Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS)�or Dorsal Column Stimulator (DCS) is an implantable medical device used to treat chronic pain of neurologic origin. An electric impulse generated by the device near the dorsal surface of the spinal cord provides a tingling sensation that alters the perception of pain by the patient. A pain medicine specialist or a surgeon introduces the spinal cord stimulator lead into the epidural space either by percutaneous approach or by surgical laminectomy or laminotomy.
Causes
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been employed in patients with confirmed ischemic heart disease who suffer from refractory angina pectoris despite maximum medical/surgical treatment. Thoracic spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a promising therapy in treating refractory angina.
SCS is a simple treatment for the patient to use. The implantation technique is not more invasive than permanent cardiac pacing. The decisive part of the procedure is the insertion of the electrode and follow-up with support and adjustments of the stimulation.
Advantages
Spinal cord stimulation has three significant advantages:
- SCS can be very effective in reducing chronic pain from certain conditions
- You can have an SCS trial before you have a permanent system implanted, which allows you to see if the therapy works for you
- The implanted device can be turned off permanently or removed if you do not achieve the desired level of relief
- Each type of SCS system has advantages and disadvantages. Should you consider getting a spinal cord stimulator, you and your physician will decide which system is best for your situation. This decision will be based on factors such as your pain pattern, your lifestyle, and how much electrical energy is required to provide adequate pain relief.
Procedure:
There will be a local anesthetic administered before the leads are placed and for the whole procedure a general anesthetic will be given. Once the leads and generator are installed, the surgeon will apply sutures and the patient will then be brought out of the anesthesia slowly.
The SCS system is a totally reversible procedure. The leads can simply be turned off or the entire implant be completely removed.
Recovery
After the procedure, the patient is taken to the recovery room, where it will be shown how to use the stimulator to change programs and how to adjust the strength of the stimulation. The area around the leads should be taken care of carefully to ensure it does not get wet. Activities like extreme lifting and bending should be avoided. Light exercises like walking will be encouraged.
Risks
As in any surgery there is some degree of risks involved, the most common being Infection. Symptoms of an infection include, pus, redness or swelling in the incision area, fever or chills or excessive pain.
Contact your physician immediately if you notice any of the above said symptoms.
