ELECTRICAL STIMULATION IN HEALING
WOUNDS ON DIABETIC PATIENTS--
OVERVIEW

PROGRAM GOAL

To ascertain the effectiveness of electrical stimulation on wounds in limbs of Diabetic patients with extreme complications.

PARAMETERS

All patients are adult on set Diabetics. All patients have severe infection and lack of circulation in one or more feet. All patients have been scheduled for amputation of the limb involved. A Medical Doctor will be supervising the program. One neuromuscular electronic stimulator unit will be used (the Neuro Care 1000™). The method of treatment with this modality will be according to the Neuro Care™ Protocol©.

OVERVIEW

Each patient is of Mexican descent. Patients are referred by the Social Security hospitals in Mexico City, Mexico.

Though patients have individual wound location, they are similar in that the wounds are all located on the feet. Four patients are followed in this particular group.

The patients in this group are all of limited economic resources which generally contributes to the rapid progression due to complications. All patients have been treated previously with conventional methods, for long periods, without success. Financial resources is a major factor in why the "system" is wanting to acquire a more economical and efficacious treatment for these individuals.

Prior to entering this program, patient's blood sugar was only checked weekly (at best) and they received little or no counseling as to diet or hygiene. The medical community is disheartened when presented with these patients and their complications due to diabetes. In fact, in 1996 one hospital treating 75 patients with diabetic foot, amputated 95% of the patient's limbs.

CLINIC SETTING

All treatments in the clinic are supervised by a physician. Dr. Jorge E. Ahedo is the physician in charge. Regular monitoring of patient's glucose levels, antibiotics are given (if necessary), plus daily wound cleaning is done by a professional (usually a nurse). To insure consistency in treatment, the hospital Chief of Staff is also monitoring the program.

Patients must:

1. Be on time for their appointments (each patient received two 45-minute treatments per day)
2. Obey dietary restrictions
3. Home hygiene (changing sheets, elevating the bed, changing socks daily, following instructions on personal care, etc.)

TREATMENT RESULTS

Patient results can be seen by the pictures in the following pages. These patients have all benefited through education (instruction on their illness and methods of proper hygiene). Patients have become more aggressively involved in their proper cleaning methods. All wounds were healed. And the patients were directed to the free classes at Eli Lilly to continue their education in self-care.

CONCLUSION

Even though the patient's benefited by learning how to maintain diet and clean wounds, the wounds were not healing with conventional means. What apparently made the difference is the use of the Neuro Care 1000™. By increasing the circulation to the diseased limb, not only did the wounds heal, but sensitivity returned.

The treatment program using the Neuro Care 1000™ and its designated protocols are extremely successful in increasing localized circulation even when there are extreme complications and disease factors involved.

PATIENT INTAKE PROCEDURE

1. Introduce the patient to the therapy and explain their responsibility. If they do not comply they will not be allowed to continue with the therapy program. Patient's family members or primary caregiver were also interviewed to assure their understanding of the importance of compliance. Because some of the clinics are closed on Sunday, the wound cleaning was to be done at home. In those cases the doctor trains them in the necessary procedure.
2. Patient signs a release form.
3. A complete patient history is taken. If their blood sugar has not been monitored on a daily basis, the doctor writes the necessary prescription. He also checks their medication (antibiotics, diuretics) to determine if they are being taken as prescribed.
4. Take photos.
5. Progress is reported on a daily report.

NOTE: Each patient has his/her own set of electrodes to prevent spread of infection or re-infection.

Diabetic Extremity Wounds:

Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Case Study 3
Case Study 4

Gangrene:

Wet Gangrene
Dry Gangrene

Bedsores:

Bedsores 1
Bedsores 2