Session Description: This landmark course features hands-on experiential learning in the evidence-based and appropriate use of advanced pain and neuromodulation. It includes interactive discussions with top experts in the field of neuromodulation.
Topics include spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, intrathecal drug delivery, advanced interventional techniques, surgical skills and more. This course provides a comprehensive foundation for integrating advanced neuromodulation into clinical pain practice.
Session Description: This session will provide advanced practice providers (APPs) with a comprehensive understanding of neuromodulation, including its various types, such as electrical and chemical therapies, and the underlying principles of how these techniques impact the nervous system. Participants will learn to identify the common neurological and pain conditions that benefit from neuromodulation, and the criteria for selecting appropriate patients. The session will also explore the APP's role in assessing patients, educating them, managing neuromodulation devices, and providing follow-up care in collaboration with specialists. Additionally, emerging trends in neuromodulation, such as personalized and minimally invasive approaches, will be discussed, as well as practical skills for educating and supporting patients throughout their neuromodulation treatment journey.
Session Description: This full-day preconference course provides a comprehensive exploration of the engineering principles underlying the development and implementation of next-generation spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) technologies. The morning session features presentations by academic engineers on fundamental principles critical to innovation in neuromodulation, including implantable pulse generator design, electrode engineering, stimulation paradigms, neural sensing strategies, clinical testing methodologies, and AI integration. The afternoon session transitions to industry perspectives, with engineers from leading companies (Abbott, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Nalu, Nevro, and Saluda Medical) showcasing technologies recently released or currently under development. This structure offers attendees an unprecedented opportunity to understand both the theoretical foundations and practical applications driving the field forward. Each half-day segment concludes with a dedicated faculty Q&A session, fostering direct interaction between experts and attendees. The course is designed for a diverse audience including neural engineers, clinicians implementing these therapies, industry professionals, and researchers interested in neuromodulation technology development. Participants will gain insights into the complex engineering considerations behind modern neuromodulation systems, emerging technologies on the horizon, and the technical challenges being addressed by both academic and industry innovators. By focusing specifically on recent innovations and technologies in active development, the course provides highly relevant knowledge that can be immediately applied to research initiatives and clinical decision-making in neuromodulation therapy.
Please join us at the conclusion of the Advanced Engineering Principles in Neuromodulation: Next-Generation SCS and DBS Technologies precon for the presentation of the Innovator Award and the Distinguished Achievement in Science and Technology Awards in Milano Ballroom I & II.
The Innovator Award will be presented by Ahmed Raslan, MD to Shadi Dayeh, PhD at 5:00 PM. The Distinguished Achievement in Science and Technology Award will be presented by Marom Bikson to Cameron McIntyre, PhD.
Session Description: Neuromodulation treatment for movement disorders has recently grown to include AI driven therapy optimization using novel device technology. With advancements in technology, there has been rapid increase in the necessary skills and understanding to effectively and adeptly employ that therapy for patient care. This course addresses the rapidly expanding need for advanced training in DBS programming to maximize patient clinical outcomes. This course uses both a didactic and hands-on skills workshop approach to increase participant proficiency in programming DBS systems.
Session Description: The neuromodulation industry continues to face challenges presented by cuts in government funding, loss of knowledgeable regulatory personnel, and faulty assessments from poorly informed and conflicted critics. But a new sense of unity among clinicians in varying specialties, professional organizations, and patient advocacy groups will continue to push forward to keep the field growing.
Advanced Practice Providers are invited to join this reception, which will immediately follow the Advance Practice Providers pre-conference course, to network with their peers. The APP Excellence Award is presented during the reception.
The Diversity and Outreach Committee (DOC) works to ensure NANS is a diverse organization, representative of the patients we serve and understands the barriers faced by traditionally underrepresented communities to accessing neuromodulation therapies. The DOC organizes community events, engages with other medical organizations on DEI initiatives, and oversees the DOC Pipeline Fellowship Grants, which offer early career neuromodulators mentoring and support to attend the NANS Annual Meeting. Attend the DOC reception to meet committee members and 2025 DOC Pipeline Fellowship Grantees.
