University of Missouri Health Care - Hugh E. Stephenson Jr., MD, Department of Surgery Hugh E. Stephenson Jr., MD Department of Surgery University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine


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Neuromodulation

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Neuromodulation is changing the function of the nervous system in a beneficial way without harming nerve cells. Surgically implantable devices may beneficially alter nervous system function and decrease disabling symptoms. Certain types of chronic pain may be diminished with spinal cord stimulation. Intractable spasticity from stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and other causes may be reduced or eliminated through administering a drug (baclofen) into the spinal fluid sack with an implantable pump.

A vagal nerve stimulator may reduce epileptic seizure activity not completely controlled with medication. This sometimes permits patients to reduce dosages of oral drugs and therefore cause fewer side effects.

These devices require surgery. They are not recommended until all other non-invasive forms of treatment have been exhausted. Some insurance companies do not cover these devices, so please check with your provider.