Spinal Cord Stimulator

INTRODUCTION:-Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) device is surgically placed under the skin & sends a mild electric current to the spinal cord. There is a small wire which carries the current from pulse generator to nerve fibers of spinal cord. When SCS is turned on , it stimulates nerves of that painful area and pain is reduced because that electrical pulses mask & modify the pain signal from reaching your brain.

Amount of pain relief varies from person to person because stimulation does not eliminate source of pain, but it interferes with the signal to brain for that reason. First trial stimulation is performed before device is implanted permanently. If unsuccessful, implant can be removed & does not damage spinal cord/nerves.

INDICATION

Radicular neulopathic pain (sciatica/arm pain).

Failed back surgery syndrome(pain ever after spine surgery).

Phantom limb pain (after cutting/amputation of limb).

CRPS-1,2.(complex regional pain syndrome-1,2).

Postherpeutic neuralgia.

Ischemic pain due to peripheral vascular disease.

Angina pectoris.

PART

A pulse generator with battery.

Lead wire with electrodes.

Control remote to turn on/off device.

COMPLICATION

Epidural hematoma, hemorrhage.

Infection.

Lead migration.

Battery failure.

Paralysis.