Kick off the start to our 2025 Annual Meeting with this fun event in our Exhibit Hall. Network with your fellow attendees while exploring the Exhibit Hall and meeting with our industry partners.
Residents and Fellows are invited to join this reception to network with their peers and attend the presentations for the three Rising Star Awards – Resident, Fellow and Early Career. Let’s celebrate the next leaders in the field.
Session Description: This session will provide a practical overview of how to navigate pain medicine fellowship training while adapting to the evolving landscape of neuromodulation and interventional pain management. Topics will include optimizing clinical and procedural experience, balancing research and education, and understanding career pathways in academia, private practice, and industry. Speakers will also discuss mentorship, networking, and how fellowship training is adapting to advancements in neuromodulation technology. The session will conclude with a moderated Q&A, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with program directors and recent graduates.
Session Description: The objective of this session is to explore and implement effective strategies for onboarding and supporting the wellness of advanced practice providers (APPs). It aims to provide practical solutions and resources that enhance the onboarding process, foster professional growth, and promote overall well-being for APPs, ensuring their success and long-term engagement in the healthcare field. The concurrent session will also focus on the integration of wellness initiatives to prevent burnout, improve job satisfaction, and promote work-life balance for Advanced Practice Providers.
Session Description: This breakfast session will explore the key clinical, technical, and patient-specific factors that guide the decision-making process in selecting among various spinal cord stimulation (SCS) platforms. Experts will discuss comparative attributes of current technologies, patient selection criteria, and strategies for aligning device capabilities with individualized treatment goals. We will discuss how to navigate the complex landscape of:
o Multiple waveforms & stimulation frequencies
o Closed-loop vs. open-loop systems
o Battery types & device programming options
o Anatomical considerations and MRI compatibility
Real-world case examples and practical pearls will be emphasized to equip attendees with actionable insights for optimizing therapy selection.
Session Description: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is evolving beyond static anatomical targeting toward precision neuromodulation. This shift has been guided through simultaneous advancements in computational modeling, signal processing, and targeting. This session brings together leading neurosurgeons and neuroengineering experts to discuss the latest advancements in precision neuromodulation from preoperative planning to stimulation optimization to recording to closed-loop DBS.
Attendees will gain insights into:
State-of-the-art computational tools for predicting DBS network effects
Multimodal strategies combining anatomy, tractography, electrophysiology, and machine learning
Clinical applications of model-driven DBS for individualized therapy
Future directions for closed-loop and adaptive stimulation
By integrating expertise in neurosurgery, computational neuroscience, and neuromodulation, this session will provide actionable insights for clinicians, researchers, and engineers working to advance the field of DBS.
Session Description: It is challenging to start and maintain an independent medical practice. Details on an initial steps, financial needs and practice development will be provided. Making business sense in incorporating and developing clinical research in medical practice and steps to achieve that will be described. Furthermore, guidelines on how to provide leadership in turbulent times will be provided. Finally, steps on how to sell your practice, especially to private equity would be detailed.
Session Description: Explore the clinical impact of closed loop neuromodulation across multiple therapies as this long awaited technology begins to move into the clinical mainstream.
Session Description: The field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) is revolutionizing neuroscience and neuromodulation, unlocking unprecedented possibilities for restoring communication, movement, and other functions in patients with neurological impairments. This plenary session, Decoding the Mind: Breakthroughs and Ethics in BCI, will showcase transformative advances in BCI technology, from reenabling speech to controlling robotic limbs, while grappling with profound ethical questions these innovations raise.
This session will begin with a brief overview of how we are rapidly overcoming technical hurdles related to electrode design, hardware creation, and computational barriers in creating advanced BCI interfaces. Eddie Chang, a neurosurgeon and worldwide leader in speech BCI, will discuss his groundbreaking work unlocking the ability to communicate in patients with devastating neurological conditions affecting language. Richard Andersen, a neuroscientist and pioneer in developing novel BCI interfaces, will discuss his work in decoding movement intentions to restore functional independence in patients with spinal cord injury or stroke. Dr. Nita Farahany, a renowned neuroethicist and author of The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology, will deliver the keynote address, exploring the ethical imperatives of BCI, including privacy, autonomy, and cognitive liberty in clinical and societal contexts. Her talk will challenge attendees to consider how to balance rapid technological advancements with the protection of individual rights in an era of neural interfaces. The session will conclude with an engaging panel discussion with all speakers.
