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Neuromodulation
Neuromodulation is a process where neurophysiological signals are initiated or modified in order to change the functioning of the nervous system. Neuromodulation can be used to achieve therapeutic effects and recovering lost functions. This technique primarily consists of electrically stimulating specific regions of the nervous system. Neuromodulation can also be the local administration of substances at the level of the spinal cord or the ventricles, making use of specific receptors in the nervous system. Since the early 60's, after the introduction of the cardiac pacemaker, people have looked at the possibillities of neuromodulation as a form of therapy. Especially systems with neurological applications, like the treatment of chronic pain, spasticity and intractable epilepsy. Since then, several of these applications have led to established neuromodulation systems. Due to scientific developments in neuroscience as well as in technology, neuromodulation applications are expected to further increase in number. The trends are:
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