Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Appropriate spinal cord stimulation (SCS) candidates are required to undergo an SCS trial before implant, typically with ≥50% pain relief deemed "successful." However, SCS trialing protocols can vary substantially. The primary aim of this retrospective study is to investigate the associations between SCS trial results and long-term SCS pain outcomes. ⋯ Given the variability in current assessment techniques, we recommend the patient-reported percentage improvement in pain scale as the posttrial assessment method of choice instead of a calculated percentage improvement. However, our results indicate that current trial assessment methods are generally poor, and improved trial reporting protocols must be sought.
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Despite increasing utilization of spinal cord stimulation (SCS), its effects on chemoefficacy, cancer progression, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) pain remain unclear. Up to 30% of adults who are cancer survivors may suffer from CIPN, and there are currently no effective preventative treatments. ⋯ Collectively, our findings suggest that preemptive SCS is a promising strategy to increase chemoefficacy and prevent PIPN pain via CX3CL1-macrophage modulation.
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Spinal cord stimulator (SCS) placement has been gaining traction as an approach to modulate pain levels for several different chronic pain conditions. This procedure can be performed via a percutaneous or open approach. Data regarding SCS complications are relatively limited. ⋯ The open approach, when compared to the percutaneous approach, had a longer mean LOS, lower outpatient discharge rates, and higher odds of experiencing an operative complication in comparison to the percutaneous approach. The percutaneous approach had relatively increased odds of thirty-day readmission, although no significant difference in one-year readmission or removal was demonstrated.