Session Description: : This session explores cutting-edge advances in stimulation waveform design across three major neuromodulation modalities: peripheral nerve stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and deep brain stimulation. As the field evolves beyond conventional rectangular pulses, novel temporal patterns and waveform shapes are demonstrating enhanced therapeutic efficacy, improved selectivity, and reduced energy consumption. Leading researchers will present their work on innovative approaches including amplitude-modulated high-frequency stimulation for desynchronized yet controllable neural firing in peripheral nerves, computational modeling for optimal temporal pattern design in deep brain stimulation, and dynamic pulse patterns in spinal cord stimulation that expand paresthesia coverage and sensation quality. The session will examine how these waveform innovations fundamentally alter neural recruitment patterns, potentially enabling more precise targeting of specific neural populations while avoiding unwanted activation. Presentations will cover computational modeling approaches that predict neural responses to complex waveforms, preclinical evidence demonstrating physiological effects, and emerging clinical applications. By bringing together experts from different stimulation modalities, this session aims to identify common principles and challenges in waveform design that span different therapeutic applications, fostering cross-pollination of ideas that could accelerate innovation in this rapidly evolving field.
Session Description: In our aging population, more and more patients have degenerative scoliosis. Surgery often can be a large undertaking though sometimes only one portion of the spine can be operated on with meaningful benefit. In other cases neuromodulation is selected. There are newer options offered by pain management.
Session Description: This session explores the translation of neuromodulation research into real-world stroke rehabilitation programs. Experts will discuss patient selection, multidisciplinary collaboration, and implementation strategies. Speakers will highlight clinical and real-world evidence on functional recovery, quality of life, and long-term outcomes, along with solutions for overcoming adoption barriers, reimbursement challenges, and leveraging data to improve care, while discussing progression of this work.
Session Description: The Pain Olympics will be featured as a Jeopardy-style competition that involves resident and fellow teams against each other in a battle of clinical knowledge. Topics span core areas of pain medicine and neuromodulation, including anatomy, device troubleshooting, landmark studies, and ethical scenarios. The session is designed to reinforce learning through gamification, encourage team building, and spotlight emerging talent in our field. Audience members will enjoy watching the excitement unfold while reinforcing their own knowledge base.
TEAMS
Team 1
Nicole Hayes
Mohan Ravi
Team 2
Karson Mostert
Simon Yang
Team 3
Rosalynn Conic
Loc Lam
Team 4
Ray Pak
Vishwant Tatagari
Team 5
Robin Mata
Mark Kennedy
Team 6
Ahish Chitneni
Vivian Wung
Session Description: This session will explore the use of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) in real-world clinical settings, with an emphasis on discussing variances in practice patterns and utilization.
Using a group discussion format, our panel will discuss and provide key perspectives on selecting nerve targets (including utility of history and physical exams, nerve blocks, and nerve conduction testing), choosing appropriate patients (for indications ranging from osteoarthritis to headache disorders to peripheral neuralgias), and considering device parameters (such as stimulation waveforms, temporary vs. permanent devices, and use of trial-to-permanent paradigms).
This session will follow the highly engaging Pardon the Interruption format, in which panelists will leverage evolving literature to take contrary positions, generating thoughtful discussion while acknowledging the emerging nature of research in this space and its limitations.
This session is directed to trainees and practicing physicians where a multi-disciplinary panel of physicians with various expert insights will discuss various facets of PNS treatments.
Session Description: The ability to modulate the brain of a specific individual for an exact response relies on precise targeting. Targets are chosen, in many cases, for their effects on distant regions across widespread networks. Connectomics can inform targeting by providing a framework (structural or functional or both) on which to project these long-range networks and model the effect of distinct stimulation across the brain. The use of the connectome to optimize targeting can be considered as advancements along a continuum from a group to the individual. This progression, however, is opposed by the increased resources needed to acquire individual patient connectomes rather than the use of large, available databases. In this session we will present three examples of the current state of the art application of connectome informed targeting. In each case, the optimization of patient specific targeting vs. clinical utility will be described.
