Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a last-resort treatment for patients with chronic neuropathic pain. The mechanism underlying SCS and pain relief is not yet fully understood. Because the inflammatory balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules in the spinal nociceptive network is pivotal in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain, the working mechanism of SCS is suggested to be related to the modulation of this balance. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and understand the effects of different SCS paradigms on the central inflammatory balance in the spinal cord. ⋯ In summary, the preclinical findings tend to indicate that there is a distinct SCS paradigm-related effect in the modulation of the central inflammatory balance of the spinal dorsal horn.
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can reduce the need for opioids; however, the influence on the full spectrum of pain medication is less known. The aims of this study were to explore general prescription practices for patients scheduled for SCS, potential differences in prescriptions between Belgium and United Kingdom, and the influence of SCS on pain medication. ⋯ Our combined analysis revealed differences in prescription practice in patients scheduled for SCS implantation between Belgium and United Kingdom. NSAIDs and neuropathic mood agents are more frequently used in the United Kingdom, presumably due to easier access to repeat prescriptions and over the counter medications. After three months of SCS, a decrease in medication use is observed in both countries, with higher reductions in Belgium, presumably due to strict regulations concerning reimbursement criteria.
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Multicenter Study
Does Fibromyalgia Affect the Outcomes of Spinal Cord Stimulation: An 11-Year, Multicenter, Retrospective Matched Cohort Study.
Fibromyalgia is a prevalent disorder manifesting with widespread musculoskeletal pain and central sensitization, as well as fatigue, sleep issues, psychologic distress, and poor quality of life. Patients with fibromyalgia also may be diagnosed with other painful conditions amenable to treatment with spinal cord stimulation (SCS), although it is unclear how these patients respond to SCS compared with patients without fibromyalgia. ⋯ Patients with fibromyalgia who received a diagnosis approved for treatment with SCS may expect similar post-SCS-implantation pain relief, overall satisfaction, and analgesic use rate to those of patients without fibromyalgia.
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Multicenter Study
Early Experience With a Novel Miniaturized Spinal Cord Stimulation System for the Management of Chronic Intractable Pain of the Back and Legs.
A novel, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system with a battery-free miniaturized implantable pulse generator (IPG) was used in this feasibility study. The system uses an external power source that communicates bidirectionally with the IPG (< 1.5 cm3). Human factors, subject comfort, and effects on low back and leg pain were evaluated in this first-in-human study. ⋯ The Clinicaltrials.gov registration number for the study is ACTRN12618001862235.
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Chronic refractory low back pain (CRLBP) is a diagnosis characterized by chronic low back pain in patients who are poor candidates for surgery and fail conservative management. High-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF-SCS) is a new advance in neuromodulation that may be effective in treating these patients. However, the cost burden of this therapy is yet undetermined. ⋯ We present an analysis using large claims data bases of the cost of HF-SCS for treating CRLBP and show that it may be associated with a significant decrease in total health care costs, offsetting device acquisition costs in 27 months. As advances in neuromodulation expand therapy options for patients, it will be important to understand their financial implications.