Member Spotlight
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Q/A
Dr. Eellan Sivanesan is an Associate Professor and Director of Neuromodulation at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. With expertise in spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion and peripheral nerve stimulation, intrathecal drug delivery, percutaneous spine interventions, and cancer-related pain, he is dedicated to advancing effective solutions for complex pain patients. His early experiences with neuromodulation—witnessing its unexpected success in non-traditional pain indications—sparked a deep curiosity that continues to drive both his clinical practice and research. As an active member of NANS, he remains committed to staying at the forefront of emerging innovations in the field.
Areas of Expertise:
Spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, intrathecal drug delivery, percutaneous spine interventions, and cancer-related pain.
Why I enjoy what I do:
In my line of work, I frequently encounter complex pain patients who have seen multiple specialists without finding relief. However, in carefully selected cases, we are often able to find effective solutions using the latest advancements in pain management. These cases are incredibly rewarding.
How I became interested in neuromodulation:
My interest in neuromodulation grew from the gaps in our understanding of its mechanisms of action. Early in my career, I often observed that spinal cord stimulation could be effective for non-traditional pain indications and in situations where success seemed unlikely. This lack of understanding, combined with the immense potential for applying it to novel indications, sparked my curiosity.
I am a member of NANS because:
Being a member of NANS allows me to stay current with the latest advancements in the field and emerging approaches to neuromodulation. This up-to-date knowledge guides both my research and clinical practice.
My favorite movie:
My kids are huge fans of Jurassic Park, and we’ve watched all the movies more times than I’d like to admit. While the genetically engineered dinosaurs and implantable technologies are purely fictional, it’s interesting to consider the educational aspects—like discussions on genetics, biotechnology, and ethics.
Words to live by:
“He who studies medicine without books sails an uncharted sea, but he who studies medicine without patients does not go to sea at all.” – Sir William Osler