spinal cord stimulator

Spinal cord stimulators, also known as dorsal column stimulators, are surgically placed devices to aid with symptom relief in individuals with chronic neurological pain (e.g. failed back syndrome, brachial plexopathy, complex regional pain syndrome).

It uses low voltage electrical current delivered by electrodes on the surface of the cord to prevent pain signal from reaching the brain. The underlying pathophysiology is not entirely understood, however, increase in levels of GABA and serotonin stimulated by an electrical pulse in the area of dorsal horns is one of the potential mechanisms .

Patients may feel a tingling sensation in the area of electrodes placement when the stimulator is on. Although it varies between individuals, generally it reduces pain sensation by ~60% .

Procedure

An internal pulse generator is implanted in the subcutaneous tissues of the flank, paraspinal, abdominal or upper gluteal regions with leads extending into the spinal canal with epidural electrodes placed adjacent to the dorsal columns. Two types of electrodes can be implanted :

• cylindrical: placed via percutaneous technique under fluoroscopy
• paddle: placed surgically via laminectomy or laminotomy

Complications

Complicated include :

• device-related, e.g. device malfunction, lead/electrode break or migration
• biological, e.g. infection, fluid collection or wound dehiscence, CSF leak, cord/nerve damage, epidural hematoma/abscess

Siehe auch:

• thorakale Implantate / Devices
• abdominelle Implantate

und weiter:

• Fremdmaterial im Röntgenbild des Thorax
• Neurostimulation
• scalp electrodes for migraine
• abdominelle Implantate und Devices