Say Goodbye to Chronic Pain with Spinal Cord Stimulation Surgery

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a treatment used to manage chronic pain by implanting a system connected to a battery that delivers electrical impulses through special electrodes called a spinal cord stimulator. These electrodes are placed near the spinal cord to block pain signals from reaching the brain, providing relief without the need for major surgery. It is an effective solution for those suffering from conditions that cause long-term pain, particularly after unsuccessful surgeries.

Treatment Program

• *Your personal treatment plan will be determined after consulting with your doctor. The general program is as follows.

STEP 1

• Welcoming at the airport and VIP transfer to the hospital or hotel based on your personal treatment plan
• You will have a dedicated personal assistant 24/7 to assist you on each step of your journey

STEP 2

• Hospital admission or hotel check-in
• Consultation with your pain management specialist or neurosurgeon
• Get the medical tests recommended by your doctor

STEP 3

• Pre-operative preparations, including fasting and medication adjustments
• Receive the results of your medical tests
• Pre-operative care in the hospital
• Spinal cord stimulation surgery is performed based on the medical test results
• The surgery typically lasts 1-2 hours

STEP 4

• Post-operative care continues in the hospital under medical supervision

STEP 5

• Discharge from the hospital on the day your doctor recommends, after necessary check-ups and approvals
• VIP transfer to the hotel

STEP 6

• Continue the recovery process at the hotel
• VIP transfers from hotel to hospital and from hospital to hotel for follow-up visits on the days determined by your doctor
• The spinal cord stimulator is programmed and adjusted according to the patient’s pain levels during these visits
• VIP transfer from hotel to airport when your treatment program is completed

Who Would Be an Ideal Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is suitable for individuals who suffer from chronic pain that has not been effectively managed by other treatments. Candidates include those who experience:

• Persistent pain after unsuccessful neck or back surgery
• Neuropathic pain (pain of unknown cause)
• Vascular diseases (e.g., Burger’s disease)
• Diabetic neuropathy (pain related to diabetes)
• Phantom limb pain
• Cancer-related pain
• Pain due to spinal cord paralysis

Before proceeding, a multidisciplinary team, including specialists in neurology, psychiatry, and pain management, will assess your condition to ensure spinal cord stimulation is the right choice.

What Are the Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation?

• Pain relief: Spinal cord stimulation helps block pain signals, providing significant relief for those with chronic pain conditions.
• Improved quality of life: Many patients experience a reduction in pain, allowing them to regain mobility and participate in daily activities.
• Non-invasive treatment: Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive procedure, avoiding the need for major surgeries and reducing recovery time.
• Customizable settings: The device can be adjusted to meet the patient’s specific needs, offering personalized pain management.
• Alternative to medications: This treatment can help reduce reliance on pain medications, including opioids, and their associated side effects.

How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?

Spinal Cord Stimulation helps block pain by sending electrical signals to the spinal cord through a small device. During surgery, the patient stays awake while the doctor places tiny wires (electrodes) near the spinal cord. The doctor asks the patient if they feel the electrical impulses in the areas where they feel pain. This ensures the device is set up to target the right spots for pain relief.

Once the electrodes are in place and the settings are adjusted based on the patient's feedback, the system is tested. If it’s working well, the device is secured, and the surgery is completed. The patient’s pain is then managed by the electrical impulses, helping them feel better without the pain signals reaching the brain.

What is the Success Rate of Spinal Cord Stimulation?

The success rate for spinal cord stimulation varies depending on the patient’s condition. However, studies show that over 50% of patients experience at least a 50% reduction in pain after the procedure. Most patients report significant improvement in their quality of life, with long-term relief from chronic pain.

Risks and Side Effects of Spinal Cord Stimulation Surgery

Like any surgery, spinal cord stimulation carries risks, but these are generally low when performed by an experienced surgical team.

Surgery Risks:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Spinal cord injury
• Pain or discomfort at the implantation site
• Device malfunction or failure
• Leads or wires shifting position

Note: Many risks can be minimized with proper surgical technique and post-operative care.

Side Effects:

• Tingling or electric sensations in the treated area
• Temporary pain or discomfort during the trial phase
• Difficulty adjusting to the device or settings
• Skin irritation at the implantation site
• In some cases, the device may not provide complete pain relief

Note: These side effects are generally temporary and can be managed by adjusting the device settings.

Spinal cord stimulation offers a promising solution for patients suffering from chronic pain, helping them regain their quality of life with fewer side effects than traditional pain management treatments. Your doctor will provide further guidance to determine if this treatment is right for you.