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

Risk Reduction

How can the general risk of the SCS procedure be reduced?

The risk of an adverse event arising from a medical procedure is always reduced when appropriate precautions are taken.  In addition, patientsâ�� discharge instructions must include information about when and how to contact their physicians, the device manufacturer, and emergency care providers.

Should any medical tests be avoided during the screening trial?

Routine medical tests that might interact with, or be influenced by, the stimulator (e.g., cardiac monitoring) should be avoided, if possible, during the screening trial.

Strength of recommendation Evidence source(s)/rationale
N/A -- information only N/A -- see Bibliography for relevant literature

Levy R, Henderson J, Slavin K, Simpson BA, Barolat G, Shipley J, North R Incidence and avoidance of neurologic complications with paddle type spinal cord stimulation leads. Neuromodulation 14:412-422, 2011.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kumar K, Wilson JR, Taylor RS, Gupta S. Complications of spinal cord stimulation, suggestions to improve outcome, and financial impact. J Neurosurg Spine 5(3):191-203, 2006.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Holsheimer J, den Boer JA, Struijk JJ, Rozeboom AR. MR assessment of the normal position of the spinal cord in the spinal canal. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 15(5):951-959, 1994.
Abstract