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Spinal Cord Stimulator SCS

Third tier advanced pain therapy for chronic severe neuropathic pain that has exhausted all other treatments and modalities. The SCS creates an electrical field arround the posterior spinal column and modulates the pain signal perceived by the Central Nervous System (CNS). The nerve pain is converted to a soothing, tingling buzzing sensation.

Spinal Cord Stimulator is used for the following conditions:

  • Failed Laminectomy Syndrome
  • Spinal Stenosis without operative options
  • Chronic Radiculapathy
  • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
  • Generalized Peripheral Neuropathy

How does Spinal Cord Stimulation work?

SCS is an electrical modulation of the spinal cord signaling perceived by the Central Nervous System by stimulating the dorsal column fibers. The SCS lead is placed via the epidural space and configured to provide adequate coverage. A trial is done first in order to test the outcome prior to permanent implantation (i.e. a test run).

What to expect from the Trial Run

A screener will be attached to the electrode leads in the epidural space. An electrical impulse will be delivered and configured to cover one's normal pain with a soothing tingling sensation. You will be awake during the trial leads configuration to ensure adequate pain coverage. You will leave the trial with an external battery pack and remote control to continue to monitor pain coverage for 3-5 days.

Implantation of the Spinal Cord Stimulator

  • A trial is deemed successful if the patient reports a 50% reduction in pain, improved function and less opiate use.
  • Cognitive ability and motivation to use this device.
  • Realistic expectations of benefits and limitations.
  • Psychological clearance to rectify any underlying psychiatric impediments (i.e. depression and anxiety).
Related Providers
Related Testimonials
  • Interventional Procedure "Dr. Safman is caring and communicates well. The discomfort from the spinal injection is very minor. She makes it an easy procedure." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Dr. Charlu and his team was very nice and considerate. Dr Charlu did a good job and I feel better." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Very professional and empathetic; also, very responsive" Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Got back to me quickly with answers to my questions" Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Very friendly and comforting during the procedure. Great experience in what could be a stressful environment." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "The professionalism he and his team displays on each visit." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Pain Management "Lindsay always shows a lot of insight when reviewing my needs. She's courteous, professional and still has the personal touch. She feels like a friend as well as a physician assistant." Provider: Lindsay Charlu Baumhefner PA-C
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Very positive experience, she even remembered me from several years ago." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "The x-ray tech was very nice and of course Dr Safman was super." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "My pain is gone right now. Explains everything she is doing." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Partial relief of my symptoms. I'm able to sit now, still have to tolerate the symptoms but not as severe." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "She communicated with me throughout the procedure." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
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