Session Description: As the field of neuromodulation continues to mature, it is undergoing a bold transformation, including expansion well beyond its traditional pain indications to address some of medicine’s most complex and under-treated conditions. This plenary session, Breaking Boundaries in Indications for Neuromodulation, will showcase cutting-edge science, patient-centered innovation, and trailblazing clinical applications that are reshaping the boundaries of what neuromodulation can achieve.
From restoring ambulation in spinal cord injury to managing pediatric abdominal pain, urinary retention, and fecal incontinence, this session will feature pioneering researchers and clinician-scientists leading the charge in these emerging indications. In particular, this plenary will highlight the lived experience of Peter Grahn, a scientist and patient with spinal cord injury, whose research and personal journey underscore the vital link between patient perspective and translational breakthroughs.
By convening thought leaders across pediatric pain, urology, and SCI neurorestoration, this session aims to foster cross-disciplinary discussion, spark new collaborations, and inspire attendees to push the frontiers of neuromodulation forward. The session will also end in several NANS award presentations.
Session Description: How can we know the “state” of the brain at any given moment? And can we neuromodulate this state? There is growing interest in moving past simple small-scale biomarkers and toward a wholistic characterization of functional brain states at large timescales to better inform neuromodulation paradigms. We will explore the novel and exciting work being done to characterize the extremely high-dimensional information that exists in large timescale electrophysiological recordings. We will then discuss the potential to adaptively neuromodulate these brain states to improve functional patient outcomes in diseases like epilepsy, depression, and binge-eating disorder.
Session Description: This interactive panel session presents a constructive scientific debate on the optimal electrode size for clinical neurostimulation applications. Traditional clinical neurostimulation systems have long employed macroelectrodes, while academic engineering efforts have increasingly focused on developing microelectrode technologies. This session directly addresses fundamental questions facing the field: Do we need the higher channel counts and improved spatial specificity offered by microelectrodes, or can macroelectrodes provide comparable clinical outcomes with fewer regulatory hurdles and safety concerns? The debate considers crucial issues including tissue safety, electrode longevity, fabrication complexity, regulatory pathways, and clinical efficacy. Dr. Sameer Seth (Baylor) will advocate for the continued refinement of macroelectrode designs, arguing they can achieve necessary clinical outcomes while avoiding complications associated with miniaturization. Dr. John Seymour (UTHealth Houston) will present counterarguments supporting microelectrode technologies, highlighting their potential for improved spatial resolution and selective neural targeting. Dr. Jon Viventi (Duke University) will provide a third perspective on custom fabrication approaches, discussing how electrode design can be tailored to specific applications. Following individual presentations, Dr. Cameron McIntyre (Duke) and Dr. Svjetlana Miocinovic (Emory) will moderate an extended discussion with audience participation, examining the scientific, engineering, and clinical considerations that should inform electrode design decisions in next-generation neuromodulation systems.
Session Description: Cancer pain is often debilitating and excruciating, significantly impacting a patient’s quality of life. The management of cancer-related pain presents numerous challenges, primarily due to the complexity of the condition and the individual nature of pain responses. Traditional pain medications, including opioids and analgesics, can provide relief, but they come with a range of potential side effects such as nausea, sedation, constipation, and, in some cases, the risk of addiction or dependency. Furthermore, these medications can interact with ongoing cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, leading to altered drug efficacy or an increase in adverse reactions. This makes pain management for cancer patients even more complicated, particularly when relying solely on pharmacological solutions.
In recent years, neuromodulation techniques have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional pain management strategies, offering a more targeted and often less invasive approach. These techniques involve the modulation of neural activity to alleviate and modulate pain perception. One such technique is Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation, which has shown potential for treating focal pain, particularly in patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). CIPN is a painful condition resulting from nerve damage due to chemotherapy, and DRG stimulation can provide targeted relief by modulating pain pathways at the nerve root level.
For patients experiencing extremity pain due to tumor burden, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) offers an effective alternative. This approach has proven especially beneficial for those with metastatic cancer or large tumors that cause localized pain in the limbs, providing significant relief and improving mobility.
