Medical progress through technology
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Electrical stimulation was applied to the spinal cord of 75 patients who had demyelinating and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, and 3 patients who had sustained spinal cord injuries. The electrical energy was delivered to the central nervous system by the percutaneous technique. The amount of electrical energy required to produce the perception of paresthesias was measured in 11 patients. ⋯ There was no evidence that electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, when applied via dorsally placed percutaneous electrodes and when carried only to the perception of a paresthesias, has any adverse effect on neurological function. It is hypothecated that the electrical current alters neurotransmitters to enhance the transmission along nervous and neurochemical pathways. The exact mechanisms are unknown at the present time.
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Temporary percutaneous electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves and the spinal cord is a valuable screening technique. This approach will provide a much higher success rate for identifying those patients suitable for a permanently implanted stimulation system. ⋯ The author presents his surgical procedures for stimulation of peripheral nerve and spinal cord. A summary of clinical results is discussed.