Neuromodulation guide for the non-neuromodulator clinician: What it is and how it can benefit patients?

Abstract

Neuromodulation is being utilized across a variety of medical subspecialties to treat both painful and non-painful medical conditions. However, publications on neuromodulation topics infrequently occur in journals targeting generalists and medical specialties outside of pain medicine and neurosurgery. This study reviewed implantable neuromodulation devices, their respective Food and Drug Administration-approved indications for use, as well as off-label usage, and the associated potential risks and benefits for each device. PubMed and Medline databases were queried for systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials of implantable neuromodulation devices. The literature review resulted in 106 studies eligible for inclusion, and 67 were included in the final review. In conclusion, as the clinical volume of neuromodulation continues to grow, supporting and educating medical professionals who care for patients that receive implanted neuromodulation devices is paramount. It is likely the use of neuromodulation will continue to expand across all medical subspecialties, and as such, every clinician should have a baseline understanding of this treatment.