Another promising approach is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS), which targets specific peripheral nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. PNS can be used to treat localized nerve pain resulting from tumor infiltration or nerve compression, offering a more focused solution for pain management in certain areas of the body.
Session Description: The cerebellum, long recognized for its role in motor coordination, is emerging as a key target in neuromodulation for a diverse range of neurological conditions. This session will explore cutting-edge research and clinical applications of cerebellar stimulation, highlighting its potential to transform treatment paradigms across multiple domains.
The session will begin with a focus on the application of cerebellar deep brain stimulation (DBS) for cerebral palsy, offering insights into how targeting cerebellar pathways may improve motor function and quality of life in patients with this challenging condition. Following this, attendees will learn about groundbreaking work on cerebellar DBS for stroke recovery, including discussions on how modulating cerebellar circuits can enhance neuroplasticity and functional recovery post-stroke. The session will conclude with a translational perspective on cerebellar stimulation in animal models of epilepsy, examining how cerebellar circuits influence seizure activity and the potential for novel therapeutic interventions.
Together, these talks will underscore the cerebellum’s far-reaching influence beyond traditional motor control, exploring its role in neurorehabilitation, movement disorders, and epilepsy. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of current evidence, mechanisms of action, and future directions in cerebellar neuromodulation, with opportunities to engage in discussions about the translational potential and clinical challenges in this rapidly evolving field.
Session Description: The objective of this conference is to explore the latest advancements in neuromodulation, focusing on how advanced practice providers (APPs) can engage in research, enhance clinical practices, and advocate for the integration of neuromodulation therapies in patient care. This session aims to provide APPs with valuable insights into emerging neuromodulation techniques, promote research collaboration, and offer strategies for advocating for broader adoption and policy changes in this field. Ultimately, the goal is to empower APPs to lead innovation in neuromodulation, improve patient outcomes, and shape the future of healthcare through research and advocacy.
Take this time to view and discuss the Abstracts/Posters at the meeting.
This reception, hosted by the NANS Women in Neuromodulation (WIN) committee, will feature a conversation among leaders in neuromodulation. This is the second part of a discussion that first took place at NANS 2025. Join us in hearing firsthand from those at various stages of their careers and professional journey to hear how they overcame, led the way, and continue to impact the field. Guests/speakers: Ellen Air, MD, PhD; Rosa Garcia, MD; Robin Mata, DO, MPH; Stephanie Vanterpool, MD, MBA, Melissa Murphy, MD
Session Description: Join us for a high-energy, rapid-fire debate tackling the most pressing ethical and socioeconomic dilemmas in the management of cancer-related pain. This dynamic session will explore controversies surrounding interventional pain therapies for patients with cancer and cancer survivors. Experts will debate critical issues such as equitable access to advanced pain treatments, the duty to relieve suffering, and the ethical considerations of interventional therapies versus pharmacologic approaches.
Structured as a fast-paced debate, this session will challenge perspectives and encourage discussion, providing a thought-provoking and interactive experience. Panelists will present opposing viewpoints on these complex topics. Expect compelling arguments and practical insights into navigating ethical challenges in cancer pain management. This session will deepen your understanding of the ethical tensions in cancer pain care and inspire new approaches to patient-centered decision-making.
Session Description: Management for complex facial pain disorders is a constant challenge for pain physicians, neurologists and neurosurgeons. This session aims to provide management options that focus on patient selection, surgical technique and outcomes .
This session will cover innovative treatments for facial deafferentation pain and painful trigeminal neuropathy. We will review the clinical differences between facial deafferentation pain and classic trigeminal neuralgia. We will review historical treatments for this difficult to treat population and discuss newer treatment options including high-cervical spinal cord stimulation that have shown promise.
Session Description: Pelvic pain remains a challenging condition requiring a multimodal approach for effective management. This panel will explore the latest advancements in interventional therapies, including Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS), Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS), Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), and pudendal nerve blocks.
Expert panelists will discuss patient selection, procedural techniques, and outcome optimization for these modalities in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain syndromes, including pudendal neuralgia, post-surgical pain, interstitial cystitis, and pelvic floor dysfunction. The session will feature clinical insights to illustrate best practices in tailoring interventions to individual patient needs.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of:
- The role of DRG stimulation in targeting focal pelvic pain
- Advances in SCS for widespread pain relief and neuromodulation strategies
- PNS applications for pelvic floor and lower abdominal pain
- The efficacy of RFA in pelvic pain
- The utility of pudendal nerve blocks as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool
By highlighting the interplay between these interventions, this panel will provide a framework for a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to pelvic pain management.
