IB-Stim

 

Recently, doctors have started using a new option for reducing functional abdominal pain associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome in adolescents known as IB-Stim. IB-Stim is a non-surgical device that works by sending gentle electrical impulses into the cranial nerve bundles located in the ear.  IB-Stim is the first device or drug therapy approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adolescents with functional pain associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The IB-Stim is a percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulator (PENFS) system intended to be used in patients 11-18 years of age with functional abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The IB-Stim is intended to be used for 120 hours per week up to 3 consecutive weeks, through application to branches of Cranial Nerves V, VII, IX and X, and the occipital nerves identified by transillumination, as an aid in the reduction of pain when combined with other therapies for IBS.

As we discussed the brain-gut connection, you may have wondered how a treatment could target the brain and gut at the same time.  The body gives us ways to get to these parts of your nervous system without drugs or surgery- your ears!  If you imagine your brain as an ocean, there are branches of small nerves in your ear (cranial nerves) that are like rivers that lead into it.

Stimulating the nerves through your ear can change the activity of the amygdala and the vagus nerve, two areas of the brain that are involved in processing pain. That’s what IB-Stim does. It’s the only device that stimulates both simultaneously. Studies have shown that IB-Stim decreased activity in the amygdala by as much as 50%.

 Who shouldn’t use IB-Stim?

Contraindications for the IB-Stim Stimulator include:

  • Use of cardiac pacemakers because no clinical data is available
  • Hemophilia
  • Psoriasis vulgaris

A healthy, clean, intact skin surface is essential for the use of IB-Stim stimulator. So, if the patient has a condition that impacts the skin, the device may not be an appropriate solution.

Risks

No safety data exists in adolescents with IBS treated longer than 4 weeks. Reported side-effects were similar between studied groups. There were no serious adverse events reported with active treatment. Overall, 3.8% of those treated with active IB-Stim developed mild ear discomfort or a localized skin reaction to the adhesive.

Complete risk data is available at : https://ibstim.com/important-information/

Stimulating the nerves through your ear can change the activity of the amygdala and the vagus nerve, two areas of the brain that are involved in processing pain. That’s what IB-Stim does. It’s the only device that stimulates both simultaneously. Studies have shown that IB-Stim decreased activity in the amygdala by as much as 50%.

Placing the IB-Stim is simple. Your doctor places four leads with tiny sterile needles on your ear. Most teens don’t even feel them, but some might feel a slight pinch initially. The leads are attached to a generator that’s secured with adhesive behind your ear. The IB-Stim then stimulates the nerves in your ear during the day and while you sleep at night. After five days you can take it off and dispose of it. Your doctor can tell you how many of these applications you’ll need to control your functional abdominal pain.

Scientific studies have demonstrated significant improvements in pain, overall well-being and ability to go to school and participate in activities after treatment.   Only mild to minimal side effects have been described in less than 4% of patients. This includes irritation in the skin due to adhesive reactions. One study showed that 95% of adolescents treated with IB-Stim said they would recommend the therapy to a friend or family.  Ask your doctor today if IB-Stim is right for you.  You can also check out www.ibstim.com for more info.