Emerging subspecialties in neurology: deep brain stimulation and electrical neuro-network modulation

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established surgical therapy delivering electrical currents to targeted brain regions.
• DBS technology is increasingly applied to treat movement disorders, neuropsychiatric conditions, and other neurological ailments.
• The field necessitates specialized expertise from neurologists in both surgical and clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a more accurate and encompassing term for the evolving field of electrical neuro-network modulation (ENM).
• To highlight the expanding scope of DBS beyond traditional applications and target locations.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the current state and future trajectory of deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy.
• Evaluation of the terminology used to describe the field, considering its expanding applications and techniques.

Main Results:

• The term 'Deep Brain Stimulation' (DBS) may not fully capture the breadth of the field, as interventions are not always deep, confined to the brain, or solely stimulatory.
• Electrical neuro-network modulation (ENM) is proposed as a more precise descriptor for this advanced neuromodulation technique.

Conclusions:

• The field of neuromodulation is rapidly evolving, necessitating updated terminology like ENM.
• Future fellowship training will likely broaden to encompass a wider range of technologies and nervous system targets beyond current DBS practices.