The disruption of transmission of motor and sensory information associated with MS significantly impacts a persons ability to purposely move. Maintaining and improving of hand and walking functions are a high priority among individuals with MD, and a common target of physical therapy.
TSS is a non-invasive treatment using surface electrodes to modulate spinal cord activity. Neural structures within the spinal cord are not directly electrically stimulated, but transynpatically activated by the posterior root-stimulation with TSS. This improves the information going to the brain which in return allows people to optimize this information to improve function.
TSS is best used in combination with high intensity interventions (therapy), where CNS excitation is perpetuated. TSS is a promising tool to augment the patients work being done in the therapeutic setting with the potential to expedite recovery.
What to Expect
Patients will often report immediate changes in sensation, mostly deep touch and proprioception and a latent impact on tone. Some patients also report change in bladder/bowel sensation and function. Some patients will notice an immediate improvement in trunk control as well as improved endurance/exercise tolerance. Other patients may not notice an immediate improvement. These responses will be monitored in and out of therapy at TRP to evaluate our patients response.
TSS research is ongoing for all CNS injuries and diseases, the ongoing research and early results suggest that it could become a valuable tool in the field of neurorehabilitation. Its non-invasive nature, potential for broad accessibility, and integration with existing therapies make it an exciting innovation that is transforming neurorehabilitation.
