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Puk O, Jabłońska M, Sokal P. Immunomodulatory and endocrine effects of deep brain stimulation and spinal cord stimulation - A systematic review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115732. [PMID: 37862972 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) represent burgeoning treatments for diverse neurological disorders. This systematic review aims to consolidate findings on the immunological and endocrine effects of DBS and SCS, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms of neuromodulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS This systematic review, aligned with PRISMA protocols, synthesizes findings from 33 references-20 on DBS and 13 on SCS-to unravel the immunological and endocrine impacts of neuromodulation. RESULTS DBS interventions exhibited divergent effects on cytokines, with an increase in hepcidin levels and a variable impact on the IL-6/IL-10 ratio. While some studies reported elevated IL-6, animal studies consistently demonstrated a reduction in IL-1β and IL-6, with no significant changes in TNF-α and an increase in IL-10. Noteworthy hormonal changes included decreased corticosterone and ACTH concentrations and increased oxytocin levels following DBS of the hypothalamus. SCS mirrored similar effects on interleukins, indicating a reduction in IL-6 and IL-1β and an increase in IL-10 levels. Additionally, SCS led to reduced VEGF levels and elevated expression of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF and GDNF, particularly under burst stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Both DBS and SCS exert anti-inflammatory effects, manifesting as a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines alongside the stimulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine synthesis. These findings, observed in both animal and human models, imply that neurostimulation may modify the trajectory of neurological diseases by modulating local immune responses in an immunomodulatory and endocrine manner. This comprehensive exploration sets the stage for future research endeavors in this evolving domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Puk
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Jan Biziel University Hospital, Collegium Medicum Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Jabłońska
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Jan Biziel University Hospital, Collegium Medicum Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Paweł Sokal
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Jan Biziel University Hospital, Collegium Medicum Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Prasad Md A, Chakravarthy Md K. Review of complex regional pain syndrome and the role of the neuroimmune axis. Mol Pain 2021; 17:17448069211006617. [PMID: 33788654 PMCID: PMC8020088 DOI: 10.1177/17448069211006617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a progressive and painful disease of
the extremities that is characterized by continuous pain inconsistent with
the initial trauma. CRPS is caused by a multi-mechanism process that
involves both the peripheral and central nervous system, with a prominent
role of inflammation in CRPS pathophysiology. This review examines what is
currently known about the CRPS inflammatory and pain mechanisms, as well as
the possible impact of neurostimulation therapies on the neuroimmune axis of
CRPS. Study design A narrative review of preclinical and clinical studies provided an overview
of the pain and inflammatory mechanisms in CRPS and addressed the effect of
neurostimulation on immunomodulation. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines
between September 2015 to September 2020. Data sources included relevant
literature identified through searches of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane
Database of Systematic Reviews. Results Sixteen preclinical and eight clinical studies were reviewed. Preclinical
studies identified different mechanisms of pain development in the acute and
chronic CRPS phases. Several preclinical and clinical studies investigating
inflammatory mechanisms, autoimmunity, and genetic profiles in CRPS,
supported a role of neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of CRPS. The
immunomodulatory effects of neurostimulation therapy is still unclear,
despite clinical improvement in the CRPS patients. Conclusions Increasing evidence supports a role for inflammation and neuroinflammation in
CRPS pathophysiology. Preliminary neurostimulation findings, together with
the role of (neuro)inflammation in CRPS, seems to provide a compelling
rationale for its use in CRPS pain treatment. The possible immunomodulatory
effects of neurostimulation opens new therapeutic possibilities, however
further research is needed to gain a better understanding of the working
mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Prasad Md
- Axxon Pain, Brisbane Private Hospital, 259 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
| | - Krishnan Chakravarthy Md
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, VA San Diego Health Care, San Diego, CA, USA
