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A lot of people suffer from chronic pain in the U.S. and 88% have pain in more than one area. By implanting a neurostimulation device into the spinal column, chronic pain can be relieved as well as improved quality of life. In spinal cord stimulation therapy, mild electrical pulses are delivered to the spinal cord nerves through an implanted device. 

Approximately $635 billion is spent every year on chronic pain in healthcare, disability, and lost productivity. “Patients with chronic pain have loved spinal cord stimulation. 

An implant that stimulates the spinal cord restores mobility in two-stroke patients’ arms and hands, allowing them to perform daily life activities like eating meals with a fork. 

Neuroscience Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative funded the study in Nature Medicine(link is external). Spinal cord electrodes are implanted with thin metal wires. A neural circuit in the spinal cord is stimulated by electrical impulses, which prepare it to receive signals associated with movement. 

Consequently, stroke victims are able to lift their arms, open and close their fists, and grasp household objects freely. In order to treat chronic pain and restore leg movement following a spinal cord injury, researchers are using spinal cord stimulation. Preclinical tests using computer modeling and non-human primates were carried out on two stroke patients with moderate to severe motor impairments who underwent the new therapy as part of a preclinical study.

As a result of continuous stimulation of the cervical sensory nerve roots, arm and hand strength, range of motion, and function immediately improved. Participants were able to open locks and use utensils, which they hadn’t done in years. A few benefits persisted after removing the device for several weeks. 

Combining assistive stimulation with physical or occupational therapy may improve long-term motor function. In order to qualify for approval by the FDA, ProclaimTM Plus spinal cord stimulation (SCS) with FlexBurst360TM therapy is a procedure that involves. Adaptable to a person’s therapeutic needs, FlexBurst360 therapy is the following generation of Abbott’s proprietary BurstDRTM stimulation. 

In addition to improving daily activities, Abbott BurstDR can also relieve the emotional suffering caused by pain,” says Steven Falowski, MD. BurstDR, as a low-energy stimulation therapy, however, still causes pain in multiple areas and evolves over time. Proclaim Plus and FlexBurst 360 are now available to treat multiple body parts and change pain. 

A new system for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has been approved by the FDA for Abbott’s Proclaim XR. As a result of FlexBurst360 therapy on the Proclaim Plus system, physicians are able to identify and adjust the lowest effective dose of stimulation for each patient according to their evolving pain needs. Doctors can control multiple BurstDR stimulation areas to cover a wider range of pain without overstimulating.