Long Island Neurosurgical & Spinal Associates (LINSA)

Pain Alleviation

Drug Pump

NeuroStimulation

The Neurostimulation System incorporates devices for the relief of chronic, intractable pain in the trunk and/or limbs. It applies precisely controlled low-voltage electrical stimulation to the spinal cord through carefully placed, insulated "leads." The system has programmable stimulation modes to provide therapeutic flexibility for the treatment of patients with difficult bilateral or multifocal pain patterns.

How does it work?

Electrical signals sent by spinal cord stimulation are believed to trigger the closing of a "gate" in the spinal cord, preventing messages of pain from reaching the thalamus in the brain. Instead of pain, the patient feels a "tingling" sensation. Substitution of one sensation for another is something we do almost instinctively. If we hit our hand on something, we rub it almost immediately, substituting the rubbing sensation for the pain. The system includes an implanted generator and an external control device. The The leads are implanted in the spinal column near the spinal cord section that correspond to the patient's areas of pain. Variables such as the amplitude, pulse width, and rate of the electric pulse can be altered non-invasively using the external controller. The clinician can make significant adjustments in the electric pulse and can establish limits within which the patient can adjust the stimulation. The system is powered with a 9-volt alkaline battery in the transmitter. The generator is rechargeable.

Components (Medtronic®):