A spinal cord stimulator is a device used to exert pulsed electrical signals to the spinal cord to control chronic pain. Further applications are in motor disorders. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), in the simplest form, consists of stimulating electrodes, implanted in the epidural space, an electrical pulse generator, implanted in the lower gluteal or buttock region, conducting wires connecting the electrodes to the generator, and the generator remote control. SCS has notable analgesic properties and, at the present, is used mostly in the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and refractory pain due to ischemia.
Successful outcomes are ensured by observing and adhering to careful patient selection criteria. Patients typically do best when the majority of their pain involves the limbs, when there is limited chemical dependence, and when there is minimal psychological overlay associated with their pain. Patients may be screened over a short period with a test lead to determine if proper paresthesia and pain relief are achievable. The parameters of electrical stimulation are externally set by a programmer and are tailored to the needs of the patient.
Pre-op Instructions:
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day of the procedure
- Please make sure your driver is with you at all times.
- Please notify the office if you are taking Asprin, Coumadin, Plavix, Pletal, or Effient.
These medications may need to be held prior to your procedure and you may require certain lab tests prior to your procedure
Post-op Instructions:
- No showering or Tub bathing throughout the duration of your trial- sponge bathing is ok, however you must keep the area on your back with bandages clean and dry so as to prevent and avoid infection.
- No bending, lifting, or twisting – your leads are in your body and any excessive, rapid, or sudden movement can lead to displacement of the leads. Causing your stimulations to change. If you are undergoing a trial lead placement, this may disrupt the quality of your trial and result in an unfortunate and premature termination.
- You will experience postural/positional changes of the stimulation – this is normal
- Any questions regarding the equipment must be directed toward your assigned representative- concerns regarding your stimulation changes/questions, or potential reprogramming matters should be directed to your representative. You will be provided with their contact number.
- Any medical concerns should be directed to your physician office – any wound issues or medication issues should be directed toward your doctor.
- You should expect follow up calls from your representative to check on the status of your trial stimulator- you are expected to be readily available during the week of your trial and to return calls from the representative. Please respond to the representative within 24 hours, as time is essential to the success of the treatment. You may be required to meet with the representative at your physician’s office, in order to modify the stimulation.
- If for some reason you find your self in an accident or in a situation requiring anticoagulation treatment. You must alert the treating physician immediately and all medical personal regarding your stimulator and prior to the initiation of anticoagulation therapy if possible.
- Typically your trial leads will be removed (within a matter of minutes) in the office by either a nurse or the physician.
- Permanent implants will typically have two post op visits: The first visit will be at approximately 7 days out and is geared toward examining the healing process. The second visit occurs approximately two weeks post-op and is to remove staples from the surgical wound.
Our Goal is for you to receive the most accurate and best trial possible so that a quality decision can be made regarding the choice and decision to advance toward a permanent device. Success depends on all of the items listed above.