According to Parkinson’s News Today, the FDA recently approved an iOS app to assist patients with neurological disorders. Developed by Abbott, the Patient Controller App offers unique telemedicine at an important time. After all, how many of us struggle with seeing a doctor or receiving care during COVID-19? The app will manage patient therapies involving neuromodulation.
What is Neuromodulation?
According to the International Neuromodulation Society (INS), neuromodulation is defined as:
technology that acts directly upon nerves. It is the alteration—or modulation—of nerve activity by delivering electrical or pharmaceutical agents directly to a target area.
One of the best aspects of neuromodulation is its broad therapeutic scope; it can benefit patients with chronic pain, tremors, incontinence, or even nerve damage.
Types of Neuromodulation
Currently, there are three forms of neuromodulation available from Abbott:
- Infinity DBS: DBS, which stands for deep brain stimulation, is a therapy which reduces symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s or essential tremor. By stimulating certain neurons, DBS can reduce or prevent involuntary shaking or other similar symptoms.
- Proclaim XR SCS: SCS, which stands for spinal column stimulation, is designed for patients with chronic pain. It uses low-intensity electrical stimulation to effectively relieve pain and pressure.
- Proclaim DRG Neurostimulation: This therapy stimulates the dorsal root ganglion to reduce chronic pain in the lower extremities caused by complex regional pain syndrome.
Rather than pursue these separately, patients can now find all three therapies on the Patient Controller app.
The App
As many people know, our lives have increasingly moved indoors over the last few months. Thanks to COVID-19, many people are staying home to reduce the chance of getting or spreading the virus. However, this also correlates to less health management options.
However, says Dr. Alexander Escobar, the app extends past boundaries and allows for personalized, accessible therapy. It also benefits physicians by allowing easy follow-up, which is crucial for neuromodulation. In addition to managing their neuromodulation therapies, patients can also use the app to FaceTime their doctors. While the app isn’t quite ready for download yet, you can learn more about compatible devices here.
