Neuromodulation 

Neuromodulation is a form of therapy in which neurophysiological signals are initiated or influenced with the intention of changing the function and performance of the nervous system and achieve therapeutic effects. Neuromodulation mainly consists of 1] electrical stimulation of specific regions in the nervous system, and
2] local administration of substances in the central nervous system or the spinal fluid at the level of the spinal cord or the ventricles.

The NCCN has been applying neuromodulation in the treatment of pain for may years, especially extradural spinal cord stimulation, in close collaboration with the pain specialists of the UMC St Radboud. In 2005 we started with motor cortex stimulation for the treatment of intractable pain.

In january 2007 the Twente Institute for Neuromodulation ( TWIN), founded and directed by the neurosurgeon Hans van der Aa, associated with our department. The NCCN will facilitate further research in the field of neuromodulation, whereas the vast expertise of the TWIN will be brought in for patient care, extending the range of indications for neuromodulation.

More information about neuromodulation and TWIN van be found here.