Details.
A two-stage treatment for chronic pain using small electrodes to deliver electric currents to the spinal cord. Stage one involves temporary electrodes connected to a portable stimulation device for 7 to 10 days to assess effectiveness. If pain is markedly reduced, stage two involves permanent insertion of an implantable pulse generator under the skin. May be recommended when other treatments have not helped and may help pain associated with angina, complex regional pain syndrome, neuropathic pain, pain from previous spinal surgery and post laminectomy syndrome. Preoperative preparation includes completing a pain chart and 7-day pain diary. Patients should avoid food, drink and smoking for 6 hours before the procedure and should not drive to or from the appointment. Recovery after the final procedure can take up to 6 weeks.