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Slavin KV, Vannemreddy P. Cervical spinal cord stimulation for prevention and treatment of cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: clinical and radiographic outcomes of a prospective single-center clinical pilot study. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2022; 164:2927-2937. [PMID: 35920945 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-022-05325-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral vasospasm induced by aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a major cause of high morbidity and mortality, for which there is no consistently effective treatment. Cervical spinal cord stimulation (cSCS) has been shown to induce vasodilatation and improve peripheral and cerebral blood flow in both animal and human studies. This pilot study was performed to assess the clinical effect and long-term results of cSCS treatment in aSAH patients. METHODS This was the first IRB- and US FDA-approved prospective non-randomized non-controlled study comprising of 12 aSAH patients (8 women, 4 men, age range 34-62 years) treated between May and November 2008. All patients underwent up to 2 weeks of cSCS with a single percutaneously implanted 8-contact electrode. Neurological outcomes at discharge and follow-up of up to 13 years and mortality/complications rates were analyzed. RESULTS All 12 aSAH patients underwent cSCS electrode implantation immediately after securing the aneurysm. Patients were stimulated for 10-14 consecutive days starting within 3 days of aneurysm rupture. Angiographic vasospasm occurred in six patients; two patients developed new vasospasm-related neurological symptoms; both recovered completely by discharge time. One patient died from unrelated multi-system failure; the rest were followed up clinically (average, 7.5 years; range, 12-151 months) and angiographically (average, 6.5 years; range, 36-125 months). No delayed ischemic neurological deficits/strokes and no cSCS-related adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS Our short- and long-term data suggest that cSCS is feasible and safe for patients in the acute aSAH settings. Small size of the patient cohort and lack of control do not allow us to conclude whether cSCS is able to prevent cerebral vasospasm, decrease its severity, and improve clinical outcomes in aSAH patients. However, our findings support further clinical trials and development of cSCS as a new concept to prevent and treat cerebral vasospasm. TRIAL REGISTRATION CLINICALTRIALS gov NCT00766844, posted on 10/06/2008.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin V Slavin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Neurology Service, Jesse Brown Veterans Administration Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Prasad Vannemreddy
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Kim WJ, Dacey M, Samarage HM, Zarrin D, Goel K, Chan C, Qi X, Wang A, Shivkumar K, Ardell J, Colby G. Sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity results in potent cerebral hypoperfusion in swine. Auton Neurosci 2022; 241:102987. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2022.102987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Schlaeppi JA, Affentranger L, Bervini D, Z’Graggen WJ, Raabe A, Pollo C. Electrical Stimulation for Cerebral Vasospasm After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review. Neuromodulation 2022; 25:1227-1239. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Slavin KV. Commentary: High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation at 10 kHz for the Treatment of Combined Neck and Arm Pain: Results From a Prospective Multicenter Study. Neurosurgery 2020; 87:E89-E90. [DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyaa012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Itoki K, Kurokawa R, Shingo T, Kim P. Effect of Myoarchitectonic Spinolaminoplasty on Concurrent Hypertension in Patients With Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy. Neurospine 2018; 15:77-85. [PMID: 29656621 PMCID: PMC5944632 DOI: 10.14245/ns.1836020.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective When treating patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), we often note amelioration in concomitant hypertension after surgery. To assess the effects of surgery and the mechanisms thereof, blood pressure (BP) and parasympathetic nervous activity were monitored prospectively in CSM patients undergoing surgery.
Methods Sixty-eight consecutive CSM patients who underwent surgery with myoarchitectonic spinolaminoplasty were enrolled. BP and electrocardiography were recorded preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Forty-six patients completed the scheduled follow-ups and were analyzed. Preoperatively, 17 had a mean BP higher than 100 mmHg (the HT group) and 12 had hypertension despite taking medication (the HT-refractory group). To evaluate alterations in parasympathetic function, the coefficient of variation of the RR interval (CVRR) was evaluated.
