Nerve Stimulator

NERVE STIMULATOR

A nerve stimulator is a medical device which is used to send mild electric signals to nerves in the body. This electric signal can help to treat certain conditions, how the nerves work.

A nerve stimulator machine is a small device which gives a gentle electric shock to specific nerves in the body. These are  small shocks do not hurt, but it helps to reduce certain pain caused by some medical problems.

This nerve locator is placed near the nerves that need to be treated, either temporary or permanent, under the skin. By activating or stimulating nerve will small electric pulses, nerve stimulator interrupt or block the pain signal from reaching the brain. Nerve stimulator device provide relief for conditions like chronic pain, tremors or other nerve related issues.

TYPES OF NERVE STIMULATOR:

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

These types of nerve stimulators are a small, battery-operated device. It sends mild electrical currents through electrodes placed on the skin near the nerves. Tens are often used for temporary relieve.

Implantable Nerve Stimulators

These types of nerve stimulators are small devices that are surgically placed under the skin near the nerves that need to be stimulated. It delivers electric impulses direct to the nerves through thin wires called lead. Example

• Spinal cord stimulators Used to treat chronic back, leg or arm pain
• Deep brain stimulators- Used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, tremors and other movement disorders.
• Vagus Nerve Stimulators – Used to treat epilepsy and depression.

Peripheral Nerve stimulators

These types of nerve stimulators are implanted near specific peripherals nerve (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord). It treats conditions like Chronic pains in the arm, legs or other body parts.

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Devices

These types of nerve stimulators are external worn devices that use electrical currents to stimulate nerves and muscles. It helps people having muscle weakness to regain some function.

USES OF NERVE STIMULATOR:

• Pain Relief - nerve stimulator machinecan help to reduce chronic pain in various parts of the body, Such as back pain, leg pain or arm pain. Electric signals disrupt the pain signals from reaching the brain, providing relief.
• Movement disorder treatment – For Parkinson’s disease, nerve stimulators can help control tremors, stiffness and other movement related symptoms.
• Seizure Control – Vagus nerve stimulators can help to prevent the frequency of seizure in people.
• Bladder Control – Sacral nerve stimulators can help improve bladder control and reduce symptoms of overactive bladder.
• Depression Treatment-In some cases, vagus nerve stimulator may be used to treat severe, depression treatments influenced by mood regulating brain regions.
• Muscle Rehabilitation – Functional electrical nerve locator helps people with paralysis or muscle weakness.
• Diabetic Neuropathy - nerve stimulator device helps relieve in pain and other symptoms associated with diabetic nerve damage in the legs and feet.

HOW NERVE STIMULATOR WORKS:

• A nerve stimulator is a small device that generates mild electric pulse or signals. These signals delivered directly to specific nerves in the body through thin wires called leads.
• The nerve stimulator device is usually implanted under the skin, near the nerves that need to be stimulated.
• When the nerve stimulator machine is turned on, it sends gentle electric pulses through the leads to the targeted nerves. These electric pulses interfere or block normal pain signals that the nerves would typically send to the brain.
• Disrupting the pain signals, nerve stimulator, can provide relief from chronic pain.
• It is like creating a traffic jam for pain signals, preventing them from reaching the brain.
• These electric pulses from the stimulator don’t cause pain or discomfort. Pulses are adjusted to the right frequency, amplitude and pattern to effectively block unwanted pain.

BENEFITS OF NERVE STIMULATOR:

Pain relief

 One of the main benefits is reducing chronic pain in various parts of the body, Such as back pain, leg pain or arm pain.

Improved Quality of life

By relieving pain or managing symptoms like tremors, seizures can help people with certain conditions experienced an improved quality of life. It allows them to perform daily activities more easily.

Reduced medication use

In some cases, nerve stimulator machine help to reduce use of pain medications or other drugs which have side effects.

Symptom Control

Nerve locator helps to control various symptoms associated with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy or overactive bladder.

RISK AND COMPLICATIONS:

• Surgical Risk – For implantable device, there are risk associated with the surgical procedure, such as bleeding, infection or potential damage to surrounding tissues or nerves.
• Device malfunction or dislodgement- Implanted device or leads may occasionally malfunction or move from their intended position, and required additional procedures to adjust or replace them.
• Pain or discomfort – Some patients may experience temporary pain, discomfort or tingling sensation at the site of the implant or where the lead is placed.
• Electromagnetic Interference – Certain electric device or equipment may interfere with the function of the nerve stimulator, required to take precaution to patient.
• Adverse Effects-In a rare case, a nerve stimulator machine may cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness or mood change.

COST OF NERVE STIMULATOR:

For implantable nerve stimulation like spinal cord stimulators or deep brain stimulators, total nerve stimulator machine price can range from around Rs. 5,00,000 to Rs. 15,00,000 or more.

• This cost typically includes
• Cost of the implantable device itself.
• Surgical procedure to implant the device
• Hospital and doctor fee

For non-invasive nerve stimulators like TENS units are used externally, nerve stimulator price can cost around Rs. 50,000 or more.

• Exact cost depends on brand and model.
• Whether it is imported or made in India.
• Complexity of patient’s condition.

BRANDS:

Omron Nerve Stimulator

Omron offers the best nerve stimulator machine range of TENS units for non-invasive pain relief. It is a battery operated machine to passes a small electric pulse through electrode pads placed on the skin. It is portable, user-friendly and can help temporarily alleviate chronic pain like back pain, arthritis and muscle aches. Popular models for this brand includes Omron Electro therapy pain relief pro and mac power relief.

B Braun nerve stimulator

Its Stimuplex HNS 12, is a device designed for peripheral regional anaesthesia. It is used to block nerves by generating electrical pulses through specialized stimulation needles. It is equipped with sense technology, which helps in finding the nerve sooner and maintain motor response for longer periods.

RNB Nerve stimulator

It is a medical device designed to precisely locate nerves or plexuses for regional anaesthesia procedures. It’s a cost-effective. This device is known for their compact size, portability and user-friendly interface.

Medtronic

It is one of the leading brands for nerve stimulators. It offers implantable devices like spinal cord stimulators, deep brain stimulators and sacral nerve stimulators.

Medilogix nerve Stimulator

Medilogix TENS unit is a non-invasive nerve stimulator that provide pain relief. This portable device uses electrode pads to deliver mild electrical pulses.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q. How does a nerve stimulator work?

Ans. It delivers electric impulse that block pain signals from reaching the brain, providing relief from chronic pain.

Q. Is the procedure for implanting a nerve stimulator painful?

Ans. Most patients experience minimum discomfort during the implantation procedure.

Q. How long do nerve stimulators last?

Ans. It can last several years, but the batteries may need to be replaced through a minor surgical procedure.

Q. Are there any risks or side effects?

Ans. Potential risk include infection, device malfunction, pain at the implant site and electromagnetic interference. Side effects are generally mild and can be as headaches or tingling sensation.

Q. How effective are nerve stimulators?

Ans. Effectiveness varies depends on the condition and individual patient response, many people experience significant symptom relief or improved quality of life.