INTRODUCTION
What is it?
This is a subtype of Neuromuscular stimulation that essentially provides controlled discharges which can assist movement within the muscles and decrease plasticity within the body my replacing the sensory neuron's job. It is made up of three main parts:
Electrical Stimulator to regulate the charges
Electrodes to deliver stimulation
Sensors to control the process (and sometimes an orthosis aid movement)
COMPONENTS
ELECTRICAL STIMULATOR
Responsible for generating the electrical charges to produce muscle contractions
ELECTRODES
Responsible for deliver the charges from the stimulator (Made up of Cathode and Anode for sci geeks)
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Learn About Cathodes & Electrodes
SENSORS
Allow people to command the device and can come with pre-programmed settings and/or settings that can change depending on the patient: Usually the sensor itself is a part of the stimulator machine where preferences can be changed from the stimulator screen
ORTHOSIS
Devices that aid movement, like a brace or extra support that can help with movement and conserve energy to prevent muscle fatigue
TYPES OF FES TREATMENTS
What’s Available
There can be different types of Electrical Stimulation treatments depending the amount of invasiveness of the electrodes. The electrodes could be implanted, partially implanted (Percutaneous), or on the surface (Transcutaneous). We'll delve deeper on to the benefits and disadvantages of each type below.
IMPLANTED ELECTRODES
They are implanted into the body, normally through surgery, and directly deliver charges periodically depending on need
Advantages:
Higher rates of stimulation specificity which indicates a higher chance for movement
Suitable for Long-Term use
Disadvantages:
Requires Surgery
Modifications for placement issues cannot be made after surgery
Expensive
Increased risk for infection
