International Neuromodulation Society

The International Neuromodulation Society (INS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the science and awareness of neuromodulation therapies globally. Founded in 1989, the INS is a multidisciplinary society uniting clinicians, scientists, and engineers who share a common interest in the field of neuromodulation.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the INS is to promote and disseminate the science, education, practice, and accessibility of neuromodulation. The society aims to foster collaboration among its diverse members to enhance the field for the benefit of humanity. Its vision involves harnessing international scientific, clinical, and engineering efforts to improve the function of impaired individuals through neuromodulation technologies.

History

The INS was established after the first International Congress on Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation in Groningen, the Netherlands, in 1989. The founding members were a group of physicians from various countries, including Sweden, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. This multidisciplinary approach was a departure from traditional scientific societies, bridging gaps among neurologists, neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons, and cardiologists.

In the early years, the INS faced challenges but began to gain recognition with successful scientific meetings, starting with its first in Rome in 1992. The American Neuromodulation Society, the first INS chapter, was founded in 1995, which significantly increased interest in the field, particularly among the anesthesiology community in the United States.

Activities and Events

The INS hosts biennial world congresses, where experts in neuromodulation gather to share knowledge on the latest advances in the field. These congresses feature plenary sessions, oral presentations, panel discussions, and poster sessions covering both the basic science and clinical effectiveness of neuromodulation therapies. The 16th INS World Congress was held in Vancouver, Canada, in May 2024, with the next congress scheduled for Lisbon, Portugal, in May 2026.

Publications

The INS publishes a peer-reviewed journal, Neuromodulation, which serves as a platform for high-caliber scientific articles on neuromodulation. Additionally, the society has developed a podcast series focusing on emerging techniques and applications of neuromodulation.

Committees

The INS operates through various volunteer committees, including the Polyanalgesic Consensus Committee (PACC), which develops consensus documents on best practices in neuromodulation, particularly concerning intrathecal drug delivery for chronic pain management.

Impact

Through its work, the INS plays a pivotal role in advancing neuromodulation therapies, which include treatments such as spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal drug delivery. These therapies have been shown to provide symptom relief and improve quality of life for patients with chronic conditions such as neuropathic pain and spinal cord injuries.