Background: Cranial-nerve non-invasive neuromodulation (CN-NINM)

What is Cranial Nerve Non-Invasive NeuroModulation (CN-NINM)? CN-NINM uses controlled patterns and sequences of tactile stimuli on cranial nerve endings, located on the head (including in the mouth). CN-NINM is non-invasive because stimuli are applied to the surface of the skin or oral tissues.

What is neuromodulation (NM)? Neurons are brain cells that process information. They communicate with each other using chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neuromodulation is the process of regulating the level of neurotransmitters in and around neurons. These changes may be targeted to specific brain regions, structures, or functions, or they may be more global in nature. Non-Invasive Neuromodulation (NINM) is any method of neuromodulation applied from outside the body.

Are there other forms of NM, NINM, and CN-NINM? Most other forms of neuromodulation are invasive, for example deep brain stimulation (DBS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which use implanted pacemaker-like electrical devices. Implantation carries surgical risks including infection, allergic reaction, and tissue damage. Many drugs may also be considered chemical methods of neuromodulation. Other forms of NINM include powerful electromagnetic stimulation of the brain cortical surface (transcranial magnetic stimulation), or electrodes that pass electric current through the skull, also targeting the cortical areas of the brain. We are not aware of other groups working with CN-NINM.

Why is CN-NINM important? Many kinds of physical and mental impairments result from disruptions in the level of neurotransmitters. There is growing theoretical and experimental evidence that many of these conditions might be effectively treated with neuromodulation therapy. TCNL has initiated a program of research to explore the use of CN-NINM to a variety of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and brain damage caused by stroke, traumatic injury, or neuro-degenerative disease.

Is CN-NINM available for clinical or personal use? At this time CN-NINM is an experimental technique and cannot be prescribed by your doctor. If you are interested in participating in a research study, please monitor our volunteer subject contact page for announcements concerning calls for human subjects. Please understand that our work is in the early stages and that clinical treatments or even experimental testing on any given condition may be years away. The potential risks of CN-NINM have not been adequately evaluated. If you have a balance disorder, or extremely low vision or blindness, you may wish to contact Wicab, Inc. about their BrainPort™ Balance or Vision devices.