Using Devices Instead of Drugs to Manage PainUsing Devices Instead of Drugs to Manage Pain

Neuroelectrics, a startup in Cambridge, MA, is developing technologies that use electroencephalogram (EEG) and transcranial current stimulation to help diagnose and improve brain function in patients with various conditions, such as those suffering from chronic pain or recovering from a stroke. 

"Neuroelectrics' technology is used to wirelessly stimulate the brain for healing purposes but also for pain management, especially important as there is a worldwide push to limit pharmaceutical pain killers," said Tom Sommer, president of MassMEDIC. Neuroelectrics will will be presenting at MassMEDIC's Annual MedTech Showcase in October.

DARPA in the U.S. has also has been working on an Electrical Prescriptions (ElectRx) system to prevent and treat inflammation, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Instead of using pills or injections, ElectRx deploys electrical stimulation to get the nervous system working right. It artificially modulates the body's essential peripheral nerves, prompting them to do their job of monitoring our health and initiating healing. 

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[Image courtesy of Neuroelectrics]