#Living with a spinal cord stimulator generator#
#Living with a spinal cord stimulator skin#
#Living with a spinal cord stimulator Patch#

In addition to damaging the spinal cord this can also result in widespread infection known as sepsis, which can be life threatening. It is possible for an infection to develop in the spine. It can result from bleeding in the epidural space. This can result form direct trauma from the epidural needles or the leads. In very circumstances damage to the spinal cord and nerves can occur.

Damage to the spinal cord and spinal nerves.

In rare situations allergic reaction can take place to the implanted leads.

In our clinic we have not seen a dural puncture headache associated with spinal cord stimulator lead insertion. Dural puncture is said to occur in roughly 1 in 200 epidural needle insertions.

#Living with a spinal cord stimulator Patch#

This procedure is known as an epidural blood patch and it is generally effective in reducing the headache symptoms associated with dural puncture headache. The headache may need to be treated by injecting blood into the epidural space. A dural puncture refers to the epidural needle unintentionally entering the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and leaking out.

Whenever an epidural lead is placed in the spine, a dural puncture headache can occur.

Infection in this location can be life threatening and potentially damage the spinal cord. In very rare circumstances infection can follow the spinal cord stimulation leads into the spine itself. In our clinic the rate of infection during trial spinal cord stimulation is about 1 in 100.

#Living with a spinal cord stimulator skin#

When infection occurs it is normally confined to the skin and easily treated.

Infection can occur when trial spinal cord stimulation leads are placed.

You should not drive operate machinery or make important decisions for 24 hours after your anaesthesia.

Anaesthesia complications can occur during the procedure.

Occasionally trial needs to be reinserted on another occasion, as a result of lead shift but this is uncommon. Normally this problem can be adjusted for by changing the programming of the trial system.

During the trial the epidural leads can migrate.

Itching and skin reactions from the antiseptic and the adhesive dressing can occur.

Pain occurs where the needle has been inserted through the skin and into the epidural space.

Local pain is normal for 24-48 hours after the procedure.

Whilst complications are unlikely the following problems can occur. Placement of the trial spinal cord stimulation leads is a day surgery procedure, which takes about 30 minutes.

#Living with a spinal cord stimulator generator#

The pulse generator is carried by the patient during the trial. The pulse generator sends electric currents through the leads, which we hope will result in useful improvements in pain. The leads are attached to a small device known as a pulse generator for the duration of the trial. Improvements in pain are measured over the following 7-14 days. The leads are secured to the skin where they exit with some adhesive dressings and a suture. The procedure involves inserting flexible electrodes through a needle into the epidural space of the spine. Spinal cord stimulation is a procedural treatment that can help with various pain conditions.

- Protein Rich Plasma/ Autologous Blood injections.

- Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Facet Joint Pain.

- Spinal Cord and Subcutaneous Stimulation Implantation.