Chronic Electrical Nerve Stimulation as a Therapeutic Intervention for Peripheral Nerve Repair

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Miyuki Sakuma - , Harvard University (Author)
  • Ivan R. Minev - , Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) (Author)
  • Sandra Gribi - , Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) (Author)
  • Bhagat Singh - , Harvard University (Author)
  • Clifford J. Woolf - , Harvard University (Author)
  • Stéphanie P. Lacour - , Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) (Author)

Abstract

When a peripheral nerve is injured after either trauma or a neurodegenerative disease, motor function and sensory perception are impaired. Repair strategies aim both at reconstructing the damaged nerve and in promoting regeneration to enhance target reinnervation and functional recovery. Advanced surgical procedures can enable efficient repair, but restoration of function remains challenging. Among various factors influencing nerve regeneration, electrical stimulation is often cited as a potential therapeutic approach to nerve repair, engaging regenerative transcriptional programs. In this report, we review both reported effects on axonal growth and functional outcomes of electrical stimulation on peripheral nerve repair and the techniques for chronic nerve stimulation, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of such repair strategies.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)43-48
Number of pages6
JournalBioelectronic Medicine
Volume2
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2015
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • Chronic Nerve Stimulation, Cuff Electrode, Peripheral Nerve Repair, Sciatic Function Index, Tripolar Configuration