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I saw a special program on TV showing how doctors are going back to some old ways of treating problems with things like leeches and electric eels. In today's modern world, this seems barbaric to me. I think I understand how the leeches can be used to reduce local swelling. What do you think about the electric eel idea?
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The use of electric eels to treat chronic pain is a very old idea that may indeed seem barbaric. According to stone carvings, it was probably used thousands of years ago. Fish that emit electric currents were applied to people to treat headaches and arthritis pain. A more modern version of this kind of treatment is called neurostimulation. Neurostimulation involves the application of electric current near or along the nerve pathways causing the pain.
Today, the electrical stimulation is applied in a more technological fashion -- but it still amounts to sending an electric impulse either to or through the spinal nerves, spinal cord, or brain. The idea is to override the pain messages that seem to have gotten stuck in the on setting. The idea of neurostimulation is currently in use for conditions like migraine headaches, back pain, post-operative pain, phantom limb pain after limb amputation, and even angina that won't go away.
How is it applied? There are several different by which electrical stimulation can be delivered. The first and easiest method is called peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). Flat, surface electrodes (square, round, or rectangular shaped) are placed over the skin over the area of pain or near the affected nerve. A small handheld device is connected to the electrodes that can be set to deliver low-level electrical impulses through the electrodes. The little box can be attached to a belt for ease of use.
A second method is called percutaneous implantation. The peripheral nerve stimulator is actually placed under the skin. This works best for patients with low back, head, neck, and/or facial pain because the implant can get close to the spinal nerve roots causing the problem.
When peripheral nerve stimulation doesn't work, then spinal cord stimulation is considered. Spinal cord stimulation is used most often for severe, constant back or limb pain that isn't relieved by any other means (e.g., medications, peripheral nerve stimulation, physical therapy, nerve blocks). The unit is implanted into the spinal canal where it can relay electrical impulses to the brain through the spinal cord.
A third method directly to the brain is called motor cortex stimulation or deep brain stimulation depending on where the implant is located. These implantable devices generate a low-voltage electrical pulse that blocks the brain's ability to perceive and register pain. These units are battery powered and have multiple settings that allow the patient to choose different intensities, patterns, and duration of stimulation. They can even be turned off and back on to vary the input and try to override or fool the brain.
The problem of chronic pain has led scientists and researchers around the world to look for any and every way to help patients with this problem. The use of electric eels may have a brief rebirth in some parts of the world. But it's likely that neurostimulation using the same principles will remain the preferred choice for delivering electrical impulses with the idea of stopping the brain's perception of pain.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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