The Neuromodulation Foundation

Practice Parameters for the Use of Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Pain

Other Neuropathic Pain Syndromes

Is SCS indicated for the treatment of other neuropathic pain syndromes (peripheral neuropathic pain, phantom limb/postamputation syndrome, postherpetic neuralgia, root injury pain, spinal cord injury/ lesion)?

Yes.

Strength of recommendation	Evidence sources/rationale
B = Recommended Uncertain validity, apparently useful	Well-designed clinical studies Case reports Weighing risk versus potential benefit and expert consensus reveals a good likelihood of a favorable outcome

Peripheral neuropathic pain

Murphy D, Laffy J, O'Keeffe D. Electrical spinal cord stimulation for painful peripheral neuropathy secondary to coeliac disease. Gut 42(3):448-449, 1998.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Mearini M, Podetta S, Catenacci E, d’Auria P, Cornali C, Mortini P. Spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of upper and lower extremity neuropathic pain due to Lyme Disease. Neuromodulation 10(2):142-147, 2007.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kumar A, Felderhof C, Eljamel MS. Spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of refractory unilateral limb pain syndromes. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 81(1-4):70-74, 2003.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Cata JP, Cordella JV, Burton AW, Hassenbusch SJ, Weng HR, Dougherty PM. Spinal cord stimulation relieves chemotherapy-induced pain: a clinical case report. J Pain Symptom Manage 27(1):72-78, 2004.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Peripheral neuropathic pain in studies with mixed indications

Van de Kelft E, De La Porte C. Long-term pain relief during spinal cord stimulation. The effect of patient selection. Qual Life Res 3(1):21-27, 1994.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Sundaraj SR, Johnstone C, Noore F, Wynn P, Castro M. Spinal cord stimulation: a seven-year audit. J Clin Neurosci 12(3):264-270, 2005.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Spiegelmann R, Friedman WA. Spinal cord stimulation: a contemporary series. Neurosurgery 28(1):65-70, 1991.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

North RB, Kidd DH, Zahurak M, James CS, Long DM. Spinal cord stimulation for chronic, intractable pain: experience over two decades. Neurosurgery 32(3):384-394, 1993.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Nielson KD, Adams JE, Hosobuchi Y. Experience with dorsal column stimulation for relief of chronic intractable pain: 1968–1973. Surg Neurol 4:148–152, 1975.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Meglio M, Cioni B, Visocchi M, Tancredi A, Pentimalli L. Spinal cord stimulation in low back and leg pain. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 62(1-4):263-266, 1994.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

May MS, Banks C, Thomson SJ. A retrospective, long-term, third-party follow-up of patients considered for spinal cord stimulation. Neuromodulation 5(3):137-144, 2002.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Lazorthes Y, Siegfried J, Verdie JC, Casaux J. Chronic spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of neurogenic pain. Cooperative and retrospective study on 20 years of follow-up [French]. Neurochirurgie 41(2):73-86, 1995.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kumar K, Toth C, Nath RK, Laing P. Epidural spinal cord stimulation for treatment of chronic pain--some predictors of success. A 15-year experience. Surg Neurol 50(2):110-120, 1998.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kumar K, Hunter G, Demeria D. Spinal cord stimulation in treatment of chronic benign pain: challenges in treatment planning and present status, a 22-year experience. Neurosurgery 58(3):481-494, 2006.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kay AD, McIntyre MD, Macrae WA, Varma TR. Spinal cord stimulation--a long-term evaluation in patients with chronic pain. Br J Neurosurg 15(4):335-341, 2001.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Broseta J, Roldán P, González-Darder J, Bordes V, Barcia-Salorio JL. Chronic epidural dorsal column stimulation in the treatment of causalgic pain. Appl Neurophysiol 45:190-194, 1982.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Broggi G, Servello D, Dones I, Carbone G. Italian multicentric study on pain treatment with epidural spinal cord stimulation. Stereotac Funct Neurosurg 62(1-4):273-278, 1994.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Allegri M, Arachi G, Barbieri M, Paulin L, Bettaglio R, Bonetti G, Demartini L, Violini A, Braschi A, Bonezzi C. Prospective study of the success and efficacy of spinal cord stimulation. Minerva Anestesiol 70(3):117-124, 2004.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Phantom limb/postamputation syndrome

