Monitoring pain response in DBS patients Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Monitoring pain response in DBS patients - Essay Example As a result, researchers have presented several studies to determine and explain the DBS mechanism in a way that people could understand. High-frequency stimulation is the method used to minimize the tremors and seizures (Kim 2013). DBS is believed to trigger the release of neurochemical by the application of high frequency stimulation. DBS is beneficial in this filled because it helps in relief and management of pain in patients with movement disorders. However, it also presents several challenges that threaten its effective application, for example, recent and future changes in technology, attitude, as well as health risks such as brain bleeding, stroke among others (Kim 2013). This paper seeks to explore this topic by looking at literature review if the issue, recent developments and its benefits in the area of biomedical engineering. Introduction DBS is a surgical treatment whereby a neurostimulator device delivers minute electrical signals to the parts of the brain that controls movement. This occurs in three parts; first, a thin insulated wire referred to as electrode is placed into the brain. Second, a neurostimulator (pace-maker like device) is placed under the skin near the collarbone or may be placed somewhere else in the body. Lastly, an extension in the form of another thin, insulated wire connects the electrode to the neurostimulator. DBS was discovered in 1980s to relieve tremor using high frequency stimulation of certain parts of the brain. As a result, DBS replaced the traditional ablative procedures by emerging as the surgical treatment option for movement disorders such as tremors, Parkinson’s disease, tics and dystonia. The DBS system can be activated and deactivated by putting a magnet in the area of the chest with the IPG or neurostimulator. This has a small battery of a lifespan of five years, which produces the electrical pulses required for stimulation (Patterson, et al. 2007). Unlike in the traditional ablative procedures, the st imulating electrodes in DBS, which includes voltage, pulse width and frequency of stimulation, can be customized and adjusted to an individual’s needs. Further, there is rare occurrence of potential risks such as infection, stroke or hemorrhage. If side effects occur, they are reversible and include swallowing and speech difficulties, weakness, and abnormal sensations. DBS was principally used for treatment of movement disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, but it has since been applied to certain nonmotor conditions and other types of movement disorders. The main goal of DBS is to relieve pain or restore function by stimulating neural activity by use of surgically implanted electrode. Literature Review Mechanism of Action Since its introduction, DBS continues to be effective in reducing dyskinesias, improving motor function and reducing symptom fluctuations brought by on-off medication effects especially in the case of Parkinson’s d isease (Maruo, et al. 2011). Success in DBS treatment depends on precise neutral targeting, careful selection of patients, and extensive individualized programming. The bottom-line is that DBS does not treat the disorders completely, but it helps in managing pain and reducing severe symptoms in Parkinson’s disease such as rigidity, tremor, slow movements, stiffness and walking problems (Burns, et al. 2007). DBS surgery has been successful in treating neuropathic pain, but the

Structural Engineering-Tensegrity Simplex Structure Assignment

Structural Engineering-Tensegrity Simplex Structure - Assignment Example The concept of Tensegrity provides a high level of structural and geometrical efficiency and results in lightweight and modular structures. However, Tensegrity concept is still not part of the major design of stream structural wing because of various reasons. This paper therefore seeks to discuss Tensegrity, simplex structure. The paper will also detail how to find out the coordinates of the nodes, how to find out the angle of twist by simple geometry, how to find out the s/c ratio= 1.468, how to set up an actual model of prototype and the difficulties involved, as well as how the model deforms. Under this discussion, it is important to note that most of the bar to string configurations will not stay in equilibrium, and therefore if constructed they may possibly collapse to other shapes. Only the bar to string configuration in a stable equilibrium and pre-stressed will be referred to as Tensegrity structures. According to Skelton et al. (2001), Tensegrity is a class of structures that possess continuous tension characteristics, discontinuous compression. The authors assert that stability is an important aspect in Tensegrity. A system of Tensegrity may be established when discontinuous components of compression interact with tensile components and defines stability in space. Generally, Tensegrity is geometry of a system of materials in a stable equilibrium if the particles within the system of the materials return to geometry beginning from an initial position arbitrarily close to this particular geometry to infinity as time goes by. In order to find out the coordinates of the nodes and the angle of twists by a simple geometry and to determine the s/c ratio, the concepts of Tensegrity play a pivotal part. The following concepts are used: Pure tensile/compressive members: the structures of Tensegrity entail pure tension and compression members. The used tension elements are cables that