Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Review Meta Analysis
Incidence of Neuraxial and Non-neuraxial Hematoma Complications From Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery: Systematic Review and Proportional Meta-Analysis.
The goal of this meta-analysis was to estimate the incidence of total hematomas, neuraxial hematomas, and non-neuraxial hematomas in patients who underwent temporary spinal cord stimulator (SCS) lead trial placement and permanent implantation of SCS leads and internal pulse generator (IPG). ⋯ The overall incidence of hematomas in patients with temporary SCS trial lead placement and permanent SCS/IPG implantations is less than 1%. Furthermore, the incidence of neuraxial hematomas is less than 0.5%, which is of particular interest given the potential devastating consequences of this complication. The results of this study can be used to inform patients and implanting physicians on hematoma complications from SCS and highlight that the benefits of SCS outweigh the hematoma risks if anticoagulation is appropriately managed perioperatively.
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The primary motor cortex (M1) is a usual target for therapeutic application of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), especially the region of hand motor representation. However, other M1 regions can be considered as potential rTMS targets, such as the region of lower limb or face representation. In this study, we assessed the localization of all these regions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the aim of defining three standardized M1 targets for the practice of neuronavigated rTMS. ⋯ This work clearly delineates three different targets for the application of motor cortex rTMS that correspond to lower limb, upper limb, and face motor representations. These three targets are sufficiently spaced to consider that their stimulation can act on distinct neural networks.
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Quantitative sensory testing (QST) has been used for decades to study sensory abnormalities in multiple conditions in which the somatosensory system is compromised, including pain. It is commonly used in pharmacologic studies on chronic pain but less so in conjunction with neuromodulation. This review aims to assess the utility of QST in spinal cord stimulation (SCS) protocols. ⋯ We recommend the adoption of QST into future clinical research protocols, using either the full QST protocol or a less time-demanding short-form QST.
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Current techniques in brain stimulation are still largely based on a phrenologic approach that a single brain target can treat a brain disorder. Nevertheless, meta-analyses of brain implants indicate an overall success rate of 50% improvement in 50% of patients, irrespective of the brain-related disorder. Thus, there is still a large margin for improvement. The goal of this manuscript is to 1) develop a general theoretical framework of brain functioning that is amenable to surgical neuromodulation, and 2) describe the engineering requirements of the next generation of implantable brain stimulators that follow from this theoretic model. ⋯ The concept of network stimulation holds great promise as a universal approach for treating neurologic and psychiatric disorders.
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Intrathecal opioids delivered by implanted pumps are used to treat malignant or nonmalignant chronic pain. In this study, we 1) review a case in which intrathecal infusions of sufentanil along with other adjuvants were used and after an extended period led to an intrathecal mass and 2) compared and contrasted the potential mechanisms for these phenomena. ⋯ To our knowledge, this is the first published case report of sufentanil causing this complication. The science and mechanism of intrathecal catheter tip-associated mass formation and associated clinical research correlates are reviewed in detail, and explanations for this phenomenon are proposed based on histochemical analysis of the patient's pathology findings.