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Royds J, Conroy MJ, Dunne MR, Cassidy H, Matallanas D, Lysaght J, McCrory C. Examination and characterisation of burst spinal cord stimulation on cerebrospinal fluid cellular and protein constituents in patient responders with chronic neuropathic pain - A Pilot Study. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 344:577249. [PMID: 32361148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with neuropathic pain have altered proteomic and neuropeptide constituents in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compared to controls. Tonic spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has demonstrated differential expression of neuropeptides in CSF before and after treatment suggesting potential mechanisms of action. Burst-SCS is an evidence-based paraesthesia free waveform utilised for neuropathic pain with a potentially different mechanistic action to tonic SCS. This study examines the dynamic biological changes of CSF at a cellular and proteome level after Burst-SCS. METHODS Patients with neuropathic pain selected for SCS had CSF sampled prior to implant of SCS and following 8 weeks of continuous Burst-SCS. Baseline and 8-week pain scores with demographics were recorded. T cell frequencies were analysed by flow cytometry, proteome analysis was performed using mass spectrometry and secreted cytokines, chemokines and neurotrophins were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS 4 patients (2 females, 2 males) with a mean age of 51 years (+/-SEM 2.74, SD 5.48) achieved a reduction in pain of >50% following 8 weeks of Burst-SCS. Analysis of the CSF proteome indicated a significant alteration in protein expression most related to synapse assembly and immune regulators. There was significantly lower expression of the proteins: growth hormone A1 (PRL), somatostatin (SST), nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2), Calbindin (CALB1), acyl-CoA binding protein (DBI), proSAAS (PCSK1N), endothelin-3 (END3) and cholecystokinin (CCK) after Burst-SCS. The concentrations of secreted chemokines and cytokines and the frequencies of T cells were not significantly changed following Burst-SCS. CONCLUSION This study characterised the alteration in the CSF proteome in response to burst SCS in vivo. Functional analysis indicated that the alterations in the CSF proteome is predominately linked to synapse assembly and immune effectors. Individual protein analysis also suggests potential supraspinal mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Royds
- Department of Pain Medicine, St. James Hospital, Dublin and School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Melissa J Conroy
- Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James's Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Margaret R Dunne
- Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James's Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Hilary Cassidy
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - David Matallanas
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Joanne Lysaght
- Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James's Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Connail McCrory
- Department of Pain Medicine, St. James Hospital, Dublin and School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
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Kirketeig T, Schultheis C, Zuidema X, Hunter CW, Deer T. Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Clinical Review. PAIN MEDICINE 2020; 20:S31-S40. [PMID: 31152175 PMCID: PMC6544556 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnz003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Objective Clinical review on outcomes using burst spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the treatment of chronic, intractable pain. Design Narrative clinical literature review conducted utilizing a priori search terms including key words for burst spinal cord stimulation. Synthesis and reporting of data from publications including an overview of comparative SCS outcomes. Results Burst SCS demonstrated greater pain relief over tonic stimulation in multiple studies, which included blinded, sham-controlled, randomized trials. Additionally, burst stimulation impacts multiple dimensions of pain, including somatic pain as well as emotional and psychological elements. Patient preference is weighted toward burst over tonic due to increased pain relief, a lack of paresthesias, and impression of change in condition. Conclusion Burst SCS has been shown to be both statistically and clinically superior to tonic stimulation and may provide additional benefits through different mechanisms of action. Further high-quality controlled studies are warranted to not only elucidate the basic mechanisms of burst SCS but also address how this unique stimulation signature/pattern may more adequately handle the multiple affective dimensions of pain in varying patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terje Kirketeig
- Multidisciplinary Pain Clinic, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carsten Schultheis
- Departement für Interventionelle Schmerzmedizin, Krankenhaus Neuwerk "Maria von den Aposteln" Muskulo-Skeletales Zentrum Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - Xander Zuidema
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Diakonessenhuis Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Corey W Hunter
- Ainsworth Institute of Pain Management, New York, New York
| | - Timothy Deer
- The Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias, Charleston, West Virginia, USA
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Fishman MA, Antony A, Esposito M, Deer T, Levy R. The Evolution of Neuromodulation in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: Forward-Looking Perspectives. PAIN MEDICINE 2020; 20:S58-S68. [PMID: 31152176 PMCID: PMC6600066 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnz074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The field of neuromodulation is continually evolving, with the past decade showing significant advancement in the therapeutic efficacy of neuromodulation procedures. The continued evolution of neuromodulation technology brings with it the promise of addressing the needs of both patients and physicians, as current technology improves and clinical applications expand. Design This review highlights the current state of the art of neuromodulation for treating chronic pain, describes key areas of development including