Nittner K. Localization of electrodes in cases of phantom limb pain in the lower limbs. Appl Neurophysiol 45:205-208, 1982.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Krainick JU, Thoden U, Riechert T. Pain reduction in amputees by long-term spinal cord stimulation. Long-term follow-up study over 5 years. J Neurosurg 52(3):346-350, 1980.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Katayama Y, Yamamoto T, Kobayashi K, Kasai M, Oshima H, Fukaya C. Motor cortex stimulation for phantom limb pain: comprehensive therapy with spinal cord and thalamic stimulation. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 77(1-4):159-162, 2001.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Phantom limb/postamputation syndrome in studies with mixed indications

Van de Kelft E, De La Porte C. Long-term pain relief during spinal cord stimulation. The effect of patient selection. Qual Life Res 3(1):21-27, 1994.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Sundaraj SR, Johnstone C, Noore F, Wynn P, Castro M. Spinal cord stimulation: a seven-year audit. J Clin Neurosci 12(3):264-270, 2005.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Sánchez-Ledesma MJ, García-March G, Diaz-Cascajo P, Gómez-Moreta J, Broseta J. Spinal cord stimulation in deafferentation pain. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 53(1):40-45, 1989.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

North RB, Kidd DH, Zahurak M, James CS, Long DM. Spinal cord stimulation for chronic, intractable pain: experience over two decades. Neurosurgery 32(3):384-394, 1993.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Nielson KD, Adams JE, Hosobuchi Y. Experience with dorsal column stimulation for relief of chronic intractable pain: 1968–1973. Surg Neurol 4:148–152, 1975.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

May MS, Banks C, Thomson SJ. A retrospective, long-term, third-party follow-up of patients considered for spinal cord stimulation. Neuromodulation 5(3):137-144, 2002.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Lang P. The treatment of chronic pain by epidural spinal cord stimulation - a 15 year follow up: present status. Axon 71-73, 1997.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kumar K, Nath R, Wyant GM. Treatment of chronic pain by epidural spinal cord stimulation: a 10-year experience. J Neurosurg 75(3):402-407, 1991.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kay AD, McIntyre MD, Macrae WA, Varma TR. Spinal cord stimulation--a long-term evaluation in patients with chronic pain. Br J Neurosurg 15(4):335-341, 2001.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Garcia-March G, Sánchez-Ledesma MJ, Diaz P, Yagüe L, Anaya J, Gonçalves J, Broseta J. Dorsal root entry zone lesion versus spinal cord stimulation in the management of pain from brachial plexus avulsion. Acta Neurochir Suppl (Wien) 39:155-158, 1987.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Fenollosa P, Pallares J, Cervera J, Pelegrin F, Inigo V, Giner M, Forner V. Chronic pain in the spinal cord injured: statistical approach and pharmacological treatment. Paraplegia 31(11):722-729, 1993.
Abstract

Devulder J, De Colvenaer L, Rolly G, Caemaert J, Calliauw L, Martens F. Spinal cord stimulation in chronic pain therapy. Clin J Pain 6:51-56, 1990.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Postherpetic neuralgia

Simpson BA. Spinal cord stimulation in 60 cases of intractable pain. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 54(3):196-199, 1991.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Meglio M, Cioni B, Prezioso A, Talamonti G. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the treatment of postherpetic pain. Acta Neurochir Suppl (Wien) 46:65-66, 1989.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kumar K, Nath R, Wyant GM. Treatment of chronic pain by epidural spinal cord stimulation: a 10-year experience. J Neurosurg 75(3):402-407, 1991.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Harke H, Gretenkort P, Ladleif HU, Koester P, Rahman S. Spinal cord stimulation in postherpetic neuralgia and in acute herpes zoster pain. Anesth Analg 94(3):694-700, 2002.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Postherpetic neuralgia in studies with mixed indications

Van de Kelft E, De La Porte C. Long-term pain relief during spinal cord stimulation. The effect of patient selection. Qual Life Res 3(1):21-27, 1994.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Tseng SH. Treatment of chronic pain by spinal cord stimulation. J Formos Med Assoc 99(3):267-271, 2000.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Spiegelmann R, Friedman WA. Spinal cord stimulation: a contemporary series. Neurosurgery 28(1):65-70, 1991.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Shimoji K, Hokari T, Kano T, Tomita M, Kimura R, Watanabe S, Endoh H, Fukuda S, Fujiwara N, Aida S. Management of intractable pain with percutaneous epidural spinal cord stimulation: differences in pain-relieving effects among diseases and sites of pain. Anesth Analog 77:110–116, 1993.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Meglio M, Cioni B, Rossi GF. Spinal cord stimulation in management of chronic pain. A 9-year experience. J Neurosurg 70(4):519-524, 1989.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kumar K, Toth C, Nath RK. Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain in peripheral neuropathy. Surg Neurol 46(4):363-369, 1996.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Root injury pain (in studies with mixed indications)

