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ABSTRACT: Background
Early results from the use of neuromodulation by percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the management of trigeminal-mediated headshaking in horses were promising but lacked sufficient case numbers and long-term follow-up. The neuromodulatory procedure has since been established as EquiPENS™.Objectives
The aim of this study was to report long-term results from a larger number of cases and to investigate for predictors of outcome.Study design
Prospective case series using international, multi-centre data.Methods
Eligible cases were horses with a veterinary diagnosis of trigeminal-mediated headshaking, which received EquiPENS™ neuromodulation at trained centres between August 2013 and November 2017. The standard protocol was an initial three-procedure course, with additional procedures should a horse go into remission but then relapse. Data collected included signalment, history, diagnostic tests performed, details of any complications, whether horses had gone into remission and the length of remission.Results
Results were obtained from 168 horses, with 530 procedures. The complication rate was 8.8% of procedures. In all but one case, complications were mild and transient, without self-trauma. Remission of headshaking following the initial course occurred in 53% (72/136) of horses. Median length of time recorded in remission was 9.5 weeks (range 2 days to 156 weeks ongoing). Where signs recurred, most horses went back into remission following additional procedures, usually for longer than from the previous procedure. No predictors for outcome were determined.Main limitations
No placebo or control group, owner-assessed results.Conclusions
EquiPENS™ neuromodulation can be an effective and safe treatment for the management of trigeminal-mediated headshaking in some horses. An increased understanding of neuromodulation could help optimise the technique. Advances in treatment for trigeminal-mediated headshaking will remain limited until there is a greater understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of the condition.
SUBMITTER: Roberts VLH
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7317358 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Roberts V L H VLH Bailey M M Patel N K NK
Equine veterinary journal 20190923 2
<h4>Background</h4>Early results from the use of neuromodulation by percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the management of trigeminal-mediated headshaking in horses were promising but lacked sufficient case numbers and long-term follow-up. The neuromodulatory procedure has since been established as EquiPENS™.<h4>Objectives</h4>The aim of this study was to report long-term results from a larger number of cases and to investigate for predictors of outcome.<h4>Study design</h4>Prospective ...[more]