Neuromodulation

Rediscover Your Potential: Advanced Brain Stimulation Therapies

Living with persistent musculoskeletal pain, movement limitations, neuromotor disorders, or cognitive decline can be challenging. At The Centre for Musculoskeletal Medicine, Dr. George Michael and Dr. James Hagi offer innovative, evidence-informed solutions that address the crucial connection between your brain and your physical and cognitive well-being.

Understanding Neuromodulation

Your brain controls movement, processes pain, manages cognitive functions, and adapts through neuroplasticity. Injury, chronic conditions, or neurological changes can disrupt these processes, leading to issues like central sensitization (where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive), movement difficulties, or cognitive impairment. Neuromodulation uses targeted energy (gentle electrical currents or sound waves) to positively influence brain activity, promote beneficial neuroplasticity, and help restore balance.

How Does Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) work

TDCS uses a very weak, constant direct electrical current (typically 1-2 mA) delivered via scalp electrodes. It gently modulates the excitability of targeted brain areas – the positive electrode (anode) increases excitability, while the negative (cathode) decreases it. This “sub-threshold” stimulation makes neurons more or less likely to fire, and repeated sessions can lead to lasting changes through neuroplasticity mechanisms like long-term potentiation.

Safety using tDCS

TDCS is considered safe when administered correctly by trained professionals following established guidelines. Common side effects are mild and temporary, primarily localized skin sensations like itching, tingling, and redness. Headaches or fatigue may occur. We conduct thorough screenings for contraindications, which include metal implants within the skull (not usually dental), pacemakers, implanted electronic devices, active scalp skin conditions, and a history of seizures or epilepsy.

How Does Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) Work

TPS uses short pulses of low-intensity, focused ultrasound waves (acoustic energy, not electricity). These sound waves create mechanical pressure that stimulates brain cells. This may trigger the release of growth factors (like BDNF and VEGF), promote neuroplasticity and nerve regeneration, and improve cerebral blood flow through vasodilation and angiogenesis. TPS can target deeper brain regions (up to 8cm) precisely, often using MRI-guided neuro-navigation.

Safety using TPS

TPS is considered safe and well-tolerated. Side effects are usually mild and transient, such as slight headache or temporary fatigue. No serious adverse events have been documented in clinical studies using established parameters. Contraindications include blood clotting disorders or use of strong anticoagulants, brain tumours, metal implants/stents/fragments in the head, pacemakers/implanted electronic devices, pregnancy, recent major head injury, and cortisone therapy within 6 weeks.

What To Expect with Neuromodulation

Your Experience using tDCS: Sessions involve sitting comfortably while electrodes (in saline-soaked sponges) are placed on the scalp. You might feel mild, temporary tingling or warmth under the electrodes. These sensations often fade quickly. Sessions typically last 20-30 minutes, and a series of treatments is usually needed, often daily or several times per week for multiple weeks. Your Experience with TPS: You’ll sit comfortably, possibly wearing tracking glasses, while a practitioner uses a transducer with ultrasound gel on your scalp. The procedure is generally considered painless. Sessions last about 30 minutes, typically involving a course of six sessions over two weeks. Maintenance sessions might be recommended.

Conditions Treated with Neuromodulation

Neuromodulation addresses various conditions, including:

Parkinson’s Disease

Neuromodulation therapies can improve motor function and reduce tremors in Parkinson’s patients by modulating abnormal neural activity in the brain, complementing existing treatment methods.

Multiple Sclerosis

Neuromodulation can aid in managing symptoms of multiple sclerosis , such as pain and motor difficulties, by stimulating neural pathways involved in muscle control and sensation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

By Stimulating the vagus nerve, neuromodulation can regulate the brain-gut axis, helping to alleviate IBS symptoms like abdominal pain and irregular bowl movements.

Attention Deficit Disorder

Neuromodulation enhances brain activity in areas responsible for attention and focus, helping reduce symptoms of ADHD and improving cognitive performance in affected individuals.

Fibromyalgia

Through neuromodulation, chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia can be managed by targeting specific neural circuits, helping to reduce pain sensitivity and improve overall quality of life

Anxiety Disorder

Neuromodulation can regulate brain areas linked to anxiety, promoting a calming effect and reducing symptoms, making it an effective alternative or complement to traditional therapies.

Dementia

Neuromodulation promotes neuroplasticity and enhances cognitive function, helping slow the progression of mild cognitive impairment and supporting better memory and attention

Begin Your Journey to Recovery Today

If you’re seeking innovative solutions for musculoskeletal pain, neuromotor challenges, cognitive concerns, or related issues, neuromodulation might be an option.

You can book an appointment by clicking the book online button below or by calling 03 96992499.

Appointments are available Monday – Saturday. No referral is required