Advances in bioelectronic medicine: noninvasive electrical, ultrasound and magnetic nerve stimulation

Abstract

The mammalian nervous system has evolved over millions of years to protect the host. Harnessing neural pathways for therapeutic purposes is postulated to enhance treatment specificity and minimize adverse reactions. Bioelectronic medicine aims to diagnose and treat diseases through devices that regulate electrical signaling within the nervous system. Traditionally, this was accomplished via surgical implantation of electrical pulse generators directly onto peripheral nerves. While efficacious, this approach has significant limitations, including complications and associated costs of surgical procedures, and practical issues with treating acute onset and/or short-lived diseases with invasive approaches. Novel stimulation paradigms are currently under development to overcome these clinical challenges and ultimately expand the therapeutic potential of bioelectronic medicine. Here we review noninvasive electrical, ultrasound and magnetic nerve stimulation strategies in the context of more invasive electrical therapies, and discuss their potential impact on the field of bioelectronic medicine.