From the Introduction by Elliot S. Krames

Neuromodulation as defined by the International Neuromodulation Society (INS) is "a field of science, medicine, and bioengineering that encompasses implantable and non-implantable technologies, electrical, optical, chemical, for the purpose of improving the life of humanity." It is technology at the neural interface. This reference work is divided into 11 sections, the first section naturally being "An Introduction to Neuromodulation." This section defines the field and considers thoughts, understandings, and key questions in the field. Though not based on the rigorous bibliographical research of the rest of this work, this introduction to the field is necessary reading before delving into the heart of the rest of the text.

The first of these introductory chapters, "What Is Neuromodulation?", written by Drs Krames, Peckham, Rezai, and Aboelsaad, defines neuromodulation as distinct from, but inclusive of, prior terms that include neurostimulation, neuroaugmentation, functional electrical stimulation, neural prosthetics, brain — machine interface, intrathecal and intraventricular drug delivery systems, etc. The authors set the tone for the new and exciting field of neuromodulation by defining populations of patients that might require these devices (the market) and discuss by disease process what is known about the disease and how devices may and do improve patients with the disease. In subsequent chapters of this section Phil Gildenberg, MD, a true hero and founder of the field and Past President of the World and American Societies of Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery (WSSFN, ASSFN), discusses the field in its historical context; Mary Pat Aardrup, Executive Vice President of the National Pain Foundation, and Alan Dyer, Psychiatrist and Ethicist, discuss the important issues of whom neuromodulation serves and whom does it not serve; Paul Meadows, PhD and bioengineer, past President of the International Functional Neuromodulation Society (IFESS), discusses the challenges that inventors and manufacturers have in moving products or ideas toward product development; James Cavuoto, PhD, founder of Neurotech Reports and author of several market research reports and white papers related to neurotechnology, discusses "The Birth of an Industry" as it relates to the field of neuromodulation; authors Ross Davis, MD, IFESS (International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society), Functional Electrical Stimulation Editor for the journal Neuromodulation, Technology at the Neural Interface , Philip Gildenberg, MD, Giancarlo Barolat, Past President of the INS, Elliot Krames, MD, Editor in Chief of Neuromodulation, Technology at the Neural Interface, President of the INS, and Editor of this present work, Dejan Popovic, Professor of Rehabilitation Engineering, Center for Sensory Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Aalborg University, Denmark, and Paul Meadows, PhD discuss the relevant Societies built around the field (WSSFN, ASSFN, INS, IFESS); Dan Carr, MD, Saltonstall Professor of Pain Research in the Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine at New England Medical Center (NEMC) and Anthony Eidelman, MD, Instructor Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, discuss clinical study designs for neuromodulation; Dan Doleys, PhD and psychologist, discusses the necessary components of a psychological evaluation for the patient who is considered a candidate for neuromodulation; and finally, but certainly not least, Joseph Fins, PhD, Chief, Division of Medical Ethics, Professor of Medicine, Professor Public Health, Professor of Medicine in Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, discusses ethical considerations for implanters and patients undergoing implantation and medical research in the field.