Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
-
This prospective, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study evaluated the use of differential target multiplexed (DTM) spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy for chronic upper limb pain (ULP). ⋯ In this patient population with difficult-to-treat conditions with limited clinical evidence of the effectiveness of SCS, subjects reported significant reduction in chronic ULP in response to treatment with DTM SCS.
-
Chronic pancreatic pain is one of the most severe causes of visceral pain, and treatment response is often limited. Neurostimulation techniques have been investigated for chronic pain syndromes once there are pathophysiological reasons to believe that these methods activate descending pain inhibitory systems. Considering this, we designed this systematic literature review to investigate the evidence on neuromodulation techniques as a treatment for chronic pancreatic pain. ⋯ The neuromodulation techniques of rTMS and SCS showed the most consistent potential as a treatment method for chronic pancreatic pain. However, the studies have notable limitations, and SCS has had no clinical trials. For VNS, we have two RCTs that showed a non-statistically significant improvement; we believe that both studies had a lack of power issue and suggest a gap in the literature for new RCTs exploring this modality. Additionally, tDCS and TENS showed mixed results. Another important insight was that opioid intake decrease is a common trend among most studies included and that adverse effects were rarely reported. To further elucidate the potential of these neurostimulation techniques, we suggest the development of new clinical trials with larger samples and adequate sham controls.
-
Comparative Study
Ten-kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation vs Radiofrequency Ablation of Splanchnic Nerves: A Single-Site Retrospective Comparison of 12-Month Outcomes.
A prospective study on 10-kHz spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for various causes of chronic abdominal pain (CAP) showed robust improvements in subjects' pain and function. Radiofrequency ablation of splanchnic nerves (snRFA) has been used in advanced pain management treatment algorithms for CAP. This analysis was designed to provide what we believe is the first comparison of the efficacy of these two therapies. Propensity-score matched analysis (PMA) was performed to compare pain relief and decrease in medication usage in snRFA and SCS for treating refractory CAP. ⋯ SCS provided longer pain relief than did snRFA in this propensity-matched study. Pain scores and opioid usage were significantly less at 12-month follow-up when SCS was used for control of CAP.
-
Observational Study
A Prospective Single-center Pilot Study on the Use of Closed-loop Spinal Cord Stimulation to Treat Chronic Pain Associated With Raynaud's Phenomenon.
Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a vascular disorder characterized by episodic peripheral artery vasospasms, resulting in paleness, cyanosis, and/or erythema. There are few reports, mostly case reports, on the benefits of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for the treatment of RP. However, there is a lack of objective evidence on SCS-induced modulation of the sympathetic system (eg, vasodilation) in this condition. We hypothesize that evoked compound action potential-controlled closed-loop SCS may relieve pain, reduce the severity and frequency of Raynaud attacks, and improve peripheral blood flow. ⋯ This pilot study offers evidence linking SCS with the activation of large, myelinated fibers within the dorsal column in patients with RP. This activation is associated with improvement in the number of patient-related outcomes and enhanced peripheral circulation.
-
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well-established treatment for chronic pain and is supported by numerous studies. However, some recent articles have questioned its efficacy. This article examines a cohort of >1800 patients with SCS from the UK and Ireland National Neuromodulation Registry. It is intended to provide a "real-world" assessment of efficacy and compare its effects with other procedures performed for painful indications. ⋯ SCS increases the QoL in patients requiring surgery for pain. Similar results were seen regardless of SCS indication. When comparing analogous data bases, SCS produces a greater percentage improvement in EQ5D utility than do many other elective surgical procedures for painful conditions, including spinal surgery and some joint replacements.