Bioelectronics is a rapidly evolving field that combines the power of electronics with the complexity of biology to create devices that can help with chronic diseases. From implantable devices that can regulate heartbeats to wearable sensors that continuously monitor glucose levels, bioelectronics has the potential to revolutionize healthcare and improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.
Here are five ways bioelectronics enhances quality of life for individuals that live with chronic diseases.
1. Brain Stimulation Treatments for Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder in which abnormal electrical activity in the brain creates seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and awareness. Anti-seizure medications are available for people with epilepsy, yet around a third of patients report little to no relief. Recent developments in bioelectronics for neurostimulation have led to the creation of two recently approved treatments for people with epilepsy: deep brain stimulation (DBS) and responsive neurostimulation® (RNS).
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) was approved for the treatment of epilepsy in 2018. It consists of an electrode placed in the brain, a pulse generator device (such as a pacemaker), and the insulated wires that connect them. The electrode is implanted deep in the brain, in a region called the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT). This region is responsible for the relay of signals to the brain’s grey matter and acts as a starting point for the spread of a seizure. Chronic stimulation is applied to alter brain activity and stop the spread of a seizure. DBS has also been used to treat tremors and stiffness of Parkinson’s disease. On the other hand, Responsive neurostimulation® (RNS) is a more reactionary treatment that involves the use of an implantable device to monitor and record brain activity. The device delivers electrical stimulation in the brain to disrupt abnormal brain activity and reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
2. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) for Inflammatory Diseases
Inflammation is an important mechanism for antimicrobial defense post-trauma tissue repair. However, excessive inflammation can cause tissue damage and chronic diseases, including inflammatory and cardiac diseases. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been found to help regulate the immune response by reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. The vagus nerve runs act as a conduit for the body’s inflammatory response to various diseases and microorganisms. By reducing inflammation, VNS can help alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis.
3. Sacral Neuromodulation for Bladder Control
While there are bioelectronics that target bladder muscles, there is evidence to suggest that abnormal communication between the bladder and brain may be a key cause of over-active bladder and non-obstructive urinary retention. Medtronic has developed the InterStim system to deliver bladder control therapy when other treatments have failed. The system targets and stimulates the sacral nerve (which controls the bladder) to improve patient bladder control. InterStim has been found to be effective in improving bladder control and quality of life for many patients, with long-term results showing significant improvement in OAB symptoms.
4. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Relief
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a type of bioelectric pain relief therapy that uses a small, battery-operated device to deliver low-frequency and high-frequency voltages to the nerves in the affected area. TENS therapy works by stimulating the nerves and promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can help to alleviate acute and chronic pain. However, for people suffering from chronic pain, the daily application of repeated frequency and intensity can build up a tolerance and reduce the analgesic effects of TENS. Ultimately, TENS therapy is nonpharmacological, noninvasive, inexpensive, easy to use, and widely applied in clinical practice for pain management.
5. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for Diabetes Management
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are wearable devices that continuously measure glucose levels in people with diabetes. They use a small enzymatic, electrochemical-based sensor inserted under the skin to measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, which surrounds the cells in the body. With CGMs, people with diabetes can see how their glucose levels change throughout the day in response to food, exercise, and medication. This allows for more precise and personalized management of diabetes. The use of CGMs helps improve glucose control, reduce the chance of a hypoglycemic event, and improvequality of life for people with diabetes.
Conclusion
As we embrace the cutting-edge realm of bioelectronics, it’s clear that these advancements are more than just technological marvels. From enhancing treatment options for epilepsy and inflammatory diseases to improving bladder control and diabetes management, bioelectronics has a profound impact on the lives of those grappling with chronic diseases.
Not only do these innovations offer new paths to more effective, personalized treatment plans, they also empower patients with control over their health. The promise of bioelectronics is not confined merely to improved patient outcomes; it lies in its ability to transform the very landscape of healthcare, paving the way for a future where managing chronic diseases is not an endless struggle but a manageable aspect of life.
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