Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Observational Study
Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Improve Sleep Disturbances Independently of Pain Relief in Patients With Chronic Pain? An Explorative, Observational Study.
Chronic pain poses a significant health challenge worldwide and is associated with both disability and reduced quality of life. Sleep disturbances are reported in 67% to 88% of patients with chronic pain. Pain and sleep affect each other reciprocally; we aimed to study this bidirectional relationship in patients treated with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic pain. Specifically, we investigated whether sleep improves after treatment with SCS and whether this improvement may be mediated by pain reduction. ⋯ We found that patients treated with SCS showed significant improvements in both insomnia and pain intensity at first follow-up. Improvements in insomnia and pain intensity were significantly but weakly associated, and improvements in pain intensity score did not mediate improvements in insomnia score. Thus, improvements in self-reported insomnia in patients treated with SCS for chronic pain may predominantly be caused by other factors than reduced pain intensity.
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Observational Study
Evaluating Spinal Cord Stimulation as a Therapeutic Strategy for Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome: A Retrospective Observational Study.
Postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a chronic condition that significantly impacts breast cancer survivors, marked by persistent neuropathic pain that is often unresponsive to conventional therapies. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a promising intervention for managing this type of pain. This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of SCS in managing PMPS and identify patient-specific factors impacting treatment outcomes. ⋯ SCS is an effective treatment for PMPS, with age, BMI, psychologic treatments, and prior radiotherapy being significant predictors of outcomes. Tailoring treatment plans to these factors can potentially enhance pain management for patients with PMPS.
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Restorative neurostimulation of the lumbar multifidus muscle is a novel therapy for chronic nonspecific low back pain (CLBP). Previous studies have excluded patients with prior lumbar surgery. In this study, we describe outcomes in patients with CLBP after prior lumbar surgery. ⋯ The early outcome profiles after restorative neurostimulation after lumbar spinal surgery are similar to those reported in patients without prior surgery. Further prospective clinical studies are required to establish the validity of these findings.
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Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has emerged as a minimally invasive percutaneous procedure addressing neuropathic pain. However, the percutaneous cylindrical lead ultrasound-guided implantation procedure requires expertise that limits widespread PNS utilization. To overcome these challenges, a microinvasive endoscopy device has very recently been developed, enhancing the precision of PNS implantation by providing accurate visualization of the targeted nerve. We aimed to determine the feasibility, safety, clinical effectiveness, and energy consumption of PNS therapy by means of ultrasound guidance combined with microendoscopy. ⋯ Implanted PNS by means of ultrasound combined with microendoscopy was safe and provided clinical benefits with very low energy consumption (15-440 times less than spinal cord stimulation) in patients with upper or lower limb neuropathic pain. Microendoscopy would offer extended PNS indications, overcoming limitations associated with ultrasound alone. Future research is nonetheless needed to provide stronger evidence through randomized controlled trial design.
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Restorative neurostimulation for multifidus muscle is a novel therapy for chronic low back pain (CLBP). Optimal outcomes require interdisciplinary follow-up. We describe a clinical care pathway (CPW) for this therapy and report patient compliance, clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction with the CPW. ⋯ The CPW facilitated clinical management and optimized outcomes in patients having restorative neurostimulation. Its design and delivery were very well accepted by patients.