Spinal Cord Stimulator
Spinal Cord Stimulator (or dorsal root ganglion stimulation): This is electrical stimulation to the spinal cord using implanted electrodes to block pain sensation. A successful trial may be followed by permanent placement. Used only when:
last resort for severe chronic pain; all other treatment modalities (pharmacological, surgical, psychological, or physical, if applicable) have been tried and failed or are judged to be unsuitable
It does not eliminate pain but masks pain by blocking pain signals before they reach the brain.
The most common hardware-based complication is lead migration where the tingling sensation produced by the device moves to another part of the body.
Other complications are similar to similar procedures such as infection, bleeding, nerve, tissue damage, spinal fluid leaks
SCS should not be turned on while driving or operating heavy equipment. Changes in body position while driving can change the level of stimulation and distract the driver
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