stimulation patterns and neural targets, expanding indications and applications, feedback-controlled systems, noninvasive approaches, and biomarkers for neuromodulation and technology miniaturization. Results and Conclusions The field of neuromodulation is undergoing a renaissance of technology development with potential for profoundly improving the care of chronic pain patients. New and emerging targets like the dorsal root ganglion, as well as high-frequency and patterned stimulation methodologies such as burst stimulation, are paving the way for better clinical outcomes. As we look forward to the future, neural sensing, novel target-specific stimulation patterns, and approaches combining neuromodulation therapies are likely to significantly impact how neuromodulation is used. Moreover, select biomarkers may influence and guide the use of neuromodulation and help objectively demonstrate efficacy and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Timothy Deer
- The Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias, Charleston, West Virginia
| | - Robert Levy
- Institute for Neuromodulation, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
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Chakravarthy K, Malayil R, Kirketeig T, Deer T. Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Real-World Evidence and Outcomes Data. PAIN MEDICINE 2020; 20:S47-S57. [PMID: 31152177 PMCID: PMC6544549 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnz046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of burst spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Ratings of pain intensity (visual analog scale or numeric rating scale) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) on functional/psychometric domains such as depression (Beck Depression Index), catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), surveillance (Pain Vigilance and Attention Questionnaire), and others are addressed. Design Articles were identified and selected from the literature according to prospective, replicable methods. Effectiveness data—pain scores and PRO ratings—were weighted by study sample sizes and pooled. The effects of burst SCS were compared against values at baseline and with tonic SCS. For PROs, published population norms were used for comparison. Results Fifteen articles, with a combined sample size of 427, were included. Follow-up ranged from a few hours to two years. A variety of prospective designs were employed, including crossover studies, single-arm cohorts, and a randomized controlled trial, as well as retrospective case reports. The weighted pooled mean pain rating across articles at baseline was 76.7 (±27.4). With tonic SCS, this was reduced to 49.2 (±12.9), and with burst SCS it was further reduced to 36.7 (±11.6), a 12.5-point difference between tonic and burst values. Psychometric analyses of PROs noted preferential improvement with burst SCS. In addition, 65% of subjects stated a preference for burst SCS. Conclusions In pooled analyses that incorporated all available published evidence, the improvement over baseline for burst SCS was shown to have a clinically important incremental benefit over tonic SCS. In addition, burst SCS may support resolution of the emotional or cognitive aspects of pain that are mediated by medial thalamo-cortical pathways. This study highlights the value in considering the entire knowledge base in therapeutic assessments as well as adopting a consistent set of outcome variables within neuromodulation. Burst SCS is a valuable intervention, providing both analgesia and psychometric benefits that warrant further thoughtful applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rudy Malayil
- St. Mary's Pain Relief Specialists, Huntington, West Virginia
| | - Terje Kirketeig
- Multidisciplinary Pain Clinic, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Timothy Deer
- The Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias, Charleston, West Virginia, USA
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Leptin and Associated Mediators of Immunometabolic Signaling: Novel Molecular Outcome Measures for Neurostimulation to Treat Chronic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194737. [PMID: 31554241 PMCID: PMC6802360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a devastating condition affecting the physical, psychological, and socioeconomic status of the patient. Inflammation and immunometabolism play roles in the pathophysiology of chronic pain disorders. Electrical neuromodulation approaches have shown a meaningful success in otherwise drug-resistant chronic pain conditions, including failed back surgery, neuropathic pain, and migraine. A literature review (PubMed, MEDLINE/OVID, SCOPUS, and manual searches of the bibliographies of known primary and review articles) was performed using the following search terms: chronic pain disorders, systemic inflammation, immunometabolism, prediction, biomarkers, metabolic disorders, and neuromodulation for chronic pain. Experimental studies indicate a relationship between the development and maintenance of chronic pain conditions and a deteriorated immunometabolic state mediated by circulating cytokines, chemokines, and cellular components. A few uncontrolled in-human studies found increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines known to drive metabolic disorders in chronic pain patients undergoing neurostimulation therapies. In this narrative review, we summarize the current knowledge and possible relationships of available neurostimulation therapies for chronic pain with mediators of central and peripheral neuroinflammation and immunometabolism on a molecular level. However, to address the needs for predictive factors and biomarkers, large-scale databank driven clinical trials are needed to determine the clinical value of molecular profiling.
