Acta neurochirurgica. Supplement
-
Acta Neurochir. Suppl. · Jan 2007
Neuromodulatory approaches to chronic pelvic pain and coccygodynia.
Intractable chronic pelvic pain (CPP) despite a multidisciplinary approach is challenging to treat. Every structure in the abdomen and/or pelvis could have a role in the etiology of CPP. Management of chronic pelvic pain may require a combination of interventions, including pharmacological, physical and psychological therapy. ⋯ Targeted and PNS probably are underused treatment modalities given the simplicity of the technique. The introduction of a stimulating electrode directly to the center of peripherally affected, painful areas, thereby bypassing the spinal cord and peripheral nerves is a novel simple procedure with effectiveness in the control of intractable neuropathic pain. Development of newer devices and miniaturization of electrodes will play a role in refinement and further simplification of subcutaneous neuromodulation.
-
Acta Neurochir. Suppl. · Jan 2007
ReviewEfficacy of intrathecal baclofen delivery in the management of severe spasticity in upper motor neuron syndrome.
In the treatment of patients with severe spasticity, intrathecal administration of baclofen (ITB) was introduced in order to exert its effect directly at the receptor sites in the spinal cord, and have better therapeutic efficacy with smaller drug doses compared to oral antispasmodic medications. Apart from our own research in Groningen, a review is performed to present and discuss the efficacy of ITB in patients with spasticity and hypertonia as symptoms of the upper motor neuron syndromes. The majority of the ITB studies describe proven efficacy in the reduction of spasticity and spasms in short-term and long-term follow-up. ⋯ A few studies reported significant improvement in walking performance in ambulant patients. The studies that have been done on the efficacy of ITB in relation to quality of life (QOL) showed some evidence of improvement. Future research is needed on fine tuning in the ITB therapy using functional assessment instruments.
-
Acta Neurochir. Suppl. · Jan 2007
Clinical TrialDiaphragm pacing with a spinal cord stimulator: current state and future directions.
Diaphragm pacing with electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve is an established treatment for central hypoventilation syndrome. The device, however, is not readily available. We tested the same spinal cord stimulator we use for pain control in phrenic nerve stimulation. ⋯ The amplitude of the output was adjusted to obtain sufficient tidal volume and to maintain PaCO2 at around 40 mm Hg. During a follow-up period up to four years, stable and sufficient ventilation was observed in all patients without any complications. Although further long follow-up is necessary, diaphragm pacing with the spinal cord stimulator is feasible and effective for the treatment of the central hypoventilation syndrome.
-
Acta Neurochir. Suppl. · Jan 2007
Clinical TrialSpinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic non-malignant pain.
Over the past four decades, techniques and devices for spinal cord stimulation have undergone considerable refinement. Currently, percutaneous implantable electrodes are placed in the epidural space and a low-frequency electrical current is used to modify the transmission of chronic pain signals in the dorsal columns of the spinal cord. Before permanent implantation, the spinal cord stimulation will be examined during a test phase to determine its analgesic effect and tolerability. ⋯ At the end of the follow-up period, 50% of the patients were in a better psychological status and 86% of the patients reported an improvement in activities of their daily living and a reduction in the use of analgesic medication. Ninety percent of the patients stated that they would go through the procedure again for the same result. The findings of the present study indicate that spinal cord stimulation is an efficacious therapy for the treatment of chronic non-malignant pain.
-
Acta Neurochir. Suppl. · Jan 2007
Clinical TrialMinimally invasive placement of epidural plate electrodes under local anaesthesia in spinal cord stimulation.
In the treatment of pain syndromes of different aetiologies a change has occurred from destructive interventions to stimulation procedures. Spinal cord stimulation is the best known example of this treatment strategy. It is used often in patients with persistent neuropathic pain syndromes in an extremity, for instance following low back surgery. ⋯ Besides this, the laminectomy procedure can subsequently result in new pain complaints due to the invasiveness of the procedure. To solve both problems we have modified the implantation technique. By using a tubular retractor system (METRx system, Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Memphis, TN), originally developed for minimally invasive degenerative disc surgery, it is possible to reach the epidural spinal space and introduce the plate electrode with a small approach under local anaesthesia both allowing trial stimulation and avoiding severe postoperative backache related to the approach in these patients.