Results A significant BP reduction was observed in the HT group 6 months after surgery, but not in the normotensive group (n=29). The effect was more remarkable in the HT-refractory group. A transient BP increase at 1 and 3 months after surgery was observed in all groups. Comparisons were made between groups classified by age (over 65 years or younger than 60 years) and the presence or absence of an intramedullary hyperintense T2 signal on magnetic resonance imaging, but no significant differences were detected. Measurements of CVRR did not significantly differ between the groups over the course of follow-up.
Conclusion Hypertension coexisting with CSM can be ameliorated after surgical treatment. The effect is likely to be mediated by moderation of sympathetic activity, rather than parasympathetic activation. We believe that a combination of adequate decompression of the spinal cord and relief from musculoskeletal stresses effectuate this moderation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazushige Itoki
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Dokkyo University Hospital, Tochighi, Japan
| | - Ryu Kurokawa
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Dokkyo University Hospital, Tochighi, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Shingo
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Dokkyo University Hospital, Tochighi, Japan
| | - Phyo Kim
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Dokkyo University Hospital, Tochighi, Japan
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Update on Mechanism and Therapeutic Implications of Spinal Cord Stimulation and Cerebral Hemodynamics: A Narrative Review. ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA SUPPLEMENT 2017; 124:27-36. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-39546-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Tomycz ND. The proposed use of cervical spinal cord stimulation for the treatment and prevention of cognitive decline in dementias and neurodegenerative disorders. Med Hypotheses 2016; 96:83-86. [PMID: 27959284 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cervical spinal cord stimulation is a well-established treatment for intractable neuropathic upper extremity pain. More than 20years ago it was demonstrated that cervical spinal cord stimulation could engender an increase in cerebral blood flow. Cerebral blood flow has been shown to be decreased in many patients with dementia and in various neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, there is evidence that reduced cerebral blood flow worsens neurodegenerative disease and may also predict which patients progress from mild cognitive impairment to full blown Alzheimer's disease. Thus, the identification of decreased cerebral blood flow in patients with early cognitive problems may offer clinicians a window of opportunity to intervene and prevent further brain damage. Further evidence that supports augmenting cerebral blood flow as an effective strategy for preventing and treating cognitive brain dysfunction comes from experimental studies with omental transposition. The author proposes cervical spinal cord stimulation as a titratable, programmable extracranial neuromodulation technique to increase cerebral blood flow for the purposes of improving cognitive function and preventing cognitive deterioration in patients with dementias and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor D Tomycz
- Allegheny General Hospital, Department of Neurological Surgery, United States.
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Hilz MJ, Wang R, Marthol H, Liu M, Tillmann A, Riss S, Hauck P, Hösl KM, Wasmeier G, Stemper B, Köhrmann M. Partial pharmacologic blockade shows sympathetic connection between blood pressure and cerebral blood flow velocity fluctuations. J Neurol Sci 2016; 365:181-7. [PMID: 27206903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral autoregulation (CA) dampens transfer of blood pressure (BP)-fluctuations onto cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV). Thus, CBFV-oscillations precede BP-oscillations. The phase angle (PA) between sympathetically mediated low-frequency (LF: 0.03-0.15Hz) BP- and CBFV-oscillations is a measure of CA quality. To evaluate whether PA depends on sympathetic modulation, we assessed PA-changes upon sympathetic stimulation with and without pharmacologic sympathetic blockade. In 10 healthy, young men, we monitored mean BP and CBFV before and during 120-second cold pressor stimulation (CPS) of one foot (0°C ice-water). We calculated mean values, standard deviations and sympathetic LF-powers of all signals, and PAs between LF-BP- and LF-CBFV-oscillations. We repeated measurements after ingestion of the adrenoceptor-blocker carvedilol (25mg). We compared parameters before and during CPS, without and after carvedilol (analysis of variance, post-hoc t-tests, significance: p<0.05). Without carvedilol, CPS increased BP, CBFV, BP-LF- and CBFV-LF-powers, and shortened PA. Carvedilol decreased resting BP, CBFV, BP-LF- and CBFV-LF-powers, while PAs remained unchanged. During CPS, BPs, CBFVs, BP-LF- and CBFV-LF-powers were lower, while PAs were longer with than without carvedilol. With carvedilol, CPS no longer shortened resting PA. Sympathetic activation shortens PA. Partial adrenoceptor blockade abolishes this PA-shortening. Thus, PA-measurements provide a subtle marker of sympathetic influences on CA and might refine CA evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max J Hilz
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Ruihao Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Harald Marthol
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Klinikum am Europakanal, Am Europakanal 71, 91056 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Mao Liu
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Alexandra Tillmann
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Stephan Riss
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Paulina Hauck
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Katharina M Hösl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg, Prof.-Ernst-Nathan-Strasse 1, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany.
