- Neuromodulation is the modification of nerve activity through electrical or magnetic stimulation, chemical agents, or even physical methods, directed at specific sites in the body to normalize the function of nervous tissue.
What is Magnetic Stimulation and What is it Used for?
In recent years, the use of TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) has been extended to the periphery in order to reduce spasticity and improve muscle strength. Peripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS) not only modulates the excitability of the circuits, but can also influence the synaptic mechanisms of plasticity involved in motor learning.
At Fundación FIVAN, we are reproducing and improving the methodology applied in studies that work with TMS at the peripheral level, with the aim of improving both the quality of movement and reducing spasticity or pain in some of our patients.
Some of these studies are those of Flamand et. al who obtained a progressive reduction in resistance to stretching of spastic muscles in cerebral palsy, and Krewer et. al improving proprioception, which indirectly benefits the prevention of spasticity in patients with spastic hemiparesis.
For Example…
We selected patients from our clinic who presented with spasticity in the triceps surae and difficulty or alterations in gait secondary to spasticity, deficit in the activation of the peroneals, or claw toes.
Regarding alterations of the upper limb, we selected patients with reduced strength, spasticity in the flexors, or patients who presented movement with low speed or coordination.
The protocol of the published studies was reproduced, combined with physical rehabilitation.
In all cases, we obtained improvements such as:
- Reduction of clawing, improving foot support during gait and reducing pain secondary to this position during tasks.
- Greater wrist stability.
- Improved strength of the musculature antagonistic to the spastic muscle or of the inhibited musculature (peroneals or extensors of the hand and fingers).
- Reduction of resistance to stretching.
- Increased speed in the execution of tasks.
- Improvement of motor control.
- Increased quality of life.
If you want to know more details about this treatment or if you can benefit from the effects of peripheral magnetic stimulation, call us. We will be happy to assist you.
References:
Flamand VH, Beaulieu LD, Nadeau L, Schneider C. Peripheral magnetic stimulation to decrease spasticity in cerebral palsy. Pediatr Neurol. 2012;47(5):345‐348. doi:10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2012.07.005
Krewer C, Hartl S, Müller F, Koenig E. Effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation on upper-limb spasticity and impairment in patients with spastic hemiparesis: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2014;95(6):1039‐1047. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2014.02.003
