Neurostimulation is a therapy designed to treat chronic pain when all other treatment modalities have failed. This treatment technique intercepts pain signals before they reach the brain and replaces them with a different, more pleasant sensation. Neurostimulation is most commonly performed on the spinal cord (within the cervical and lumbar sections of the spine) and the occipital nerves.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)—also known as dorsal column stimulation—is a procedure in which a device known as a pulse generator is surgically implanted beneath the skin to manage chronic back pain. The pulse generator sends electrical impulses through wires with electrodes attached in order to achieve proper Neurostimulation. The device has various settings that affect impulse strength.
SCS is performed in two stages: trial stimulation and permanent implantation of the device.
Trial stimulation is necessary to determine if SCS is effective. During the procedure, temporary wires—guided by fluoroscopy, a special type of X-ray—are placed on the spinal cord and attached to an external battery that is worn on a belt. Patients will be asked to keep a written log of all the stimulation settings during various activities, including the level of pain relief. After a short trial period, patients will return to discuss results and determine if permanent implantation is an option.
If patients have success with the trial process, permanent implantation is the next step. During this procedure, the wires are positioned in the necessary areas and are briefly tested to ensure correct placement. The wires are then sutured in place.
Once the wires are secured, the surgeon creates a pocket between the skin and muscle layers to insert the stimulation device. The wires are connected to the device, and the incision is then closed.
Patients who may qualify for SCS have exhausted all other methods of treatment and have chronic back pain caused by:
Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is a procedure in which wires with electrodes are placed on the occipital nerves to deliver electric impulses from a Neurostimulation device similar to that of a pacemaker for the heart. These impulses help to manage the pain associated with chronic headaches and migraines when all other methods of treatment have failed.
Like SCS, ONS is performed in two stages: trial stimulation and permanent implantation of the device.
Trial stimulation is necessary to determine if ONS is effective. During the procedure, temporary wires—guided by fluoroscopy, a special type of X-ray—are inserted into the base of the skull and placed on the occipital nerves. They are then attached to an external battery that is worn on a belt. Patients will be asked to keep a written log of all the stimulation settings during various activities, including the level of pain relief. After a short trial period, patients will return to discuss results and determine if permanent implantation is an option.
If patients have success with the trial process, permanent implantation is the next step. During the procedure, the wires are positioned in the necessary areas and briefly tested to ensure correct placement. The wires are then sutured in place.
Once the wires are secured, the surgeon creates a pocket between the skin and muscle layers to insert the stimulation device (usually in the buttock, chest, low abdomen underneath the shoulder blade or below the clavicle). The wires are connected to the device, and the incision is then closed.
Patients who may qualify for ONS have exhausted all other methods of treatment for chronic headache and have conditions, including:
At IGEA Brain & Spine, we specialize in Neurostimulation for patients living with certain spine and headache-related conditions. We are one of the premier practices in the tri-state area offering SCS therapies and work with Medtronic, St. Jude Medical™, Boston Scientific, Nevro® and Nuvectra™. Utilizing the latest tools and techniques, we provide a superior quality of care for this and other brain, spine and neuroendovascular conditions.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.