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Chakravarthy K, Fishman MA, Zuidema X, Hunter CW, Levy R. Mechanism of Action in Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation: Review and Recent Advances. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2019; 20:S13-S22. [PMID: 31152180 PMCID: PMC6544550 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnz073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This is a comprehensive, structured review synthesizing and summarizing the current experimental data and knowledge about the mechanisms of action (MOA) underlying spinal cord stimulation with the burst waveform (as defined by De Ridder) in chronic pain treatment. METHODS Multiple database queries and article back-searches were conducted to identify the relevant literature and experimental findings for results integration and interpretation. Data from recent peer-reviewed conference presentations were also included for completeness and to ensure that the most up-to-date scientific information was incorporated. Both human and animal data were targeted in the search to provide a translational approach in understanding the clinical relevance of the basic science findings. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS Burst spinal cord stimulation likely provides pain relief via multiple mechanisms at the level of both the spinal cord and the brain. The specific waveforms and temporal patterns of stimulation both play a role in the responses observed. Differential modulation of neurons in the dorsal horn and dorsal column nuclei are the spinal underpinnings of paresthesia-free analgesia. The burst stimulation pattern also produces different patterns of activation within the brain when compared with tonic stimulation. The latter may have implications for not only the somatic components of chronic pain but also the lateral and affective pathway dimensions as well.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xander Zuidema
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Diakonessenhuis Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Corey W Hunter
- Ainsworth Institute of Pain Management, New York, New York
| | - Robert Levy
- Institute for Neuromodulation, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
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Sankarasubramanian V, Harte SE, Chiravuri S, Harris RE, Brummett CM, Patil PG, Clauw DJ, Lempka SF. Objective Measures to Characterize the Physiological Effects of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Neuropathic Pain: A Literature Review. Neuromodulation 2018; 22:127-148. [PMID: 30246905 DOI: 10.1111/ner.12804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The physiological mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) are only partially understood. Our aim was to perform a literature review of studies that used objective measures to characterize mechanisms of action of SCS in neuropathic pain patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched the PubMed data base to identify clinical studies that used objective measures to assess the effects of SCS in neuropathic pain. We extracted the study factors (e.g., type of measure, diagnoses, painful area[s], and SCS parameters) and outcomes from the included studies. RESULTS We included 67 studies. Of these, 24 studies used neurophysiological measures, 14 studies used functional neuroimaging techniques, three studies used a combination of neurophysiological and functional neuroimaging techniques, 14 studies used quantitative sensory testing, and 12 studies used proteomic, vascular, and/or pedometric measures. Our findings suggest that SCS largely inhibits somatosensory processing and/or spinal nociceptive activity. Our findings also suggest that SCS modulates activity across specific regions of the central nervous system that play a prominent role in the sensory and emotional functions of pain. CONCLUSIONS SCS appears to modulate pain via spinal and/or supraspinal mechanisms of action (e.g., pain gating, descending pain inhibition). However, to better understand the mechanisms of action of SCS, we believe that it is necessary to carry out systematic, controlled, and well-powered studies using objective patient measures. To optimize the clinical effectiveness of SCS for neuropathic pain, we also believe that it is necessary to develop and implement patient-specific approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven E Harte
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Srinivas Chiravuri
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Richard E Harris
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chad M Brummett
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Parag G Patil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel J Clauw
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Scott F Lempka
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Chakravarthy K, Kent AR, Raza A, Xing F, Kinfe TM. Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation: Review of Preclinical Studies and Comments on Clinical Outcomes. Neuromodulation 2018; 21:431-439. [PMID: 29431275 DOI: 10.1111/ner.12756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burst spinal cord stimulation (SCS) technology uses a novel waveform that consists of closely packed high-frequency electrical impulses followed by a quiescent period. Within the growing field of neuromodulation, burst stimulation is unique in that it mimics the natural burst firing of the nervous system, in particular the thalamo-cingulate rhythmicity, resulting in modulation of the affective and attentional components of pain processing (e.g., medial thalamic pathways). STUDY DESIGN A review of preclinical and clinical studies regarding burst SCS for various chronic pain states. METHODS Available literature was reviewed on burst stimulation technology. Data sources included relevant literature identified through searches of PubMed, MEDLINE/OVID, SCOPUS, and manual searches of the bibliographies of known primary and review articles. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was to understand the mechanisms of action with regards to burst stimulation and to review clinical data on the indications of burst SCS for various chronic pain states. RESULTS We present both mechanisms of action and review uses of burst stimulation for various pain states. CONCLUSIONS Burst stimulation offers a novel pain reduction tool with the absence of uncomfortable paresthesia for failed back surgery syndrome, diabetic neuropathic pain, and anesthesia dolorosa. Preclinical models have emphasized that the potential mechanisms for burst therapy could be related to neural coding algorithms that mimic the natural nervous system firing patterns, resulting in effects on both the medial and lateral pain pathways. Other mechanisms include frequency dependent opioid release, modulation of the pain gate, and activation of electrical and chemical synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnan Chakravarthy
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California San Diego Health Sciences, San Diego, CA, USA.,VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Adil Raza
- Abbott, Neuromodulation Division, Plano, TX, USA
| | - Fang Xing
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas M Kinfe
- Division of Functional Neurosurgery, Stereotaxy and Neuromodulation, Rheinische Friedrich Wilhelms, University Hospital, Bonn, Germany
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