New perspective on neuromodulation techniques: Breathing-controlled electrical stimulation as an innovative neuromodulation technique for management of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury

Abstract

Neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury is common and debilitating. Several nonpharmacological neuromodulation techniques have been tried with controversial outcomes. A novel intervention called breathing-controlled electrical stimulation (BreEStim) is developed based on discoveries about the systemic effects of voluntary breathing and the physiological interactions with body systems. Recent laboratory research studies are reviewed. The results demonstrated that BreEStim produced effective analgesic effects with the restoration of autonomic dysfunction via central neuromodulatory mechanisms. A case of long-term application of BreEStim highlights its clinical therapeutic potential.

Keywords

• electrical stimulation
• neuromodulation
• neuropathic pain
• spinal cord injury