Nicklaus Children’s is honored to be recognized by NeurAxis — creator of IB-STIM — as an IB-STIM Center of Excellence.
IB-STIM Centers of Excellence are proven dedication to improving the quality of life for young patients (ages 11-18) suffering from functional abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Since inaugurating the IB-STIM program in 2019, Nicklaus Children’s has established and followed best practices to meet pediatric IBS patients’ varying needs. As a result, Nicklaus Children’s offers the most robust IB-STIM program in the Southeast and one of only four IB-STIM Centers of Excellence in the United States.
What is IB-STIM?
IB-STIM is a small, electrical nerve-stimulating device that children wear behind their ear to help reduce abdominal pain related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It was recently approved by the FDA and is a non-drug alternative to relieving this type of pain for patients ages 11 to 18.
How does it work?
The IB-STIM device fights chronic abdominal pain by emitting painless, low-frequency electrical pulses that stimulate the nerve branches of the cranium. The device is worn behind the ear for 5 consecutive days before it is replaced, and it can be used for up to 3 weeks in a row before the patient takes a break. The treatment is typically recommended for treating chronic abdominal pain.
In studies, children using the IB-STIM showed few side effects and significant improvement in their pain from using the IB-STIM device.
Who is a candidate for the IB-STIM?
The IB-STIM device may not be the appropriate treatment for all children with IBS or other forms of chronic abdominal pain. A health care provider may conduct certain tests and review the child’s medical history to determine if it’s the right choice for your child.
What are the risk factors?
There’s a minor risk of ear discomfort or adhesive allergy from using the IB-STIM device. IB-STIM is not recommended for patients with pacemakers, hemophilia or the skin condition known as psoriasis vulgaris.
Learn more about IB-STIM as a treatment to improve IBS symptoms and quality of life for IBS patients.
To refer a patient for IB-STIM or other IBS treatment at Nicklaus Children’s, please contact the Nicklaus Children’s Customer Care Center at 1-888-624-2778.