Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a neuromodulation technology that has emerged as a valid treatment for chronic intractable neuropathic pain. After conventional tonic SCS, new waveforms of stimulation, like high frequency (HF), have proved that they can provide safe and effective pain relief. In addition, SCS is now being utilized more broadly as a potential treatment for a range of indications, including motor disorders and spasticity. Our study presents a retrospective analysis of 20 patients with heterogenous aetiologies of neuropathic pain treated with HF stimulation, after a standardized protocol in a temporary trial. We observed a significant improvement in pain relief according to comparisons of numerical rating scale (NRS) scores before the procedure, after the clinical trial and at latest follow-up. Two unusual clinical cases were also reported, and the pertinent literature was discussed.
Keyphrases
- neuropathic pain
- spinal cord
- high frequency
- spinal cord injury
- transcranial magnetic stimulation
- clinical trial
- study protocol
- randomized controlled trial
- systematic review
- chronic pain
- heart failure
- phase iii
- minimally invasive
- pain management
- current status
- atrial fibrillation
- combination therapy
- climate change
- botulinum toxin
- cerebral palsy
- replacement therapy