The benefits of neuromodulation to the brain
To have a healthier life, there are numerous options. You can keep your brain engaged with simple things like a daily puzzle, nutritious food, and daily walks. However, how about giving your brain electrical shocks for something a little different?
The somewhat bizarre procedure known as “neuromodulation” involves strapping stimulators to your head and administering electrical shocks directly to your neurological system. Seemingly non-intrusive and boasting numerous purported health advantages, this technology may be the newest way to easily improve your life.
Businesses such as Parasym have been making bold promises about how their products may enhance your mental abilities to a great extent without requiring you to leave your house (or couch).
It sounds too wonderful to be true, without a doubt. However, the technology is now supported by studies from colleges including University College London, Harvard, and UCL. Bryan Johnson, everyone’s favourite billionaire who wants to be seventeen again, uses it as well.
How Does Neuromodulation Work?
Technology known as “neuromodulation” modifies nerve activity by sending electrical signals to a specific part of the nervous system. Imagine it as a dimmer switch that can be used to adjust the amount that particular brain regions or nerves are active.
On the other hand, neuromodulation has the ability to completely change neural patterns, interfering with aberrant nerve transmission that is present in a number of illnesses, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and persistent back pain.
Although there are other methods to accomplish this “dimmer switch,” “auricular vagal neuromodulation therapy” is the method used by Parasym and related businesses to achieve neuromodulation. It’s just a fancy way of explaining that electrical signals are sent via your ear skin. The device stimulates your vagus nerve by passing these pulses through your ear. This nerve is responsible for transmitting impulses from your heart, brain, and digestive system.
In populations that are getting older, age-related cognitive decline illnesses like Alzheimer’s are serious issues. With neuromodulation nerve therapy, this is one of the areas that appears promising; nonetheless, much more research is required to establish a definitive correlation.
On the other hand, studies link improved cardiovascular function to neuromodulation. This may aid in the fight against high blood pressure, hypertension, and heart failure.
Although this type of neuromodulation is safe, its effects are currently experimental. While a Gammacore device might run you as much as £625 for a few months of use, a Parasym gadget would set you back almost £700. Furthermore, even though there are many far less expensive rivals, they begin to enter the uncharted territory of uncontrolled health technology.
Is Neuromodulation Safe?
In order to treat back pain, neuromodulation was initially used in the 1960s with implanted devices that sent shocks. They have long-term adverse effects and were hefty. Naturally, things have changed significantly since then and the threats to our health are much lower.
Two approaches can be taken when using neuromodulation. Implanted devices are the first option; they are the more effective option and are utilised in more critical cases. The gadget can deliver shocks more effectively by being implanted, but there is a greater danger involved. Wearable neuromodulation technology is a remarkably safe choice, with the only negative effects that have been documented being rare instances of mild skin irritation.
Conclusion
A market research study published in 2018 by Neurotech Reports predicted that the global market for neuromodulation devices would reach $13.3 billion by 2022, up from $8.4 billion in 2018. In 2014, the global market for implanted spinal stimulators to treat chronic pain was estimated to be worth $1.80 billion. By 2018, it is projected to reach $2.88 billion. Industry watchers anticipate an overall compound annual growth rate in the double digits.
Given the scale of the possible treatment population, this is not surprising. The possibility that neuromodulation therapies could significantly impact people’s lives will rise as medical technology advances and physician adoption and training rise.
