This is a procedure where in a device (spinal cord stimulator) is used to exert pulsed electrical signals to the�spinal cord�to control pain. This is commonly used for the treatment of�failed back surgery syndrome,�complex regional pain syndrome�and refractory pain due to ischemia. This can be an effective alternative or adjunct treatment to other therapies that have failed to manage pain on their own.
Indications:
It is a Medtronic implantable neurostimulation system is indicated for spinal cord stimulation for chronic, intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs-including unilateral or bilateral pain for below:
Multiple back operations
Epidural fibrosis
Peripheral causalgia
Unsuccessful disk surgery
Postlaminectomy pain
Treatment and Diagnosis:
The procedure involves the delivery of mild electrical signals into the epidural space.
When SCS is used selected chronic pain patients, neurostimulation may:
Activity levels Increase.
There is a improvement in pain relief
Narcotic medications usage reduces
Reduces surgery procedures, cost of healthcare
Improved quality of life
This is a non-destructive treatment compared with surgery
Physician has control over patient
Risks:
There is risk similar to any surgery treatment like:
Spinal Fluid Leakage
Paralysis
Infection
Bleeding
Allergic Reaction
Paralysis
Benefits:
� In this procedure you get to decide when you need the procedure
� As the system is portable it would not affect your daily routine
� Travelling will not affect you as it would be with you, however sitting for a long time may affect
� Your extracurricular activities will not be affected like walking, swimming, and gardening
Preautions:
� You should not be driving or using heavy equipment; however you can be a passenger
� Spinal cord stimulators may set off metal detectors(surveillance areas)you need to carry a identification certificate that states you have spinal cord stimulation system
� When travelling by air the airline in charge may want you to turn off the stimulator while landing and take off
� The stimulator magnet may erase or cause damage to magnetic strips
�
Note:�This can decrease your pain by 50-70% and there is guarantee that spinal cord stimulation will alleviate all of your discomfort.
