in the treatment of GI motor dysfunctions. ⋯ Presently, it is known that electrical stimulation of GI organs triggers complex reactions comprising excitatory and inhibitory responses of the excitable components performing or controlling motility in the GI tract. I present here a review of what is known of the mechanisms of GI organ stimulation.
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Objectives. Vertebral fractures are the most common consequences of severe osteoporosis. The chronic pain from collapse of osteoporotic vertebrae affects quality of life (QoL) and autonomy of patients. The management of pain with oral or transdermal opiates can cause severe side-effects. ⋯ The mean morphine dose during the spinal trial was 11.28 mg/day, 7.92 mg/day at pump implantation, and 16.32 mg/day at one-year follow-up. Conclusions. Our results show that intrathecal administration of morphine efficiently relieves the symptoms of pain and improves QoL. Continuous intrathecal administration of morphine appears to be an alternative therapy to conventional analgesic drug delivery and has advantages in those patients who have severe side-effects with systemic administration of analgesics.