Rehabilitation with Electrical Nerve Block Technology

Investigators

Niloy Bhadra, PhD
Dennis Bourbeau, PhD
Kevin Kilgore, PhD
Gustaf M. Van Acker III, MD, PhD
Tina Vrabec, PhD
James Wilson, DO      

Pain is mediated by electrical impulses in nerves. MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute researchers have developed advanced implantable techniques that block these impulses in both animal models and in humans. The first human application was for the treatment of phantom and residual limb pain following lower limb amputation. We are now developing techniques that do not require implantation. Blocking electrical impulses may also be useful for treating other conditions such as spasticity following SCI, stroke or brain injury, asthma and heart failure.