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How to Test a Nerve Stimulator

The nerve stimulator is a spinal cord device that has been used for over 30 years to treat chronic neuropathic pain. The process begins with a test stimulator, which is external. This process is less invasive than a permanent system and can give proper readings in terms of pain relief. The amount of pain relief in the testing of the stimulator can dictate if an implantable system is appropriate. The test of the nerve stimulator consists of two parts: the procedure and the programmer orientation.

Things You'll Need

  • External trial stimulator
  • Physician
  • Representative from stimulator company
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Instructions

  1. Implantation of Test Stimulator

    • 1

      Lay the patient face down, securing the patient carefully to the procedure table.

    • 2

      Clean the area on the back where the test stimulator wire, or leads, will be placed through the skin onto the spinal cord. The wire is inserted to test the stimulation for a possible reduction in pain symptoms.

    • 3

      Thread the wire through the back and into the spinal cavity while the company representative uses the external stimulator to ensure proper placement of the wire. Correct placement is found when the patient begins to feel the stimulation and expresses this to the physician and representative. The patient will be able to explain if she is receiving relief from symptoms while the wire is carefully moved along the spinal cord.

    • 4

      Secure the leads to the spinal cord, the spine and the external skin using stitches, or sutures. The external wire should be covered to prevent infection.

    • 5

      Connect the wire to the external stimulator by the cable.

    External Nerve Stimulator Programmer Orientation

    • 6

      Program the external programmer with the representative for individual settings.

    • 7

      Move through the settings shown on the external programmer to adjust settings such as the strength of stimulation, how quickly the stimulation occurs and how often the stimulation occurs within a minute's time.

    • 8

      Discuss the best settings with the representative during the orientation as well as questions regarding the programmer.

    • 9

      Take notes during the test period, which may last from a few days to a week, so all information can be gathered and discussed with your physician and the company representative.

    • 10

      Talk with the physician about the degree of pain relief to properly gauge if a permanent implanted stimulator is appropriate.

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