Session Description: There is a remarkable appetite for innovation amongst healthcare institutions, but it is largely fraught with limited success. Why? Health systems are designed to deliver safe patient care while minimizing expenditure in efforts to maintain diminishing profitability. This overwhelming environment severely limits a culture of risk-tolerant and disruptive innovation. Perhaps, it is time healthcare institutions learn from Silicon Valley – the epicenter of startup culture. The key factors contributing to the immensely successful entrepreneurial culture of Silicon Valley include pursuit of disruption, collaboration, risk tolerance, and a resilient work ethic. Founders of some of the most successful companies from Silicon Valley (i.e. Apple, Facebook, Tesla, eBay, etc.) have a common story – they thought big, they moved fast, they embraced failure, they recruited a great team, and they constantly evolved a great product. Today, these companies have market capitalization over one trillion dollars (USD).
In this session, we will evaluate and discuss the implementation of these factors within large academic health institutions in efforts to design an impactful innovation program inspired by Silicon Valley. In addition, we will highlight specific examples of successful innovation projects, licensing agreements, acquisition, and conversion to independent spin-off companies.
Session Description: As neuromodulation enters a new era of innovation, it becomes increasingly vital to revisit its scientific foundations while exploring how we define, measure, and validate clinical success. Foundation and Future in Neuromodulation Science will bring together three renowned thought leaders whose landmark work has shaped how we understand the mechanisms and evaluate the outcomes of neuromodulation.
This session will begin with a presentation by Dr. Apkar Vania Apkarian, a pioneering neuroscientist whose use of advanced neuroimaging has provided unprecedented insights into the mechanisms of pain and neuromodulation. His work using functional MRI to characterize brain circuitry alterations in chronic pain has laid the groundwork for mechanism-targeted therapies. Following this presentation, Dr. Sean Mackey, who is an expert in clinical outcomes research and pain measurement, will present on how we quantify the treatment effects of neuromodulation and pain interventions, exploring the interplay between objective data and the lived patient experience.
Following these presentations, a moderated panel discussion will provide an opportunity for interactive dialogue with the speakers, exploring implications for trial design, biomarker development, and translational science.
This plenary will conclude with the introduction of the NANS President and the delivery of the Presidential Address and Lifetime Achievement Award, spotlighting both the current and future landscape and legacy of leadership in neuromodulation.
Session Description: Focused ultrasound is a growing therapy option for many neurological diseases. Both high and low intensity focused ultrasound are finding new applications to treat disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and addiction. This course will focus on the neurosurgical approaches for treatment with outcomes and new data for emerging indications. This course will increase the learner’s knowledge in focused ultrasound and its use as an emerging treatment strategy.
Session Description: Enduring pain without sufficient relief can be overwhelming and profoundly impact a patient’s quality of life, particularly among cancer patients, where pain prevalence has been reported as high as 44.5%. Whether resulting from the cancer itself or its treatments, pain can significantly disrupt a patient’s path toward recovery and remission. Notably, survivorship does not guarantee relief, as up to 10% of cancer survivors continue to suffer from severe chronic pain. Historically, patients have often required high doses of opioids, which can lead to intolerable side effects such as sedation and constipation, further diminishing quality of life. To address these limitations, the use of intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS) has increased substantially in recent years as a means to provide effective pain relief with fewer systemic side effects. However, integrating intrathecal pump therapy into clinical practice presents numerous challenges, particularly for cancer-related and treatment-induced pain. These include establishing referral networks, navigating logistical barriers, and optimizing IDDS management to ensure safe and effective therapy. In this session, we aim to equip clinicians with the tools needed to build a successful and sustainable IDDS program, highlighting practical strategies for implementation, educational resources for pain fellows, advanced practice providers (APPs), and registered nurses, and key considerations for delivering high-quality care to this vulnerable patient population.