| | - Gerald Wasmeier
- Department of Cardiology, Klinik Neustadt a. d. Aisch, Paracelsusstraße 30-36, 91413 Neustadt a. d. Aisch, Germany.
| | - Brigitte Stemper
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; Bayer HealthCare, Bayer Pharma AG, Global Development Specialty Medicine, Müllerstr. 178, Building P300, Room 239, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Martin Köhrmann
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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Yin D, Slavin K. A hypothesis on possible neurochemical mechanisms of action of cervical spinal cord stimulation in prevention and treatment of cerebral arterial vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Med Hypotheses 2015; 85:355-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2015.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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ter Laan M, van Dijk JMC, Stewart R, Staal MJ, Elting JWJ. Modulation of Cerebral Blood Flow With Transcutaneous Electrical Neurostimulation (TENS) in Patients With Cerebral Vasospasm After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Neuromodulation 2014; 17:431-6; discussion 436-7. [DOI: 10.1111/ner.12177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark ter Laan
- Department of Neurosurgery; University Medical Center Groningen; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - J. Marc C. van Dijk
- Department of Neurosurgery; University Medical Center Groningen; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Roy Stewart
- Department of Health Sciences, Community & Occupational Medicine; University Medical Center Groningen; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Michiel J. Staal
- Department of Neurosurgery; University Medical Center Groningen; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Willem J. Elting
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neurology; University Medical Center Groningen; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hang Shim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Hanyang University, Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
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Hilz MJ, Koehn J, Tillmann A, Riss S, Marthol H, Köhrmann M, Wasmeier G, Schwab S, Stemper B. Autonomic blockade during sinusoidal baroreflex activation proves sympathetic modulation of cerebral blood flow velocity. Stroke 2013; 44:1062-9. [PMID: 23422083 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.111.680256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pharmacological blockade showed sympathetic origin of 0.03 to 0.15 Hz blood pressure (BP) oscillations and parasympathetic origin of 0.15 to 0.5 Hz RR-interval (RRI) oscillations, but has not been used to determine origin of cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) oscillations at these frequencies. This study evaluated by pharmacological blockade whether 0.1 Hz CBFV oscillations are related to sympathetic and 0.2 Hz CBFV oscillations to parasympathetic modulation. METHODS In 11 volunteers (24.6 ± 2.3 years), we monitored RRIs, BP, and proximal middle cerebral artery CBFV, at rest, during 180 s sympathetic BP activation by 0.1 Hz sinusoidal neck suction (NS), and during 180 s parasympathetic RRI activation by 0.2 Hz NS. We repeated recordings after 25 mg carvedilol, and after 0.04 mg/kg atropine. Autoregressive analysis quantified RRI-, BP-, and CBFV-spectral powers at 0.1 Hz and 0.2 Hz. We compared parameters at rest, during 0.1 Hz, or 0.2 Hz NS, with and without carvedilol or atropine (analysis of variance, post hoc testing; significance, P<0.05). RESULTS Carvedilol significantly increased RRIs and lowered BP, CBFV, and 0.1 Hz RRI-, BP-, and CBFV-powers at baseline (P=0.041 for CBFV-powers), and during 0.1 Hz NS-induced sympathetic activation (P<0.05). At baseline and during 0.2 Hz NS-induced parasympathetic activation, atropine lowered RRIs and 0.2 Hz RRI-powers, but did not change BP, CBFV, and 0.2 Hz BP- and CBFV-powers. CONCLUSIONS Attenuation of both 0.1 Hz CBFV and BP oscillations after carvedilol indicates a direct relation between 0.1 Hz CBFV oscillations and sympathetic modulation. Absent effects of atropine on BP, CBFV, and 0.2 Hz BP and CBFV oscillations suggest that there is no direct parasympathetic influence on 0.2 Hz BP and CBFV modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max J Hilz
