Device behind ear could ease pain of drug withdrawal

NewsPoints

By:

Ref: The Indianapolis Star

Published: 06/22/2016

Innovative Health Solutions' FDA approved Neuro-Stim System Bridge fits behind the ear and sends electrical feedback to the brain, blocking the pain of opiate withdrawal, The Indianapolis Star reported Wednesday.
"This is the first and only of its kind," said vice president Brian Carrico, adding that "this is groundbreaking. This will absolutely change the face of recovery."
The device and its electrodes are implanted behind the ear, where the cranial nerves are closest to the surface, and a battery-operated chip sends impulses to nerves to block the pain.
The device, which alleviates pain within 20 to 30 minutes, is worn for five days, after which the user undergoes long term assistance, such as counselling and medication-assisted treatment
A study of less than 50 patients, which has yet to be published, found that almost 90 percent of participants who used the device progressed through the first week of detox and into secondary therapy.
The Neuro-Stim System Bridge costs $495, according to the news source.