Spinal Chord Stimulators (SCS) or Neurostimulators

Friday, 15 May 2009 22:34 Jen'a Fotheringham

Also called DORSAL COLUMN STIMULATORS, or DCS, these devices are implanted under the skin and send out electrical signals to "block" the signals the RSD-affected nerves are sending to the brain. While some patients report good pain reduction from these units, they do have some problems, such as, they seem to be more effective early on than later, the leads can move off of the sweet spots they are placed on fairly frequently requiring further surgeries, and removal of the units can lead to further problems such as STAPH infections. A National Survey done in 1998 showed that of the patients who had the SCS Unit implanted, 47% reported pain relief during the first year but only 20% reported pain relief after the first year. (Results of the survey are on the American RSDHope website). Since then advances have been made and success rates are higher but more research needs to be done, especially involving RSD patients. Like any procedure a lot of the determination of success depends on the Doctor and how many times he has performed the procedure. An alarming trend seems to be younger and younger patients being fitted with these units. This is an invasive procedure and RSD patients need to be aware that such procedures can lead to possible complications. It seems more money needs to be spent on research into less invasive treatment options.

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