Spinal cord stimulation consists of inhibiting the transmission of painful impulses in the spinal cord by generating electrical impulses. Depending on the characteristics of these electrical impulses, there are different types of stimulation.
Neurostimulation does not cure a disease, but it helps to reduce the intensity of pain and improve the patient’s quality of life.
For which patients is it intended?
It is mainly performed to treat pain of neuropathic characteristics, due to:
- Failed spinal surgery: failed back, lumbar or cervical surgery.
- Amputations of limbs.
- Nerve plexus injuries.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.
- Postherpetic neuralgia.
It can also be used for other pathologies:
- Vascular pathology of extremities.
- Refractory anginal pain.
- In some types of headaches.
- Chronic pelvic pain: when treatment with drugs, surgery, nerve blocks or physical therapy have not been enough.
What does the procedure consist of?
One or two electrodes are placed in the epidural space by means of a percutaneous puncture. The procedure is usually performed in two stages. Firstly, there is the provisional stage, to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
If it turns out that the patient manifests a significant decrease in pain relief and improves their quality of life is performed, secondly, a definitive stage. In this stage, the electrodes are connected to an impulse generator located under the skin in the abdominal area or in the upper part of the buttock.
Is the procedure safe?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and superficial sedation. Most patients tolerate the treatment very well and it is not painful.
On the other hand, it presents the same risks of any surgical procedure: infections and hematomas. However, the frequency of these complications is minimal if appropriate measures are taken.
What is the recovery like?
Recovery is quick and, depending on the patient’s characteristics, it can be done on an outpatient basis or with a one-day hospital stay.
In addition, the therapy is fully reversible: if it is no longer necessary, the implant can be removed with minimal surgery.