Scrambler Technology Life Changing for Many Patients with Neuropathic Pain
The Scrambler device disrupts this pain cycle. Using electrodes similar to the ones used for EKG that are carefully placed near the area(s) of pain, the device produces small electrical currents. The currents activate C fibers, producing non-pain signals that override native pain-generating signals. Over the course of multiple treatments, the brain becomes accustomed to experiencing the non-pain signals instead of the pain signals.
“The therapy essentially retrains the brain to feel new signals created by the device instead of feeling pain signals,” explains Renato Samala, MD of Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute’s Palliative and Supportive Care department. “This can really improve a patient’s quality of life."
“The nerve fibers that are transmitting pain signals get in the habit of doing so. Usually there’s some damage that’s caused the pain and over time, the nerve fibers essentially get hardwired to transmit pain signals. So even when the damage is not an actively occurring process anymore, pain signals are still being sent to the brain," explains Chirag Patel, MD.
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