1. RH Odell, MD, PhD1, PM Carney, MD2, RE Sorgnard, PhD3
THE COMBINATION ELECTROCHEMICAL BLOCK (CEB) IN THE TREATMENT OF PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS
RH Odell, MD, PhD1, PM Carney, MD2, RE Sorgnard, PhD3
The Challenge:
Neuropathies are major causes of morbidity, especially in our aging population.
Available treatment options offer limited efficacy and significant side effects.
Electronic signal treatment (EST)
Computer controlled, exogenously delivered specific-parameter digital ultra-high definition signal electroanalgesia
Wide variation of both AM and FM signals including harmonic resonance frequencies are delivered with automatic, varying changes in signal dwell times, repetition rates and dosages (amplitudes) of the electronic digital signals
Known salutary physiologic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, immune system and nerve cell healing effects
A New Solution: Combining EST with chemical nerve blocks (CNB), termed the Combination Electrochemical Block CEB
ENBs achieve a nerve cell depolarization block, while CNBs produce a hyperpolarization block
It is hypothesized that the local nerve membrane polarization state alternates between hyperpolarization and depolarization depending upon differential local conditions along the (macro) sized axon. Both states block neuronal transmission while the cell is able to begin healing.
Otherwise, ENBs and CNBs work on nerve cells in almost exactly the same way
They work synergistically with minimal (easily avoided) side effects
Primary Mechanism of Action: EST/CEB effects on cAMP
In neuropathy & other disease states, measured lower than normal levels of cAMP is well known.
cAMP directs all cell specific activity, and treatments which return cAMP to “normal” appear to have curative effects.
EST via sustained depolarization is known to increase cAMP production up to normal levels.4
EST and the CEB thus normalize cell activity through this primary mechanism and numerous other mechanisms described elsewhere5,6.
Study design: Prospective, nonrandomized, pilot study of 27 patients with four different kinds of neuropathies (diabetic, idiopathic, chemotherapy induced, traumatic). VAS and Peripheral Neuropathy Functional Index (PNFI) were used as endpoints.
Results:
Type
Number
Average CEB
Pain Decreased
No Pain Decrease
% Change in
% Change in PNFI
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy 11
12.4
9 (82%)
2 (18%)
53% decrease
44% functional improvement
Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy 7
10.7
6 (86%)
1 (14%)
56% decrease
36% functional improvement
Drug induced peripheral neuropathy (Chemotherapy) 5
12.6
5 (100%)
71% decrease
47% functional improvement
Post traumatic peripheral neuropathy 4
13.5
3 (75%)
1 (25%)
40% decrease
35% functional improvement
85% of patients exhibited improvement in pain, defined as at least a 25% decrease in VAS.
Benefits of CEB were realized in all categories of neuropathies.
Neuropathy patients showed marked symptom and motor function improvement with this safe and effective technology.
Conclusions :
CEBs have demonstrated effectiveness for the treatment of various neuropathies and chronic inflammatory pain conditions.
CEBs appear to treat underlying causes of neuropathies
CEBs appear to aid in reversing sensory and motor pathophysiology. These outcomes are exciting since there are limited treatment alternatives.
CEBs offer the promise of treating difficult neuropathic pain conditions & deserve further study; a large multicenter study is in planning stages.
1Las Vegas, NV - Contact Dr. Odell at or
 2Elkhart, Indiana
 3Morhea Technologies, Las Vegas, NV
 4Knedlitscheck G, et al. Cyclic AMP response in cells exposed to electric fields of different frequencies and intensities. Radiation Environmental Biophysics :1-7.)
5Odell, Sorgnard. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Electronic Signal Treatment; Pain Physician 2008; 11: (Nov/Dec edition)
6Odell, Sorgnard. New Device Combines Electrical Currents and Local Anesthetic for Pain Management; Practical Pain Management (2011) 11 (6): 52-68