High-Frequency Spine Stimulator
In-Depth Overview
High-Frequency Spinal Stimulation: A Patient’s Guide
If you’re suffering from chronic pain, high-frequency spinal stimulation may provide relief when other treatments have not worked. This guide will give you important information about the procedure, who can benefit from it, and what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
What is High-Frequency Spinal Stimulation?
High-frequency spinal stimulation is an advanced form of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) that uses electrical impulses to block pain signals before they reach the brain. Unlike traditional spinal cord stimulation, which uses low-frequency pulses, high-frequency spinal stimulation delivers pulses at a higher rate (10,000 Hz or more). This higher frequency provides pain relief without the tingling or buzzing sensation (paresthesia) often experienced with traditional SCS.
A small device is implanted in the body to deliver these electrical pulses to the spinal cord, helping to manage chronic pain in the back, legs, and other areas.
Who Benefits From High-Frequency Spinal Stimulation?
High-frequency spinal stimulation is an option for patients who:
- Suffer from chronic pain: Especially in the back, legs, or arms, due to conditions like failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or nerve damage.
- Have not found relief with other treatments: Such as medications, physical therapy, or traditional spinal cord stimulation.
- Wish to avoid further surgery: High-frequency spinal stimulation can be an alternative to more invasive surgeries aimed at treating chronic pain.
Who May Not Be Ideal Candidates?
- Patients with untreated infections, blood clotting disorders, or severe psychiatric conditions.
- Patients who are not able to manage the maintenance of an implanted device.
What to Expect: The High-Frequency Spinal Stimulation Process
Before the Procedure:
- Consultation and Evaluation: You will meet with a pain specialist or interventional radiologist who will evaluate your pain and review your medical history. Imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan may be done to ensure the spinal cord stimulation is right for you.
- Trial Period: Before the permanent device is implanted, a trial stimulation will be performed. During the trial, temporary leads (wires) will be placed near your spinal cord, and you will wear an external device for about a week to determine if the stimulation effectively reduces your pain.
If the trial is successful and you experience significant pain relief, you will proceed with the permanent implantation.
During the Procedure:
- Setting: The procedure to implant the permanent device is typically done in a hospital or outpatient setting by a specialist.
- Anesthesia: You will receive local anesthesia to numb the area where the device will be implanted, along with mild sedation to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
- Procedure Steps:
- A small incision is made near the spine to insert the permanent leads (thin wires) that will deliver the electrical pulses to the spinal cord.
- Another small incision is made, typically in the lower back or abdomen, where the pulse generator (a small, battery-powered device) will be implanted under the skin.
- The leads are connected to the pulse generator, and the system is programmed to deliver high-frequency electrical impulses tailored to your needs.
- The incisions are then closed with stitches or surgical glue.
The entire procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours.
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