Neuromodulation

Neuromodulation is the alteration of nerve activity through the targeted delivery of a stimulus, such as electrical stimulation or a chemical agent, to specific neurological sites in the body, with the aim of normalizing or otherwise modulating the function of nervous tissue. Methods include magnetic fields, electric currents, and drugs delivered directly to the subdural space, with emerging applications in gene therapy and light-based treatment; of these, electrical stimulation carries the most clinical experience. It is used to treat chronic pain conditions, epilepsy, movement disorders, and psychiatric conditions, to support recovery from brain injury, and to address sensory deficits in hearing and vision, with emerging use in Alzheimers disease and depression. The term neurotherapy is used as a modern synonym for neuromodulation, particularly for technological, energy-based methods aimed at symptom control and a balanced nervous system.