Please be aware that other medical devices such as MRIs, defibrillators, ultrasounds and cardiac pacemakers can have adverse effects on your spinal cord stimulator.St.Watches, clocks, credit cards or computer discs can all be impaired, so don’t store the controller near items like this. Your spinal cord stimulator’s controller has a magnet that can damage or impact certain items that have magnetic strips.We recommend turning it off before walking through any of these areas. If you are in a store with an anti-theft device, please note that this can temporarily increase stimulation from your device if it is activated as you pass through.Don’t drive or operate any heavy equipment when your device is activated.Just make sure you keep this on your person at all times in order to avoid any potential security complications. Fortunately, your doctor can provide you with a special ID certifying your device. Be aware that your spinal cord stimulator may set off metal detectors.Here are some recommendations we have in order to minimize the risks any patient may face following this procedure: Many don’t experience any issues after the device has been implanted. Minimal side effects – This procedure and device fortunately cause very little side effects.The stimulator can be removed – If a patient isn’t seeing positive results from spinal cord stimulation, the stimulator can be removed without complication.For patients with chronic pain, spinal cord stimulation surgery offers a new method of pain relief that is much better for their long term health. Patients with a stimulator are less dependent on painkillers – Many over-the-counter pain medications can be highly addictive and are only meant as a short term solution.On good days when your pain is low, you can easily turn things down, or the opposite if it’s been particularly rough day. The spinal cord stimulator is adjustable – Patients are given a handheld controller that they can use to adjust the level of electrical impulses being delivered.If you have been living with long-term chronic pain, then you may want to consider this procedure for several reasons. Step 9) Lastly, the surgeon closes up any incisions and the patient officially begins their recovery.Step 8) The surgeon then runs wires from the leads to the generator.Comfort plays a large role in where this generator will be placed, so normally surgeons will ask patients about their preferences beforehand. Optimal placements include the upper chest, upper buttocks or in the abdomen. Step 7) Once the incision has been made, they are able to implant the generator under the patient’s skin.Step 6) The surgeon makes a small incision in order to place the generator.Step 5) If the electrodes have been placed to account for all painful areas, then the leads will be fixed in place and the patient is sedated once again.This step can’t be completed unless the patient is conscious. Step 4) The patient is then woken up in order to ensure that the electrical contacts have been placed properly.If the patient underwent a trial period with the spinal cord stimulator, then this step will not be necessary. Step 3) The neurosurgeon implants the leads.Also, surgeons may need to remove a small section of bone (part of the lamina) that covers the spinal cord in order to properly place the leads.Please note the surgeon may need to make a small incision in order to insert the needle properly.Each lead has small electrical contacts attached to it. Thin, insulated wires known as leads are fed through the needle. A fluoroscopy (form of X-ray) must be taken beforehand in order to guide the insertion of the needle. Step 2) The neurosurgeon then inserts a hollow needle into the epidural space (this is the area surrounding the spinal canal.The next step of the procedure does not begin until after the patient has been sedated. Step 1) The injection site is identified and local anesthesia is applied to the area.While the technology fueling this incredible form of pain-relief is always evolving, this procedure is quite straightforward. Why Choose Florida Surgery Consultants?ĭuring this interventional procedure, a neurosurgeon will be implanting the spinal cord stimulator in the patient’s back.What to Expect at Your Spinal Surgery Consultation?.Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD).
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