Session Description: This session explores the rapidly evolving field of light-based neuromodulation and photobiomodulation (PBM) for treating neurological disorders. Recent advances have demonstrated that specific wavelengths of light, particularly in the red to near-infrared spectrum (600-1300 nm), can effectively modulate neural activity through non-thermal photochemical mechanisms. Leading researchers will present cutting-edge developments in both transcranial and implantable PBM technologies, highlighting their applications across multiple neurological conditions including Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, and neuropathic pain. Presentations will examine the fundamental cellular mechanisms underlying PBM, alongside novel approaches to selectively inhibit neural activity through optical methods. The session will showcase emerging clinical evidence from pioneering trials using intracranial photobiomodulation for Parkinson's disease, and advanced measurement techniques to quantify hemodynamic and metabolic responses to transcranial photobiomodulation. Speakers will address key challenges including optimizing light delivery parameters, enhancing tissue penetration, and developing appropriate biomarkers to monitor therapeutic efficacy. This session provides a comprehensive overview of light-based neuromodulation technologies that offer unique advantages in spatial and temporal precision while potentially modifying disease progression rather than merely managing symptoms.
Session Description: Optimizing outcomes and minimizing morbidities of implantable neuromodulation therapies for pain requires comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment, preparation, and post-implant follow-up care of patients who are considered appropriate candidates for these therapies. The panel in this proposed session consists of Pain Medicine physicians, Neurosurgeon, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Neuromodulation for Pain program co-ordinator, Psychologist, and a Neuromodulation outcomes researcher. The expertise and perspectives offered by this panel would allow the audience to gain insights into pertinent aspects of assessment, pre-implant education, and post-implant optimization of patients who receive neuromodulation implants for pain. The panelists will share their personal experience and knowledge of use of validated and widely available assessment tools, neuromodulation education sessions for patients and their carers, and post-implant support therapies including physical and psychological therapies for optimization of outcomes of neuromodulation.
Session Description: Chronic knee pain is a debilitating condition and a leading cause of pain and disability, with osteoarthritis and post-total knee arthroplasty being among the most common and challenging etiologies. Despite its prevalence, significant gaps remain in understanding innervation patterns, and optimal neuromodulation strategies to effectively manage this complex condition. This panel brings together leading experts to explore the latest advancements in understanding chronic knee pain and present evidence-based approaches for targeted treatments.
Session Description: Recently, the field of neuromodulation has encountered significant challenges, including increased insurance scrutiny and difficulties with patient access. This session will outline these challenges and present strategies to maintain and improve access to neuromodulation-based therapies.
Session Description: This session features the most up-to-date research and emerging discoveries, offering timely insights into evolving trends and future directions in the neuromodulation field.
Session Description: This will be a dynamic and insightful panel discussion featuring Editor-in-Chiefs from leading chronic pain and neuromodulation journals, with a plan to delve into the critical aspects of advancing research and manuscript preparation in this rapidly evolving field. Our distinguished panel will tackle pivotal topics such as the vision for future research in neuromodulation, strategies for crafting impactful manuscripts, and the common pitfalls that can hinder a successful submission.
Further, this panel will address burning questions that authors often face, including how to navigate the editorial review process effectively and the importance of revisions in enhancing manuscript quality. In addition, the session will explore collaborative initiatives between journals, emphasizing shared goals that could collectively propel the field forward, such as through the development of multisociety guidelines. Attendees will gain valuable insights on assessing the suitability of a journal for their work and learning about the challenges and benefits posed by the abundance of pain journals. Our goal is to spark a thought-provoking discussion on the need for consolidation and high-quality evidence within the field.
Session Description: Join us for an exciting exploration of first-in-human clinical experience using high-resolution cortical arrays in the intraoperative environment. Developments in brain computer interface (BCI) technologies have resulted in flexible, thin-film arrays with 100s to 1,000s of microelectrodes to record neural activity at high-resolution without penetrating the brain. This non-damaging approach has enabled short-duration testing of BCIs during standard neurosurgical procedures such as deep brain stimulation implantation or tumor resection. In this context, we can decode awake behaviors and map functional brain regions, revealing neural patterns at resolutions never before seen. In this session, you’ll hear firsthand from the neurosurgeons and scientists at the forefront of implementing this technology in the operating room. Details will be shared on best practices for deploying high-resolution thin-film arrays during burr-hole and open craniotomy procedures and designing intraoperative experiment paradigms compatible with standard surgical workflows. You’ll also discover exciting scientific results of real-time decoding of hand gestures and speech using only minutes of intraoperative data, and methods for two-dimensional microscale mapping of neuro-anotomical boundaries. This session will spark discussions of creative intraoperative experimental paradigms, hypotheses, and surgical approaches for testing high-resolution, thin-film BCIs.
