O129 / #846 GLOSSARY OF NEUROSTIMULATION TERMINOLOGY: A COLLABORATIVE NEUROMODULATION FOUNDATION, INSTITUTE OF NEUROMODULATION, AND INTERNATIONAL NEUROMODULATION SOCIETY PROJECT: TRACK 3: VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION / TOOLS TO INFORM PATIENT CARE

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-1-2022

Publication Title

Neuromodulation

Abstract

Introduction: Consistent terminology is necessary to facilitate communication, but only limited efforts have addressed this need in the neurostimulation community. We set out to provide a useful and updated glossary for our colleagues and prospective patients.

Materials / Methods: This collaborative effort of the Neuromodulation Foundation (NF), the Institute of Neuromodulation (IoN), and the International Neuromodulation Society (INS) expands a glossary first published in 2007 for spinal cord stimulation (1,2). Peripheral nerve, dorsal root ganglion, deep brain, and motor cortex stimulation have been added to our scope. Volunteers from the collaborating entities used a nominal group process, consensus development panels, and the Delphi technique to reach consensus on inclusion and definition of terms. We created a glossary suitable for print and for expansion on the websites of the collaborating entities, which will offer the possibility of explaining definitions for a general audience. We excluded proprietary and brand names but included terms that have attracted proprietary interest without becoming brands or trademarks. We made an effort to be inclusive while also being concise and economical with space.

Results: We identified and defined 91 terms for a print edition of the glossary and created an accompanying list of acronyms. As appropriate, we provided figures to illustrate the definitions. Discussion: The field of neuromodulation requires a specialized vocabulary. Growth in the field, however, has led to inappropriate use of terminology. For example: 1) "tonic” refers to a continuous sequence of pulses with invariant amplitude, duration, and frequency/repetition rate and should not be used to distinguish between low and high frequency stimulation; 2) percutaneous trans-spinal placement of dorsal root ganglion stimulating electrodes does not result in "SCS of the DRG"; and 3) "nonlinear burst stimulation” is not useful in distinguishing between forms of burst stimulation. We excluded trademarked terms but included some ("central point of stimulation” "density” and "dose") that have received attention from proprietary interests. The need for a glossary to address misguided usage and spelling has long been apparent. An example is the awkward attempt to create a plural for "paresthesia” (“paresthesias” or even “paresthesiae”). Like "anesthesia” (but unlike "data"), "paresthesia” is both singular and plural.

Conclusions: The edition of our glossary soon to be published in the journal Neuromodulation can of course be viewed and searched electronically. NF, IoN, and INS will continue to collaborate on expanded Web editions, which can include hyperlinks for internal and external navigation. We believe this glossary will benefit our growing field by facilitating communication and mitigating inappropriate use of neurostimulation terms.

Volume

25

Issue

7

First Page

S154

Last Page

S155

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