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  • Spine
  • Pain
  • Neural Engineering

The Forgotten Corridors: Rediscovering Neuromodulation Pathways from Gutter Stimulation to Ventral Cord Stimulation

Details

Date
Saturday, January 23, 2027
Time
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Room
Neopolitan Ballroom III & IV
Session type
Concurrent Session
Schedule
See this day

About

Neuromodulation has traditionally focused on stimulation of the dorsal columns, yet chronic pain processing involves multiple spinal cord circuits. Growing interest is emerging in previously overlooked anatomical corridors, including the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) and the lateral spinal cord "gutter," where primary afferent fibers enter the spinal cord and interact with dorsal horn networks. These regions may represent precision targets for modulating segmental nociceptive processing. Similarly, ventral and ventrolateral spinal cord regions, historically avoided due to motor activation, may provide opportunities for intentional engagement of descending modulatory and propriospinal circuits. With advances in lead design and programming, these areas can now be explored more safely and selectively.

Learning objectives

  • Describe the anatomical and physiological significance of the DREZ and spinal cord gutter as neuromodulation targets.
  • Explain the rationale for ventral and ventrolateral spinal cord stimulation.
  • Discuss emerging techniques for hybrid and multimodal neuromodulation strategies.

Faculty

Presentations