Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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We evaluated trends in inpatient spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for the 14-year period from 1993 to 2006. ⋯ Given the expense of these systems, it is important to assess not only the efficacy of novel neuromodulatory interventions, but also their cost. Future studies should be designed with these important outcome measures in mind.
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This paper examined the efficacy of an implantable electrical stimulator in rats for the functional regeneration of peripheral nerves. ⋯ The results suggest that the functional recovery of a severed peripheral nerve by the proposed implantable electrical stimulator was achieved through electrical current stimulation along the use of a collagen coating on the conduit surface.
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Chronic back and leg pain associated with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is common in the elderly. Surgical decompression is usually performed when conservative treatments fail. We present an evaluation of the long-term outcome of patients suffering from symptomatic LSS treated with spinal cord stimulation (SCS). ⋯ Spinal cord stimulation seems to be effective in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic pain associated with LSS. Being less invasive and reversible, SCS should be considered before surgical decompression, particularly in patients with increased risks associated with back surgery.
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Spinal cord stimulation devices provide a means of creating an electric field. The parameters used to produce this electric field are: pulse amplitude, pulse width (Pw), and pulse frequency (F). ⋯ In the usual Pw ranges, it seems that its usefulness is limited to obtaining finer adjustments in the stimulation amplitude. Frequency management may be significantly useful to get a wider coverage of the stimulated area.
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used for treatment of pain arising from a variety of pathologies. Reported side-effects related to SCS are most commonly technical complications including malfunction, lead migration, or severance. Up to date, only a few cases of gastrointestinal side-effects have been reported. ⋯ In this case report, we described the uncommon side-effect of nausea because of SCS that resolved over time allowing continued neurostimulation therapy in a patient with arachnoiditis and failed lumbar back surgery syndrome. We encourage other providers to report similar cases to help elucidate the mechanism of these seemingly underreported side-effects to allow continuation of the therapeutic effects of SCS.