Electrostimulation of Neurophysiological Systems

The Technical Medicine professional must be able, based on physiological and pathological insight, to apply electrical signals to influence organ (dys)function. To perform this, fundamental knowledge on the capability and limits of electrostimulation techniques is crucial. Furthermore, the Technical Medicine professional must be able to advise in the spectrum of clinical settings which type of stimulation technique is needed and must know its technical and clinical limits.

The student is familiarized with different methods by which neurophysiological signals are actively initiated, inhibited or otherwise influenced with the goal to improve the function of the central and/or peripheral nervous system. The student is also familiarized with the physics and technical aspects of electrostimulation of visceral organs.

Although the main focus of the course in on electro stimulation it also takes into account the often multi-modal and multi-disciplinary approach needed for patients who eventually need a form of neuromodulation. For a proper understanding of the effective use of electro stimulation the student also needs knowledge of (patho)physiology, the burden of the disease for the patient, the diagnostic process and alternative treatment modalities. The treatments discussed will be e.g. electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), pain modulators (e.g. SCS, DRG, TENS), deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).