Neuromodulation refers to altering nerve activity by delivering a stimulus, such as chemicals or electrical stimulation, to relieve pain. This idea has long been of interest to physicians, who have been curious about using the power of the body’s electrical impulses for therapeutic use. Still, the theory entered the modern world in the 1960s with the introduction of deep brain stimulation, which was used to mitigate chronic pain. Later that decade, physicians began using spinal cord stimulation techniques for the same purpose.
Dr. C. Norman Shealy invented the earliest neuromodulation device to be implanted in the body in 1967. His dorsal column stimulators worked on the spinal cord to relieve pain. In 1974, doctors developed a less invasive technique, which involved implanting electrodes to avoid unwanted side effects such as spinal fluid leakage and spinal cord compression. Utilizing two decades of computer modeling work, Dr. Jan Holsheimer developed multiple electrode contacts that helped physicians better understand the proper placement of electrodes to achieve the best therapeutic benefits.
Today, one of the most common neuromodulation techniques is spinal cord stimulation, which involves placing a thin wire in the epidural space just outside the spinal cord. This wire is connected to a small generator placed under the skin and subcutaneous layer on the back. The generator delivers regular, mild electric impulses to the spine, which can feel like a gentle tingling known as paresthesia. Over the years, this technology has advanced to the point where patients benefit from improved pain management while feeling fewer vibrations.
Yet another method of neuromodulation is the intrathecal pump, which delivers medication directly into the spine through the spinal fluid. This technique enables patients to receive smaller doses of medication, as it does not have to travel through the body before reaching the desired area; this can reduce side effects, resulting in a greater quality of life.
Neuromodulation through deep brain stimulation (DBS) also shows promise in treating brain conditions. Physicians implant electrodes under the skull and use digital brain mapping techniques to direct pulses to precise locations. DBS has been shown to improve memory in patients who suffer from seizures and epilepsy and has been used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, Tourette syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more. Scientists are currently exploring the usage of DBS in Alzheimer’s disease. Neurofeedback aimed at reshaping brain circuitry is another, non-invasive form of neuromodulation, used to address ADD, anxiety, insomnia, cognitive impairment, and behavioral problems to name a few.
Neuromodulation therapies result in vast improvements to patients’ lives and offer an alternative to long-term drug use. This is especially important when drugs are problematic for long-term use, are ineffective, or result in addiction or other adverse side effects. Due to the targeted nature of neuromodulation therapies, physicians can manage them to minimize side effects. Preliminary studies have also shown that early adoption of neuromodulation can be more cost-effective than other medical approaches.
Due to these advances and the promise of therapeutic benefits, neuromodulation is a growing field. Fortune Business Insights predicts that the neuromodulation devices industry will grow from $4.51 billion in 2018 to $9.34 billion by 2026, identifying the increase in chronic conditions and a growing interest in neurostimulation as the key factors driving this growth.