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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Yampolsky C, Hem S, Bendersky D. Dorsal column stimulator applications. Surg Neurol Int 2012; 3:S275-89. [PMID: 23230533 PMCID: PMC3514915 DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.103019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used to treat neuropathic pain since 1967. Following that, technological progress, among other advances, helped SCS become an effective tool to reduce pain. Methods: This article is a non-systematic review of the mechanism of action, indications, results, programming parameters, complications, and cost-effectiveness of SCS. Results: In spite of the existence of several studies that try to prove the mechanism of action of SCS, it still remains unknown. The mechanism of action of SCS would be based on the antidromic activation of the dorsal column fibers, which activate the inhibitory interneurons within the dorsal horn. At present, the indications of SCS are being revised constantly, while new applications are being proposed and researched worldwide. Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is the most common indication for SCS, whereas, the complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is the second one. Also, this technique is useful in patients with refractory angina and critical limb ischemia, in whom surgical or endovascular treatment cannot be performed. Further indications may be phantom limb pain, chronic intractable pain located in the head, face, neck, or upper extremities, spinal lumbar stenosis in patients who are not surgical candidates, and others. Conclusion: Spinal cord stimulation is a useful tool for neuromodulation, if an accurate patient selection is carried out prior, which should include a trial period. Undoubtedly, this proper selection and a better knowledge of its underlying mechanisms of action, will allow this cutting edge technique to be more acceptable among pain physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Yampolsky
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Visocchi M, Della Pepa GM, Esposito G, Tufo T, Zhang W, Li S, Zhong J. Spinal Cord Stimulation and Cerebral Hemodynamics: Updated Mechanism and Therapeutic Implications. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2011; 89:263-74. [DOI: 10.1159/000329357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2010] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Ter Laan M, van Dijk JMC, Staal MJ, Elting JWJ. Electrical modulation of the sympathetic nervous system in order to augment cerebral blood flow: a protocol for an experimental study. BMJ Open 2011; 1:e000120. [PMID: 22021767 PMCID: PMC3191412 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is regulated by several mechanisms. Neurogenic control has been a matter of debate, even though several publications reported the effects of changes in sympathetic tone on CBF. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and spinal-cord stimulation have been shown to influence peripheral and cerebral blood flow through a sympathetic pathway. The authors hypothesise that certain pathological conditions result in a relative increase in the neurogenic regulation of CBF and that this regulation can be modulated electrically. Methods and analysis Patients with cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid haemorrhage will be included. The experimental set-up measures several parameters that are involved in cerebral blood flow regulation in patients with cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid haemorrhage. Measurements are taken at baseline and with stimulation in several frequencies. An ad hoc statistical analysis is used to evaluate different settings of the electrical stimulation. Autoregulation is evaluated with transfer function analysis and autoregulatory index calculations. Ethics and dissemination Ethical registration was granted by Medical Review Ethics Committee Groningen (ID METc 2010.123). All participants provide written informed consent on participation. Upon finishing a pilot study to investigate feasibility and effect, either future prospective (randomised) studies will be designed, or other modalities of electrical stimulation will be explored using the same set-up. Trial Registration Dutch Trial Registry: NTR2358.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Ter Laan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J Marc C van Dijk
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel J Staal
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Willem J Elting