Tsuda T, Tasker RR. Percutaneous epidural electrical stimulation of the spinal cord for intractable pain--with special reference to deafferentation pain [Japanese]. No Shinkei Geka 13(4):409-415, 1985.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Meglio M, Cioni B, Rossi GF. Spinal cord stimulation in management of chronic pain. A 9-year experience. J Neurosurg 70(4):519-524, 1989.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kim SH, Tasker RR, Oh MY. Spinal cord stimulation for nonspecific limb pain versus neuropathic pain and spontaneous versus evoked pain. Neurosurgery 48(5):1056-1064, 2001.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Spinal cord injury/lesion

Rogano L, Teixeira MJ, Lepski G. Chronic pain after spinal cord injury: clinical characteristics. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 52:53–62, 1989.
Abstract

Ohta Y, Akino M, Iwasaki Y, Abe H. Spinal epidural stimulation for central pain caused by spinal cord lesion [Japanese]. No Shinkei Geka 20(2):147-152, 1992.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Nomura Y, Fukuuchi A, Iwade M, Mukuboh Y, Kawamata M, Suzuki H, Katoh Y, Itoh T. A case of spasticity following spinal cord injury improved by epidural spinal cord stimulation [Japanese]. Masui 44(5):732-734, 1995.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Loubser PG. Adverse effects of epidural spinal cord stimulation on bladder function in a patient with chronic spinal cord injury pain. J Pain Symptom Manage 13(5):251-252, 1997.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Laffey JG, Murphy D, Regan J, O'Keeffe D. Efficacy of spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain following idiopathic acute transverse myelitis: a case report.. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 101(2):125-127, 1999.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Cioni B, Meglio M, Pentimalli L, Visocchi M. Spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of paraplegic pain. J Neurosurg 82(1):35-39, 1995.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Buchhaas U, Koulousakis A, Nittner K. Experience with spinal cord stimulation in the management of chronic pain in a traumatic transverse lesion syndrome. Neurosurg Rev 12 Suppl 1:582-587, 1989.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Spinal cord injury/lesion in studies with mixed indications

Waltz JM Spinal cord stimulation: a quarter century of development and investigation. A review of its development and effectiveness in 1,336 cases. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 69(1-4 Pt 2):288-299, 1997.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Tseng SH. Treatment of chronic pain by spinal cord stimulation. J Formos Med Assoc 99(3):267-271, 2000.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

North RB, Kidd DH, Zahurak M, James CS, Long DM. Spinal cord stimulation for chronic, intractable pain: experience over two decades. Neurosurgery 32(3):384-394, 1993.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Meglio M, Cioni B, Rossi GF. Spinal cord stimulation in management of chronic pain. A 9-year experience. J Neurosurg 70(4):519-524, 1989.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Miscellaneous indications

Whiteside JL, Walters MD, Mekhail N. Spinal cord stimulation for intractable vulvar pain. A case report. J Reprod Med 48(10):821-823, 2003.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Villavicencio AT, Leveque JC, Rubin L, Bulsara K, Gorecki JP. Laminectomy versus percutaneous electrode placement for spinal cord stimulation. Neurosurgery 46(2):399-405, 2000.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Vallejo R, Kramer J, Benyamin R. Neuromodulation of the cervical spinal cord in the treatment of chronic intractable neck and upper extremity pain: a case series and review of the literature. Pain Physician 10(2):305-311, 2007.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Simpson BA, Bassett G, Davies K, Herbert C, Pierri M. Cervical spinal cord stimulation for pain: A report on 41 patients. Neuromodulation 6(1):20-26, 2003.
Abstract

Quigley DG, Arnold J, Eldridge PR, Cameron H, McIvor K, Miles JB, Varma TR. Long-term outcome of spinal cord stimulation and hardware complications. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 81(1-4):50-56, 2003.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kirvelä OA, Kotilainen E. Successful treatment of whiplash-type injury induced severe pain syndrome with epidural stimulation: a case report. Pain 80(1-2):441-443, 1999.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Devulder J, De Colvenaer L, Rolly G, Caemaert J, Calliauw L, Martens F. Spinal cord stimulation in chronic pain therapy. Clin J Pain 6:51-56, 1990.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Butler JD, Miles J. Dysaesthetic neck pain with syncope. Pain 75(2-3):395-397, 1998.
Abstract

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