Session Description: This 90-minute interactive session will explore the role of wearable sensor technology in neuromodulation therapy, with a focus on dorsal column and dorsal horn stimulation, precision and quantitative pain profiling, nd noninvasive neuromodulation treatment options. Through three expert-led mini-presentations, attendees will learn about using wearables to track and quantify objective outcomes such as physical activity, sleep quality, resting heart rate, gait speed, and mood in patients receiving neuromodulation therapy. The session will also highlight emerging applications of remote monitoring and discuss how digital health tools can enhance real-world patient assessments. Following these presentations, the session will feature 30 minutes of top-ranked abstracts and conclude with a moderated discussion on future directions in wearable-integrated neuromodulation.
Session Description: This session will explore new and advanced treatment options in epilepsy neuromodulation. This will include discussion about how neuromodulation complements resection in this field, and how these two treatment strategies may even be combined in the same patient. We will also explore the recently growing field of thalamic SEEG, and how thalamic recordings may help optimize target selection for neurostimulation. Finaly, while most brain stimulation strategies were originally studied only in adult epilepsy patients, we will explore novel approaches in children with drug resistant epilepsy.
Session Description: Neuromodulation is a rapidly advancing field of medicine that can offer promising treatments for patients who suffer from chronic pain and other neurological and psychiatric comorbidities but also raises significant ethical concerns. These include access and equity, implanter bias, data and privacy security, and ethical issues when dealing with minors. The session will explore these ethical attributes and emphasize the need for a framework to guide ethical applications in neuromodulation technologies.
Session Description: This session will be a panel discussion to answer the proposed clinical question: Should we ablate or stimulate the lumbar medial branch nerve (LMBN) to treat chronic axial low back pain? Speakers will be experts in the field of pain medicine with an emphasis in comprehensive, multidisciplinary spine care from different academic centers nationwide. We will utilize audiovisual aids and have an interactive discussion with the audience reviewing the evidence based behind the clinical question proposed with time for Q&A, slides presentations, review of guidelines and newly published evidence from (past 3 years) on this topic that have the potential to alter the way we perform LMBN ablation and LMBN stimulation and how we may evolve in clinical practice.
Session Description: Neuromodulation practices face significant challenges. Each practice has found their best method for handling these problems. This session will give the audience the opportunity to participate in an active free flowing discussion regarding these issues and how to tackle them. The audience should come prepared with problems and solutions for discussion
Session Description: : High profile publications that imply neuromodulation implants and commonly performed pain procedures are ineffective and should not be performed have become a regular occurrence in the last five years. There are significant implications for patient care and ongoing research if regulatory bodies and funders accept the findings of these publications verbatim and chose to withdraw support. The burden of proof for demonstrating the benefit of these interventions falls on us as healthcare providers and researchers. This session will involve a sequential and logical approach to understanding the impetus behind these publications, motivations of the authors, and identifying strong and weak aspects of these papers. This will be followed by a proposed roadmap for patient care and research that will yield reliable answers on efficacy and adverse effects of these interventions, both from experimental trials and from real world data. The speakers in this session have extensive experience in clinical practice and research on neuromodulation and pain interventions and they have also published and presented balanced critical analysis of many of these and other similar adverse publications in the recent past.
Session Description: This session will review advances in and future directions for neuromodulation approaches for psychiatric disorders. Topics covered include novel approaches to neuromodulation target selection, network approaches to neuromodulation for psychiatric disorders, and novel approaches to identifying and using biomarkers to monitor treatment response and adapt neuromodulation therapies. The session will also cover advances in noninvasive neuromodulation approaches to psychiatric disorders.