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

Contraindicated Procedures

What medical procedures are contraindicated after implantation of an SCS system?

  • MRI: (with some exceptions) the manufacturers of SCS devices warn that MRI can cause serious patient injury or death
  • Ultrasound over the device
  • Diathermy in all body locations
Strength of recommendation Evidence source(s)/rationale
A = Recommended or required
Valid, useful, or non-negotiable
  • Weighing risk versus potential benefit and expert consensus reveals a high likelihood of a favorable outcome

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Abstract | Wikistim Entry

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Abstract

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Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kiriakopoulos ET, Tasker RR, Nicosia S, Wood ML, Mikulis DJ. Functional magnetic resonance imaging: a potential tool for the evaluation of spinal cord stimulation: Technical case report. Neurosurgery 41(2):501-504, 1997.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

De Andrés J, Valia JC, Cerda-Olmedo G, Quiroz C, Villanueva V, Martinez-SanjuanV, de Leon-Casasola O. Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with spinal neurostimulation systems. Anesthesiology 106(4):779-786, 2007.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry