Neuromodulation
Understanding the Basics
Neuromodulation is the term for the process that neurotransmitters in the
nervous system use to regulate neurons. In this system, a single neuron
will use different transmitters to connect several neurons, which is much
different from synaptic transmission. Synaptic transmission uses one neuron
to influence another partner. With neuromodulation, it becomes far easier
to affect larger groups of neurons.
How does neuromodulation affect the body?
Neuromodulation can change the output of various bodily systems when they
act on the neurons in the body. This can affect how the body feels and
what it does. Let's look at some of the areas of the body that it
can positively affect.
Three of the most well-known neuromodulators include:
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
- Noradrenalin
The dopamine system has several pathways in the body, and it acts on dopamine
receptors. When the dopamine system fails, it can cause a number of conditions
in the body. One of the most prevalent is Parkinson's disease. While
it is not the entire cause of the disease, it is partially responsible.
Taking certain types of drugs, such as cocaine, can slow or stop the reuptake
of dopamine. Through neuromodulation, and the addition of the right medications,
it can be possible to manipulate the dopamine system slightly and elevate
the body's production levels.
The serotonin system in the central nervous system actually only has about
1% of the serotonin in the body. The rest is in the peripheral nervous
system, which can be in the gut wall and other areas of the body. It helps
to regulate vascular tone. The noradrenalin system has 1,500 neurons along
each side of the brain. When active, the system plays an important role
in the brain and the release of noradrenaline and the adrenergic receptors.
Some of the other areas affected by neuromodulation include endorphins,
octopamine, and dynorphins.
Neuromodulation Therapies on the Rise
While the field is relatively new, and there is still a lot to understand
about neuromodulation, it is becoming quite important in a number of different
therapies. Therapies are able to target specific areas of the brain or
the spinal cord because of the way the neurotransmitters work, and it's
easy to reverse the process in case the doctors see that it isn't
working or that it might be causing issues with the patient.
Neuromodulation therapies are popular today because they provide the following:
- Improves life quality of patients
- Alternative to long-term drug treatment, which could be causing other issues
in their body
- The therapy does not have side effects
Neuromodulation therapy makes it easier to deliver the various necessary
signals for therapy without resorting to medicines and invasive procedures.
As the knowledge around the field continues to grow, the therapies and
techniques available are getting better and more efficient.
Speak with a Sports Neurology expert!
As the founder of Vernon B. Williams, MD, Inc., I have been in the neurology
field for two decades. My neurology expertise has allowed me to serve
as a sport concussion expert witness for a variety of defense and plaintiff
medical cases. I would be happy to review your case during an
evaluation.
If you wish to seek my help with a legal matter, please do not hesitate to
contact me.