Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Intractable neuropathic facial pain resulting from injury to the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve presents a significant challenge for neurologists, pain specialists, and neurosurgeons. In this paper, we describe our technique of peripheral nerve stimulation of the infraorbital and supraorbital nerves to treat patients with medically intractable facial pain. Stimulation of the infraorbital and supraorbital nerves is performed using percutaneously inserted electrodes that are positioned in the epifascial plane, traversing the course of the infraorbital or supraorbital nerves. ⋯ In patients who underwent permanent electrode implantation, stimulation resulted in long lasting pain relief; complications were rare and minor. We conclude that trigeminal branch stimulation is a simple technique that can be used in selected patients with neuropathic pain in the distribution of the infraorbital or supraorbital nerves. This procedure may provide relief of medically intractable pain, without the need for destructive procedures or more central modulation approaches.
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Spinal cord stimulation has been extensively utilized in the treatment of conditions including complex regional pain syndrome, ischemic limb pain, failed back surgery syndrome, and angina pectoris. Recognized complications include infection, dural tap, and electrode movement. We report the case of a patient who experienced a sensation of extremely enhanced stimulation in the area covered by the spinal cord stimulator while in the vicinity of a high-tension electricity substation. Full resolution of symptoms occurred when the spinal cord stimulator was switched off, indicating that active stimulators may be susceptible to the effects of external electrical fields.
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Intrathecal morphine (ITM) is commonly used for the treatment of cancer pain. There is reluctance for its use in France to treat chronic noncancer pain. In order to appreciate its popularity, efficacy, dose escalation with time, and long-term tolerance, we carried out a retrospective study in the neurosurgery departments of university teaching hospitals in France involved in intrathecal drug therapy. ⋯ Side effects imputable to morphine included; constipation, somnolence, decreased libido, weight gain, amenorrhoea, vomiting, nightmares, and itching. No development of tolerance or addiction were recorded. We conclude that in well selected cases ITM should be considered as a possible therapeutic option in the treatment of intractable chronic benign pain.
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This paper presents a critical review of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and their potential for neuroprosthetic applications. Summaries are provided for the command interface requirements of hand grasp, multijoint, and lower extremity neuroprostheses, and the characteristics of various BCIs are discussed in relation to these requirements. The review highlights the current limitations of BCIs and areas of research that need to be addressed to enhance BCI-FES integration.
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The objective of this paper is to assess the outcome of implanted multiple thoracolumbar lead spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in mechanical back pain without prior spinal surgery. These results are compared with intrathecal opioid drug delivery (ITDD). An anonymous third party patient questionnaire study of pain relief, function and psychosocial quality of life measures (recorded on 11-point numerical rating scales) for 12 patients with SCS and 13 with ITDD was used. ⋯ The majority of psychosocial quality of life measures were significantly more improved in the ITDD group compared with the SCS group (p < 0.05). We conclude that multiple-lead SCS improves mechanical back pain in patients unresponsive to more conservative measures. However, ITDD provides significantly more improved quality of life measures, with a trend towards greater pain reduction than SCS.