Connecting with the Future: Neuromodulation Art and Science Made Easy with Technology

In the era of significant technological advances not only in neuromodulation but also in day to day activities, teaching and learning complex tasks need to be aligned with the times. As such, classical techniques of classroom teaching as well as direct hands on teaching may be challenged with new modalities involving virtual reality, simulation, social media and beyond. Exploring all those techniques as well as reinventing classic learning techniques such as PBLD's, flopped classes and others this session will give participants tools to navigate and retain information and sources in the complex field of neuromodulation

Beyond Pain and Nerves: Applied Neuromodulation for Vascular, Non-Vascular, Visceral and Residual COVID-19 Co-Morbid Conditions

This panel will discuss evidence of applying neuromodulation techniques in non-pain conditions. In particular, use of neuromodulation is emerging for treating some of the sequelae of the COVID-19 disease. Additionally this session will explore and discuss effects of neuromodulation on overactive bladder, heart failure as well as vascular changes in diabetes.

Advances in Neuromodulation in Cancer Pain

While the mainstay of cancer pain management has been systemic opioids, many patients are unable to achieve analgesia with systemic opioids alone. Chemical neuromodulation, through intrathecal therapy, has played an important role in cancer pain management, and continues to evolve with new strategies for optimal management. Electrical neuromodulation, through spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation, is an emerging field of cancer pain management, with new approaches and new targets. In this session, we will discuss advances in both chemical and electrical neuromodulation for improving cancer pain management.

Dosing and the Spinal Cord: The Role of Cycling

Recently there has been renewed interest in modifying continuous stimulation programming to intermittent or cyclical stimulation with designated off times. Multiple reasons have been proposed for cycling including improving battery longevity while maintaining clinical outcomes. In addition, theoretical concerns have been proposed regarding the 'overdosing' of the spinal cord resulting in declining efficacy. This panel will highlight and explore clinical and basic science data surrounding cycling and the duty cycle in spinal cord stimulation. In addition, future trial designs will be proposed and discussed to further enhance our understanding of cycling and its appropriate deployment in programming parameters for spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of pain.

Neuromodulation for the Treatment of Craniofacial Pain

The use of neuromodulation for treatment of headache and facial pain disorders is an emerging field with new devices and therapies becoming more widely used to augment care.  This session will explore the use of both non-invasive neuromodulation and implantable devices for treatment of craniofacial pain. As part of the session, the latest advances in neuromodulation treatments will be reviewed and attendees will be provided with a practical approach to implementation of neuromodulation in the treatment of craniofacial pain.

Engineering Principles in Neurostimulation: Emerging Concepts

This session is the third and final installment for the pre-meeting workshop, entitled 'Engineering principles of DBS and SCS in clinical practice.' This third session was inspired by feedback from attendees at our pre-meeting workshop at the 2020 NANS Annual Meeting. Several attendees requested that we also have a portion of the workshop during the meeting as well. They thought it would be beneficial for them and meeting attendees to hear presentations from engineers and scientists regarding emerging concepts in SCS and DBS. Therefore, in this session, we will conclude our workshop by presenting engineering concepts related to emerging technologies and mechanisms of action related to SCS and DBS.

Neuromodulation for Neurologic Recovery

Advanced Neuromodulation for Psychiatric Disorders