Spinal cord
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Epidural spinal cord stimulation has been used to decrease spasticity and spasms in spinal cord injury patients. However, the long-term benefits of this procedure have not been determined. We therefore conducted a retrospective study of the possible long-term efficacy of the epidural spinal cord stimulator for the relief of symptoms. ⋯ The total number of implantations in these seventeen patients was 24, (seven patients had undergone a second implantation) costing a total of $566,400. In only one of the patients was the epidural stimulator providing symptomatic relief. The epidural spinal cord stimulator lacks long-term efficacy for the relief of spasticity and pain and is not cost effective.