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Introduction to
Electrical Energy and Neurostimulation |
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Many remarkable phenomena exist in the world of living things. One of the most amazing
of these is the
manner in which electrical energy
controls and influences the nervous systems of all living things. Most of this
sophisticated interaction between environment and nervous system remains
well beyond the present
understanding of mere mortals. In the aquatic world many
creatures continually interact with their environments with low
levels of ambient electrical energy (in addition to other
senses). This electrical interaction appears
to be of a exquisitely precise nature. One example of this
are the lateral line sensory organs of fish which allow them to
orient and monitor their environment in a precise manner.
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In marked contrast to the skills of aquatic animals,
exemplified by the hammerhead shark shown above, human efforts
designed to harness
low levels of electrical energy as a means of influencing bodily
function and as treatment for
disease remain quite primitive. The term "neurostimulation"
refers to the application of electrical energy to the human body
and nervous system as a means of attempting to influence function
in a positive manner.
The term
"neuroaugmentation" was first coined by the Department of
Neuroaugmentive Surgery (logo shown below) at the Sister Kenny
Rehabilitation Institute in 1974 as a means of describing this
then
new science of developing and utilizing implanted neurostimulation
devices being developed to treat disease and promote
rehabilitation. With the passage of time the term is
still in use. |
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The earliest recorded human effort at neurostimulation
appears to have been that of the Mesopotamian healer
Scribonius Largus
through the
application of electrical torpedo fish.
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The mechanisms by which electrical
stimulation of the nervous system produces pain relief are not
known with any degree of certainty but a number of
plausible theories presently
exist to satisfy our curiosity on this subject. What is
clear is that we have a long way to go before we begin the
approach the sophistication of what we refer to as the "lower
animals." It would be interesting indeed to know today
what historians of the next century would think of our present
neurostimulation efforts. They might just compare this to
past "bloodletting" and "purging" therapies of not so long ago.
With this in mind
it is seems appropriate to further examine the
history of neurostimulation
so as to provide a pavement for those who will be fortunate
enough to be able to walk along
this exciting and challenging path in the future.
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