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neurology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Slavin K, Vannemreddy P, Goellner E, Alaraj A, Aydin S, Eboli P, Mlinarevich N, Watson K, Walters L, Amin-Hanjani S, Deveshwar R, Aletich V, Charbel F. Use of Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulation in Treatment and Prevention of Arterial Vasospasm after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Neuroradiol J 2011; 24:131-5. [DOI: 10.1177/197140091102400119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on past laboratory and anecdotal clinical experience, we hypothesized that prolonged cervical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the acute settings of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) would be both safe and feasible, and that 2-week stimulation will reduce incidence of cerebral arterial vasospasm. The goal of our clinical study was to establish feasibility and safety of cervical SCS in a small group of selected aSAH patients. Single-arm non-randomized prospective study of cSCS in aSAH patients involved percutaneous implantation of 8-contact electrode in 12 consecutive aSAH patients that satisfied strict inclusion criteria. The electrode insertion was performed immediately upon surgical or endovascular securing of the ruptured aneurysm while the patient was still under general anesthesia. Patients were stimulated for 14 consecutive days or until discharge. There were no complications related to the electrode insertion or to SCS during the study and no long-term side effects of SCS during 1-year follow-up. There was 1 unrelated death and two electrode pullouts. This article summarizes technical details of SCS electrode insertion and the stimulation parameters used in the research study. Our study of SCS for prevention of vasospasm after aSAH conclusively shows both safety and feasibility of this promising treatment approach. Despite high level of acuity in aSAH patients, impaired level of consciousness, frequent patient repositioning, need in multiple tests and variety of monitors, SCS electrodes may be safely implanted and maintained for the two-week period. Long-term follow up shows no adverse effects of cervical SCS in this patient category.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.V. Slavin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - P.S.S.V. Vannemreddy
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - E. Goellner
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - A.M. Alaraj
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - S. Aydin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - P. Eboli
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - N. Mlinarevich
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - K.S. Watson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - L.E. Walters
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - S. Amin-Hanjani
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - R. Deveshwar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - V. Aletich
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - F.T. Charbel
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Modulation of neuronal activity in dorsal column nuclei by upper cervical spinal cord stimulation in rats. Neuroscience 2009; 164:770-6. [PMID: 19665525 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2009] [Revised: 07/27/2009] [Accepted: 08/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Clinical human and animal studies show that upper cervical spinal cord stimulation (cSCS) has beneficial effects in treatment of some cerebral disorders, including those due to deficient cerebral circulation. However, the underlying mechanisms and neural pathways activated by cSCS using clinical parameters remain unclear. We have shown that a cSCS-induced increase in cerebral blood flow is mediated via rostral spinal dorsal column fibers implying that the dorsal column nuclei (DCN) are involved. The aim of this study was to examine how cSCS modulated neuronal activity of DCN. A spring-loaded unipolar ball electrode was placed on the left dorsal column at cervical (C2) spinal cord in pentobarbital anesthetized, ventilated and paralyzed male rats. Stimulation with frequencies of 1, 10, 20, 50 Hz (0.2 ms, 10 s) and an intensity of 90% of motor threshold was applied. Extracellular potentials of single neurons in DCN were recorded and examined for effects of cSCS. In total, 109 neurons in DCN were isolated and tested for effects of cSCS. Out of these, 56 neurons were recorded from the cuneate nucleus and 53 from the gracile nucleus. Mechanical somatic stimuli altered activity of 87/109 (83.2%) examined neurons. Of the neurons receiving somatic input, 62 were classified as low-threshold and 25 as wide dynamic range. The cSCS at 1 Hz changed the activity of 96/109 (88.1%) of the neurons. Neuronal responses to cSCS exhibited multiple patterns of excitation and/or inhibition: excitation (E, n=21), inhibition (I, n=19), E-I (n=37), I-E (n=8) and E-I-E (n=11). Furthermore, cSCS with high-frequency (50 Hz) altered the activity of 92.7% (51/55) of tested neurons, including 30 E, 24 I, and 2 I-E responses to cSCS. These data suggested that cSCS significantly modulates neuronal activity in DCN. These nuclei might serve as a neural relay for cSCS-induced effects on cerebral dysfunction and diseases.
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