The Description of a Spinal Cord Stimulator

A spinal cord stimulator is an electrical lead, coupled with a power source, that is inserted into the body in an effort to treat back pain or nerve problems caused by the degeneration of the spinal cord or vertebrae, sciatic or other cervical, lumbar and thoracic nerve pain. Typically, a spinal cord simulator is used as a last resort, after other treatment measures for back pain have failed.

What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator

• A spinal cord stimulator is a machine that is inserted inside the spine. The machines function is to administer electric signals or pulses to the spinal cord. The electrical impulses interrupt the pain neurons when pain occurs as a result of nerve damage. When the pain causing signals are interrupted, the painful sensation is replaced by a gentle tingling feeling in the legs.

Parts

• A spinal cord stimulator is comprised of three parts. The first is the power source, the second is the extension and the third is the lead. The power source is a battery-powered generator that is inserted in the fatty skin below the ribs. The battery life generally lasts between three and five years, and then an additional surgery is required to replace it. The extension connects the power source to the leads in the spine. The leads, which are placed in the epidural space adjacent to the spine, are the part that actually stimulates the spine. The patient can control the stimulation using a hand-held magnet.

Testing the Stimulator

• Before a final implantation is made in the body, a test is done to ensure that the stimulator is effective. This involves the insertion of a lead that is powered by an external pulse generator. The lead administers the electrical impulse to the spine to ensure that the desired results are achieved. Because the procedure is expensive, it is generally not worthwhile to insert a spinal cord stimulator unless the patient gets an at least 50 percent relief from pain.

Implantation

• If the test demonstrates that the appropriate pain relief is achieved, the spinal cord stimulator is inserted. This can be done one of two ways, either the test lead is kept in place and the extension is installed and led through a tunnel in the abdomen to the power source that is installed in the ribs, or the test lead is removed and the procedure is done shortly thereafter involving the insertion of a new lead, extension and power source.

Lead Selection

• There are three types of leads that can be used in a spinal cord stimulator. The first is an octrode, which has eight areas of stimulation and stimulates two sections of the spinal cord. This is the longest lead. The second is a quadripolar lead. This is a shorter lead, which has four parts that stimulate one section of the spinal cord. Multiple leads may also be used, to stimulate both sides of the spinal cord.