Neurostimulation Devices for Depression: An Overview
Rapid advancements in neurostimulation technology provide relief to an unprecedented number of patients affected by debilitating neurological and psychiatric disorders. Neurostimulation therapy includes invasive and non-invasive methods that include the use of electrical stimulation to control neural function inside a circuit.
Neurostimulation is an advanced treatment for reducing chronic pain and improve the quality of life of people who are paralyzed or suffer from severe losses to sense organs. Neurostimulation devices are often surgically implanted in the patient and function with the help of thin wires or leads. These devices function by initiating stimulation of nerve impulses or by inhibiting pain signals produced at target sites that include autonomic nervous system, deep nuclei of the brain, peripheral nervous system, and central nervous system.
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What are the neurostimulation devices?
Neurostimulation devices relieve pain by disrupting the signals of pain between the spinal cord and the brain. A neurostimulation device generates electrical impulses. Neurostimulation devices are surgically inserted in the patient and operate through thin wires or leads. They are effective treatments for pain caused by various medical conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy or failed back surgery. These not only soothe patients, but they also prevent the use of strong pain killers, including opiates.
Types of neurostimulation devices:
Spinal Cord Stimulators
Spinal cord stimulation devices are highly beneficial in the treatment of chronic pain. The implantable device provides a non-pharmacological solution to different pain conditions. Stimulators have been used to relieve both neuropathic and ischemic pain. Spinal cord stimulator implantation is typically reserved for those who have not had a range of conservative and pharmacological treatment options. A permanent stimulator is installed after a percutaneous test. Patients may experience long-lasting pain relief following the procedure.
Sacral Nerve Stimulators
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) system or sacral nerve neuromodulation is gradually being used for the diagnosis of overactive bladder, lack of dysfunction, and urge incontinence. The SNS implant is a minimally invasive surgical procedure and consists of an assessment period and the second stage of permanent stimulator implantation, providing the results of the test interval are clinically effective. The first stage, also known as the Percutaneous Nerve Evaluation (PNE), is most important to assess the efficacy of electrode implantation in the sacral foramina and to show therapeutic benefits worth exploring with permanent SNS.
Deep Brain Stimulators
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for common movement disorders and has been used to modulate neural activity by delivering electrical stimulation to key brain structures. The long-term efficacy of stimulation in the treatment of disorders such as Parkinson's disease and severe tremor has encouraged its application to a wide range of neurological and psychiatric conditions.
However, the adoption of DBS remains limited, even in Parkinson's disease. Advanced deep brain stimulation tools concentrate on interaction with disease circuits through additive, spatial, and temporally sensitive approaches. Spatial specificity is promoted by the use of segmented electrodes and field guides, and temporal specificity includes the delivery of pattern stimulation, mostly controlled with disease-related feedback.
References:
https://globalriskcommunity.com/profiles/blogs/neurostimulation-devices-and-their-applications-in-the-treatment
https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/neurostimulation-devices-market