Text Box: While he had been aware of the system since his early days in rehabilitation and had met two ladies, in his local area, both of whom had used such a system. “After graduation I decided to check into the FreeHand system. Figuring this was going to be my last chance to do something like this before beginning a career, I went to Metro Health in Cleveland Ohio.”, reflects Brian. By the time he left Cleveland, he had made up his mind not only to have a FreeHand system implanted, but also to get a Vocare bladder control system, making him, to his surprise, one of only a few spinal cord injured persons using both systems. Brian said, “I was particularly interested in the Vocare system because it meant I could take care of my bladder independently throughout the day without having to rely on someone else catheterizing me.” He continued by saying that after watching someone pick up papers and a cup with one hand, he was, thereafter, sold on the FreeHand system. Brian stated “I was glad to get rid of that ugly brace. Most people do not realize that I am even using the system. I would, as a result of my good experiences, recommend either of the systems to someone who is near or at the same level of injury as I am.” While Brian now has a good range of motion and improved strength in his arms, he has stated that he still lacks the ability to firmly grasp objects. Being an engineer, Brian is fascinated with all of the technology and research that has gone into the systems. He has participated in several research projects at Metro Health and if he was located a little closer he would have liked to be more involved. Brian summed up his views by saying “I believe the best way to sell this technology is by demonstrating it to those who could well benefit.” He continued, “You actually need to show people the independence that they could gain by using these systems. Just hearing about it or reading about it on-line or in pamphlets is not really good enough.” Brian currently serves on the STIM’sBoard of Directors Text Box: Neurotechnology devices offer a new form of therapy to treat the condition. Several different approaches have been developed with each providing similar end results. There are four basic types of stimulators. One is the sacral nerve stimulator, an implanted device to control the bladder by sending electrical impulses to the nerve that controls the bladder, sacral nerve, sphincter and the muscles around it. Another type which has been recently discovered uses tibial nerve stimulation. Here, the bladder is controlled through percutaneous stimulation (an electrode inserted through the skin) of the tibial nerve in the lower leg. A third stimulation system is completely external, the pelvic stimulator. This device uses electrical stimulation to the pelvic floor muscle. Stimulation is generally delivered by a vaginal or anal probe connected to an external pulse generator. This method uses the pelvic muscles to improve the opening and closing of the urethral. Yet a fourth type is in clinical trials, in which the bladder muscle is directly stimulated with an implanted electrode. In other words, this is muscle stimulation. Each of these devices will help improve control of the bladder providing peace of mind and, in some cases, offer more independence. For some, these devices may seem invasive. The implantation of electrodes does include a surgical procedure. However, neurotechnology devices designed to treat urinary problems have been on the market for many years. In addition, many insurance companies as well as Medicare typically cover these devices. Learning more about the options, checking with your healthcare insurance and troubleshooting with your physician and urologist will help determine the best treatment for you. To learn more about neurotechnology devices for urinary problems, visit our website at www.TheSTIM.org. To learn more about urinary incontinence, urinary urgency and frequency, refer to the National Association for Continence, www.NAFC.org.

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Text Box: Personal experience: Brian Kovach continued Text Box: Educate: Treating Urinary Problems continued

The Current

 
Text Box: Inaugural Issue continued

confirmed and effective way to better understanding.  Their experiences highlight what these systems can and cannot do for the impairments people face on a daily basis.

Neurotechnology covers a  broad area of technology that touches a wide range of impairments.  There are devices to: help the hearing impaired, cope with chronic pain; assist with restoring function to paraylzed limbs;  help rehabilitate muscles; assist internal organs to function and the list goes on.  Each of the future editions of this newsletter, will be dedicated to a specific category of neurotechnology.

 

The selected theme will then resonate throughout the sections of the issue.  The newsletter is parceled into several sections. One of these sections is Educate, which is devoted to the understanding of neurotechnology devices and providing resources to find out more information on our website. You will find the Personal Experience section which includes shared experiences from those who use the type of system.  Inside other sections, you will find industry updates, clinical trials, and developments in the organization to better serve you.